Annual March to Art Program

Aussie Veteran Rockers Kick Off Annual March to Art Program

In an Australian first, the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, will play host to a family-friendly program open to the public filled with veteran-led entertainment and art, showcasing the creative talent in our veteran community, while embracing the values of community connection for reflection and remembrance.

On Sunday 13th March 2022, the veteran-led Rock4RnR (Rock for Reflection and Remembrance) will kick off the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum’s (ANVAM) annual March to Art program.
Supported by RSL (Vic), Melbourne City Council, Open Arms (DVA), Creative Victoria and the Shrine of Remembrance, ANVAM’s free event invites the veteran and broader Victorian community to spend an afternoon together enjoying veterans’ arts, music, family-friendly activities and support services.

The event will include veteran-owned food vans and coffee cart, kids’ activities including face painting and games, a self-guided walking tour of Melbourne’s veteran public art trail, as well as the ANVAM March to Art: Voice exhibition, across St Kilda Rd from the Shrine.

A feature of the program is worldwide entertainer Anthony Field as a member of The Riflemen, plus music industry legend, John ‘Swanee’ Swan, Stella Anning – the highly-talented guitar songstress, the world’s only ‘Spec-Ops-Rock’ band, The Externals, folk duo Cate Taylor and Greg Hamilton and The Pretty Bones.

In commemoration of 20 years’ service since September 11, 2001, and the longest commitment to military operations in our nation's history, ANVAM and Rock4RnR, with the support of ABC Music, released the album Rock for Reflection and Remembrance, on Remembrance Day 2021. This album forms the genesis and centrepiece of the launch of the fifth annual veteran’s arts festival, March to Art. March to Art 2022 is built around the theme of Voice and showcases creative veteran-led projects including Rock4RnR.

Rock4RnR lead and psychologist, Harry Moffitt, offers that “reflection and remembrance are psychological practices useful for recovering from extreme experiences, including military service. I can think of nothing better than doing this through music, the arts and community, in an uplifting way. We also want to showcase our veteran community as independent, self-determined agents, professionals, musicians and artists.

ANVAM Chairman, Mark Johnston, said that “Coming together during March to Art for inclusive events like Rock4RnR provide opportunities for veteran artists to relay their story in their own way, and to engage with the broader community. The arts have long been an important part of the veteran community which all Australian’s have benefited from. Our contemporary veteran artists are continuing that tradition in new and exciting ways."

RSL Victoria State President Dr Rob Webster OAM says, “Due to the pandemic restrictions, the Victorian veteran community have been unfortunately separated for much of the last two years. Rock4RNR is a wonderful opportunity to come together and for veterans to find their voice through music, the arts and in conversation. This event is going to be a fabulous day of fun and activity for families and RSL Victoria is proud to support it.”