It is a privilege to work with ANVAM, … among other organisations, who challenge constraining orthodoxies that elevate one way of being above another, or limit participation according to redundant definitions of ability.

- Her Excellency, the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia & ANVAM Patron-in-Chief 2025

I'm a strong supporter of ANVAM and value the work they do to help veterans through art. I've visited their current gallery and was deeply moved by the powerful stories behind the artworks. ANVAM is an important organisation supporting the veteran community and show power of art for healing and connection.

- Natalie Suleyman MP, Victorian Minister for Veterans 2025

A special shout out to the phenomenal display by ANVAM whose art brought the past into the present, and helped further link all of us into the spirit of the day.

- Hawthorn RSL 2025

Absolutely fascinating to see what is hidden around Melbourne and to learn the histories of the artists/sculptors/architects. Even learning the histories of buildings such as VCA, Hamer Hall and Princes Bridge was unexpected and engaging.

- Helen 2025

Thank you guys. It's an honour to share my work and be part of the awesome veteran art's community!

- Phil 2025

I've been privileged to witness just a small part of their work and I'm in awe of the team's commitment and dedication to supporting the veteran artist community.

- Emma 2025

Wonderful to be part of this exhibition, where art speaks, memories live and connections grow.

- Michelle 2025

We are excited to see an event, FOVA, that helps bring these unique voices and community contributions to the forefront.

- Provocatus 2025

Inspired by the creativity on display at FOVA25, Kasey reflected on her time in the Royal Australian Navy: “I recall from my own time at sea, we had people on board who brought sewing machines and instruments. In HMAS NEWCASTLE, we even had a group of aspiring DJ’s who brought records and mixing decks. It’s difficult for people to imagine this happening in a war zone, but it really did happen.” Veterans and their families are more than their service-they are also artists, musicians, storytellers, and creators.

- Kasey 2025

I had the incredible opportunity to team up with @titan.416 and ANVAM to host an astrophotography workshop for fellow veterans and active members of the ADF. We were even fortunate enough to witness the stunning Aurora Australis! 😎 It was a true privilege to connect with such wonderful individuals. A heartfelt thank you to ANVAM for their generous support and commitment to helping the defense community showcase their artistic talents.

- Jason 2025

ANVAM, psyched to a part of it all. Thanks for all you do.

- Ben 2025

Hope you have a great walk on the Veterans Public Art Trail this morning. I still fondly remember our walk last year, it really changed the way I see our city, its history and the creative contributions of veterans.

- Helen 2025

Well done team ANVAM. Can't wait for #FOVA26

- Ashley 2025

It is always great to see the power of creative arts in helping enhance connectedness, creativity, mindfulness and can be done at both the hobbyist-professional level.

- Sam 2025

Congratulations on the exceptional program for the Festival Of Veterans Arts 2025. So many aspects of the arts for all veterans during FOVA.

- Dr B. Hughes OAM 2025

I had the privilege of attending the Festival of Veterans Arts (FOVA) and facilitating a panel on how the arts can bring us together. Thank you ANVAM for bringing together this talented collective of artists from the veteran community.

- Ali 2025

I have been fortunate enough to be involved with ANVAM for many years now and I am really excited to be working with them for the Festival Of Veterans Arts this March.

- Phil 2025

Art saved my life, but ANVAM gave me my life back.

- Veteran M 2025

It's March, and that means FOVA at ANVAM! Last year this debut festival was a major highlight of my year, and I hope that even more veterans and family members of veterans can be a part of this incredible community building arts program. Check it out and get involved :)

- Katheryn 2025

ANVAM, the pioneers in the ongoing support for Veteran Arts

- Kelly 2025

ANVAM have been utterly awesome on my author journey. I would not have kept going without them.

- Roger 2025

Of the whole ESO community, you guys have really worked it out, you've nailed it.

- Abby 2025

The space at ANVAM is nothing short of phenomenal. It’s a haven for creativity and connection, and I feel so lucky to be a part of this vibrant community. The support and enthusiasm I received today were overwhelming, and I can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity to connect with fellow artists.

- Chris 2025

I just love coming to ANVAM. This place is so welcoming and accepting of everyone wherever they are at.

- Kirrily 2025

ANVAM is one of the only veteran support agencies that really brings it when it comes to community building for the veteran community. Not only that, it actively celebrates veterans and veteran families with a focus on their strength and capacity.

