The Arts are a way of sharing the individual stories of our serving members, veterans and their families and of validating service and sacrifice while providing a sense of dignity and purpose. ANVAM provides a spectrum of facilitated Arts engagement to support wellbeing while relieving suffering caused by mental ill-health. We need your help to continue delivering this critical support to the veteran community: click here to find out more about helping our veterans.
Arts and the Dimensions of the Veteran Community
ANVAM is a unique cultural institution that provides arts-based engagement and experiences for current and former members of Australia’s military services and families. We invite participants to choose from a range of expressive possibilities that can enhance mental, physical and social wellbeing, and provide relief from the impact of service.
Through the arts, ANVAM aims to showcase the stories of unique, lived experiences during and post-service. Presenting these stories through thoughtfully constructed exhibitions opens up a pathway for new participants to become aware of and involved in ANVAM’s programs, while educating the broader community about the highs and lows of military life.
In partnership with the broader veteran community, ANVAM is working to enhance the post-service support available to the veteran and their family through greater recognition of the role the arts plays in strong communities and fulfilling lives.
Dimensions
History and Heritage
Veteran artists have contributed significantly to the history and heritage of the Australian veteran story. As writers, visual artists, performers or musicians, veterans have created poignant firsthand accounts of war, service, the home front and rehabilitation. These important individual stories and collective responses are permanent records that enrich the history and heritage for the veteran community and for all Australians.
“I thank you for the work you’re doing at ANVAM. I think it’s important work and I think it’s something we should do more of around the nation.”
the Hon Darren Chester MP, Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel
Culture and Identity
The culture and identity of the veteran community is unique within Australia; the arts offer this community a universal medium to express their sense of identity and to shape veteran culture and public perception.
‘War is one of humanity’s defining experiences… And the quiet things are just as important as combat.’
S. Rohde
Health and Wellbeing
The curative uses of art making first emerged during WWI, when convalescing soldiers were encouraged to paint to in order to nourish a sense of wellbeing and agency. One hundred years on, this tradition is maintained through a range of creative forms and arts therapies, now including visual art, music, creative writing, movement and drama.
‘Art has been shown to play a critical role in the healing and recovery of returning service personnel.’
the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson AO
Community and Social Connection
The Australian veteran community is diverse in age, service experience and vigor. The arts offer a vibrant channel of communication, bridging diversity through the shared experience of military service.
‘Inspiring to see how art has helped many to express their feelings, fears and dreams for the future’.
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC
Creativity and Innovation
Creativity and innovation are fundamental to the arts. Individual arts practice, nurtured and shared, can bring this dynamism into other areas of veterans’ lives, and thereby into their broader community.
‘Creativity is a skill that can be developed and a process that can be managed.’
T. M. Amabile
