Applications are open for the NSW Government's 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program offering up to $10,000 for a contemporary veteran or group of veterans to engage with the Anzac Memorial and the broader community through art.
The program gives veterans an opportunity to share their experience and stories of military service with the wider community through their chosen medium, while furthering their growth as artists.
Open to those who have served in the Australian Defence Force, Veteran Artist in Residence celebrates the Anzac Memorial's intent as an active space for veterans and their families.
It recognises the collaboration, self-discipline, innovation and creativity that goes into being an artist along with the positive impact on health, wellbeing and connectivity. Launched in 2019, the program has produced a vast collection of trench art, paintings, music and poetry.
The inaugural Veteran Artist in Residence, Cory Rinaldi, is an Army veteran of Malaysia, East Timor and Iraq.
During his residency, he painted a series of works exploring the Memorial's architecture as well as his experience of military service.
His residency culminated in an exhibition of 18 paintings and the program was recognised as the winner of the 2022 Innovation & Resilience Award at Museum & Galleries NSW's IMAGinE Awards.
2024 Veteran Artist in Residence, Domenic Bartolo's artwork shares the stories behind local war memorials in Sydney. Visit the Anzac Memorial's Auditorium to view this https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/veteran-artist-residence-exhibition
This is the third time the Residency has been offered. Applications close on 24 March with more information available here: https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/about/veteran-artist-residence
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"The Anzac Memorial is a physical expression of the spirit and legend of the Anzac. A special place for the veteran community to come together and reflect on service and sacrifice and to share their knowledge and experience with us.
"The Veteran Artist in Residence is a wonderful opportunity for veterans to pursue their artistic dreams and tell their story while immersing themselves in the architecture and history of the Anzac Memorial.
Inaugural Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence Cory Rinaldi said:
"The Residency at the Memorial enabled me to heal. It gave me purpose again and once more made me feel part of a team since leaving the military.
"The Residency challenged my artistic parameters and encouraged me to paint outside of my comfort zone. For someone who suffers from PTSD, that's a big deal."