- Ruth 2025

Australian institutions & charities such as ANVAM play a critical role in the telling of veterans' stories, supporting veteran mental health and wellbeing and undertaking important research and community education. Thank you for sharing the ANVAM's proposal for a new national veterans arts & cultural institution by re-purposing the former Repatriation Commission Outpatient Clinic. I am always pleased to hear about local examples of innovative thought in place-based partnerships, and I thank you for your ongoing commitment to pursuing projects such as this, despite a long dialogue with the Dept of Defence.

- Prof Glynn Davis AC, Secretary PM&C 2024

I look forward to our continued collaborations with you and ANVAM to provide a platform for our members to express themselves and to highlight the importance of creativity and artistic endeavour within the wider veteran community.

- LTGEN Natasha Fox AO CSC 2024

What is ANVAM? It’s a haven for veterans to explore their creative talents and build a community of shared experiences. Here, you’re encouraged to share your thoughts and feelings, a space where you can be vulnerable and creative among peers. It’s about feeling supported and valued within this community.

- Chris 2024

What you have done here, and what you continue to do with ANVAM, does not receive enough thanks. All your work, all your frustrations and all the energy and passion you give - it's all worth it and means so very much to a growing community of people.

- Anneke 2024

“Love the work of ANVAM and appreciate the support on instagram for my work :).”

— Hilton Mesic, Timber Tamer 2024

“It was such a great experience to participate. It has now opened a whole new field of experiences connections etc. Something that I would not have even considered 2.5yrs ago!.”

— @kangaroojackphoto 2024

“Thank you @anvam310 for all you do for the veteran community. It is a vital part of being to know acceptance and to have others appreciate your work.”

— @dads357 2024

What you have done here, what you continue to do with ANVAM, does not receive enough thanks. It is all worth it and means so very much to a growing community of people. Thank you doesn't seem like enough.

- Anne 2024

You get to meet and talk to other vets and artists. Renew interest in another form of art…

- James F 2024

Q: How did your connection change to the veteran arts community? A: Better understanding of the long history of veteran art.

-Aleisha 2024

Fantastic experience led by Mark. Thank you :)

-Aleisha attending the Arts Trail 2024

Distracts and calms down your mind. Feel good after it, lovely people.

- Rose after attending FOVA24

Favourite part of FOVA was “Learning new skills and being around other creative people”

- Rose 2024

Due to the inclusive environment ANVAM creates when talking about the arts and through the carefully curated guest speakers.

- Sasha on how FOVA24 celebrated the veteran community 2024

The creative side of my brain never turns off :) And FOVA added fuel to this.

- Sacha 2024

I plan to attend FOVA25 for as long as possible and attend as many workshops as possible.

- Sacha 2024

FOVA was such a wonderful event. Thank you Mark, Tanja and every person involved in this venture, for creating such a welcoming space for the whole Veteran Community. Creativity has always provided me with a place to process my own big feelings, and it was clear that this is true for everyone who participated in the summit. Authors, singers, visual artists, dancers and comedians. Veterans, Partners, siblings, children and friends. ANVAM celebrates the whole Veteran Community with their own creative pursuits. I look forward to seeing this event be even bigger next year. Well done, and thank you ANVAM.

- Ashley 2024

I attended the creative summit & variety evening on 23rd March. The arts trail and the concert on 24th March. They were all brilliant.

- Sacha 2024

The need to focus on learning this creative skill, and the sense of peace (mindfulness) I experienced during the creative process/activity stayed with me for many days afterwards. I feel inspired to explore this creative practice further, as a good outlet for grounding myself into a 'flow' state. Great for mental health!

- Michael after attending FOVA24

As an art historian I found the wealth of information and possibilities for further research and writing unlimited.

- Bronwyn after attending FOVA24

Thanks for your support on the occasional tweet I put out there regarding the creative arts. We have am incredibly talented group of people at the Regiment and I am lucky to have just asked the right questions at the right time and our creative young people have stepped forward to contribute to our vision and advance the Regiment through their art.

- Jame 2022

Terrific initiative that will grow as it becomes more widely known and widely promoted.

- Bronwyn after attending FOVA24

I appreciate the work of ANVAM in seeking to improve and maintain the mental health and wellbeing of current and former Australian Defence Force monbers, who can benefit from participation in veterans' arts progftrms.

- Hon Melissa Price MP, Minister for Defence Industry 2019