Veteran artists’ exhibition tours Queensland
A message from the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM)
Persona is a commemorative photographic portrait project raising awareness of the cultural and creative engagements of Australian contemporary veteran artists.
The project took shape in 2017 following a chance meeting between ANVAM founder, Tanja Johnston, and professional photographer, Michael Christofas. Tanja and Michael’s conversation sparked the project, which showcases portraits of veteran artists within their creative spaces. Michael’s striking photographs of veteran creatives are enriched by individual artist narratives, written by Gabriel Holmes. These photographs and stories challenge veteran stereotypes and advocate for the important role of arts within the veteran community.
In 2020, ANVAM was awarded a DVA Saluting Their Service Grant, enabling the project to be presented across three complementary formats: a touring exhibition, online showcase and hardcover publication. Together, these components represent a cultural record and legacy document showcasing the diversity and richness of Australia’s contemporary veteran arts community.
The exhibition has been displayed in many locations, including the Queens Hall of the Victorian Parliament House, Bright Regional Art Gallery and Cultural Centre, the ANZAC Square Memorial Galleries in Brisbane and Parliament House, Canberra.
A particular highlight was the launch of the hardcover publication Persona: Contemporary Veteran Artists: Volume 1, by ANVAM’s patrons, Their Excellencies, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Mrs Linda Hurley, at Admiralty House in February 2023.
Persona’s Queensland Tour, proudly supported by the Queensland Government, began at The Oasis Townsville from 10 to 27 October and was well received.
Upcoming tour dates include:
- Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns, 10 November – 10 December 2023 (launch on 10 November, 4pm-6pm)
- Queensland Maritime Museum, Brisbane, 2 February – 3 March 2024 (launch on 3 February, 4pm-10pm)
Find more information on the Persona website.
