Program background

In 1934, the Memorial building was erected for the use, benefit, rest or recreation of sailors, soldiers and nurses returned from the Great War. Keeping with this spirit, the Memorial today runs several programs for the benefit of current veterans while connecting them to the history of Australia’s servicemen and servicewomen.

Launched in 2019, the Veteran Artist in Residence Program is one such program for the benefit of current veterans while also recognising the strong historic connection between art and military experience.

The use of art to depict and record Australia’s involvement in war and its impact has resulted in a vast collection of trench art, paintings, music and poetry. Art has also been an important tool in the rehabilitation and recovery of veterans that have been affected through their military career, particularly during active service.

The guest veteran artist (or group) will have a unique chance to  explore the Memorial's architecture, history and artefacts as part of a creative project that reflects on and interprets Australian military experience, the Anzac Memorial and/or memorialisation.

There is a small grant of $10,000 attached to the Residency to assist a guest veteran artist (or group) to develop their work.

In 2022, the program was awarded the Museums and Galleries NSW IMAGinE Award for Innovation and Resilience with a budget between $10,001 and $100,000.

Who is eligible?

The program is open to creative practitioners who have served in the Australian Defence Force and preference will be given to applicants from New South Wales. Applicants must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia. 

There are no educational pre-requisites. However, applicants should have experience as a maker/creator and be able to demonstrate a capacity to communicate their artwork to a general audience, including children, if there is an exhibition element. 

The applicant must be able to spend at least a portion of the program in residence on-site at the Anzac Memorial, located in Sydney prior to 30 June

How to apply

Submit your expression of interest to the program through the online application form. The online application will require you to submit:

• A summary of your interest in the residency, as well as expected outcomes
• A project proposal that sets out what project/s you would undertake during the residency
• A brief budget outline setting out any material and other costs
• A proposal for how the project would engage with the veteran community and broader public
• Samples of your previous work, referees and a CV

Before starting your application, we recommend you read the frequently asked questions, which provide details on eligibility, residency requirements and project scope.

Applications close on Monday 24 March at 5pm.

APPLY NOW >

Frequently asked questions

All applicants should consult our frequently asked questions page for information on the residency terms, eligibility and application process.