ANVAM, the Australian National Veterans Art Museum, was founded in 2013 by Tanja Johnston to support the mental, physical and social wellbeing of the veteran community through facilitated arts engagement. As a veteran-led organisation, it provides an innovative model of care to support veterans’ wellbeing and has been incorporated into the V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program.

A former V Centre participant explores painting on bark, an important aspect of his cultural heritage.

ANVAM received funding from the ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund, provided by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Office of Veterans to run an arts program at the V Centre in Ivanhoe.

The open studio facilitated art engagement program has been taking place weekly, offering V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program participants a chance to develop their individual creativity.

For some, this is the first time since primary school that they have thought about art: program facilitators encourage each person to find a medium that they feel comfortable with and support their creative journey.

There is plenty of research showing the benefits of art to our mental wellbeing: art can help us relax, reduce anxiety and assist with processing emotions. It can improve self-confidence, and can help us develop problem-solving and visual-spatial skills. It brings people together and encourages social connection.

According to ANVAM, art has been part of the support for veterans for more than 100 years and its role has been especially important for convalescing veterans.

V Centre participants are currently working on art for the forthcoming FOVA event.

Support ANVAM

ANVAM’s home at the former Repatriation Clinic, 310 St Kilda Road, is now at a critical stage following the Federal Government’s announcement on 4 February 2026 that they plan to dispose of this property.

If you would like to support ANVAM to retain their premises, please follow this link.

Festival of Veterans Arts 21 to 29 March

The annual Festival of Veterans Arts (FOVA) is taking place from Saturday 21 March until Sunday 29 March.

This event showcases and celebrates the creativity ad artistic achievements of the veteran community and includes exhibitions, workshops, performances, talks, an open mic night, a family-friendly Colour Parade, a Last Post Ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance and a host of community events. There’s lots happening and something for everyone.

Visit the FOVA website for more information, full program details or to make a booking (some events require a booking while others do not): https://www.fova.org.au/