A celebration of veterans' arts
A message from the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum
The Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM), a veteran-led charity and cultural institution, is proud to announce the Festival Of Veteran Arts (FOVA24), a first of its kind initiative designed to celebrate, engage and support veteran artists and their contributions, as well as the value of creativity in the workplace. FOVA24 will take place across various iconic Melbourne Arts Precinct locations from 15 to 24 March 2024.
FOVA24 marks the next step in ANVAM's mission as it seeks to expand perceptions of why and how veterans engage in the arts. It includes projects such as From War 2018, the first exhibition of veteran arts at the Australian Parliament House, the annual March To Art exhibition series, and the currently touring photographic exhibition Persona, which offers a glimpse into the lives and stories of contemporary veteran artists. Beyond the traditional focus on recovery or rehabilitation, FOVA24 aims to delve into the professional and leisurely realms of artistic expression.
FOVA24 aims to celebrate the lives of veterans who are now engaged in artistic practices, through public events and veteran community-focused gatherings. From 15 March, with a welcoming and networking event for the veteran community, to 24 March, with a live music performance at the Shrine of Remembrance for an open audience, FOVA24 will host an array of artistic engagements and a one-day summit on 23 March focused on discussing the importance of creativity to the veteran community.
‘Creativity is a currency,’ said Tanja Johnston, Head of Arts Programs at ANVAM. ‘It can be utilised for mental health and wellbeing, as a pathway to employment post-service, and as a means of connecting with a community of fellow creative veterans.’
‘There is a growing focus on creativity in the workplace,’ says Mark Johnston, Chairman and Director of ANVAM. ‘As workplaces, including Defence, increasingly value and nurture creativity and culture, we are committed to nurturing the creatives themselves, particularly veteran artists.’
FOVA24 will offer a program open to the veteran community and the public, including the world's only Veterans Public Arts Trail, the new iteration of the annual exhibition March To Art: Form, a pop-up exhibition with ADFCAA, open days at the RUSI Library, and two live performances during the festival.
An exclusive program for the veteran community will feature engaging workshops in creative disciplines and the FOVA24 Creative Agency Summit. While workshops will provide opportunities in artistic mediums such as stand-up comedy, life sculpting, collage, writing, and dance, the Summit will offer a day of talks, discussions, panels, and performances exploring the relevance of creativity to veterans, ultimately focusing on the importance of creative agency to foster a sense of culture, legacy, and resilience. Additionally, the Summit will host a Makers Showcase featuring veteran entrepreneurs in creative industries.
The veteran community is encouraged to attend all public events and are especially invited to participate in the workshops and Summit. Booking is essential.
For more information and to register, please visit the FOVA24 website.
