Welcome to the Australian National Veteran Arts Museum (ANVAM) blog, a place to share our journey and passion of veteran Arts. We will provide regular updates on the progress of our various programs and initiatives.
The Arts experience of the Australian military and veteran community is a fascinating story. Starting as early as 1914 for the troops sailing from Albany to Egypt the journey continues to this day with an extraordinary array of artistic expressions of the lived experiences of our service men, women, veterans and families. Throughout this period the Arts have been a part of the wellbeing of our current & former servicemen & women.
Australia’s art history of the last 100 years is well represented by accomplished artists who have also served in Australia’s military. This year, the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign, we have sadly lost a number who have contributed enormously through the Arts in their own way.
Peter Rushforth served during WWII becoming a prisoner of war in Changi. From his Changi experience Peter went on to be one of Australia’s most respected and inspired ceramic artists.
Gordon Darling served in WWII in the 9th Division. Gordon’s vision and contribution to Australia’s arts identity, as an arts patron and through the establishment of the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Australia in Canberra cannot be overstated.
Alan Moore at 101 passed only months after reaching this milestone. Alan first served in the RAAF before being commissioned in the Army as a WWII war artist. Through the eyes of a serviceman Alan quietly went about his work that has only recently been recognised for its contribution to capturing the stories of his generation.
Finally Robert Dickerson served with the RAAF during WWII. He had an interest in art from a young age drawing throughout his four years with the RAAF. Robert turned professional at 35 after winning a competition prize that allowed him to continue one of his passions, the other being race horses.
ANVAM pays tribute to these veterans, and all veterans who have been prepared to serve for Australia. We also pay tribute to families; parents, partners and children of veterans. We also acknowledge those who have pursued their inbuilt urge to engage in, support and tell their stories, and our stories, through the Arts.
ANVAM’s own journey, while two years young, has been an extraordinary experience. ANVAM was established to promote the Arts as a unique approach for veterans to relieve the impacts of service. Moving ahead we look forward to bringing to our veteran community an awareness of the stories of the past from other veterans who have told their stories through their art. Perhaps more importantly ANVAM is committed to introducing and encouraging veterans and families everywhere to explore their own creativity and passion for the Arts.
