The Australian War Memorial (AWM) in collaboration with Thales Australia and the University of Canberra, has announced the Inaugural Napier Waller Art Prize, worth $10,000.
The title pays homage to the artistic contribution of First World War serviceman Napier Waller to AWM and its collection of artworks whilst the prize builds on the partnership between the Faculty of Arts and Design at the University of Canberra and the Australian Defence Force in the delivery of the ‘Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork, and Skills project’ – providing creative arts workshops for current serving, wounded military members.
The purpose of this initiative is to encourage the therapeutic use of art to promote healing for Defence personnel as well as to facilitate a deeper understanding of the individual experience of those who have participated in the military.
Napier Waller Art Prize Media Launch: Director Dr Brendan Nelson and artist Ben Quilty. March 14th 2018. Photograph: Panagiota Marazioti. Courtesy the Australian War Memorial
AWM’s Director Dr Brendan Nelson explains, ‘Art has been shown to play a critical role in the healing and recovery of returning service personnel. It is extremely important that veterans have an outlet for how they can process what they have seen, and what they have experienced.’
Furthermore, CEO of Thales Australia Chris Jenkins highlights an additional advantage in hosting this event, which is to demonstrate respect. He says, ‘The experiences of members of the Australian Defence Force are unique, and the Napier Waller Art Prize is an excellent way to honour, recognise and support our former and current personnel.’
Napier Waller Art Prize Media Launch: Artist Ben Quilty. March 14th 2018. Photograph: Panagiota Marazioti. Courtesy the Australian War Memorial
Entries from both retired and current Defence workers will be welcomed between June and July this year with the nominated winner (to be announced in September) given the opportunity to work under the guidance of war artist, Ben Quilty, who will also be part of the judging panel. The winning work will be showcased at the AWM and expected to feature as part of the National Collection.
