Veterans’ arts in full bloom on St Kilda Rd

The garden bed at the foot of the Marquis of Linlithgow Memorial on St Kilda Rd is showcasing a uniquely Melbourne attraction, being the world’s only public arts trail of veterans’ arts.

The Veterans Public Arts Trail (VPAT) established and hosted by the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM) takes in just a small sample of Melbourne’s public art by members of the veteran community.

The VPAT is an opportunity to learn about the connection to military service of many of the artists, architects and philanthropists who have helped give Melbourne much of the creative and cultural legacy we enjoy today.

Some of the more than 40 notable names mentioned during the trail include Sir ”Weary” Dunlop, Sir Sidney Nolan, Ken and Bails Myer, Charmian Clift, Helen Reddy, Napier and Christian Waller and many more.

The garden display of ANVAM’s VPAT logo coincides with ANVAM receiving a state government commemorative grant to further expand access to the arts trail in 2026. This will include ANVAM calling for volunteers interested in hosting the two-and-a-half-hour walk through the CBD and down St Kilda Rd.

Former Governor-General, the Honourable General David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), experienced the walk and expressed his surprise and pride at learning what veterans have contributed to Melbourne and Australia’s cultural landscape.

Conceived and developed by ANVAM’s founding chairman and director Mark Johnston, the promotion of the VPAT also comes at a time of change for ANVAM. Mark is set to step down as director after more than 10 years in the role, with veteran artist and ANVAM’s deputy director Kat Baldwin assuming the role at the end of 2025.

ANVAM will be hosting the annual Festival of Veterans Arts (FOVA) at the end of March 2026, which is another opportunity for veterans, families and the public to learn more about the history of Veterans Arts in and around Melbourne.

For more information on ANVAM: anvam.org.au, and FOVA: fova.org.au  •