Bringing wellbeing and community to veterans
Created by artist and veteran Mike Armstrong
Created by artist and veteran Mike Armstrong
Voices of Veterans is a veteran led art-based project for veterans that is raising awareness of the mental health crisis and creating action to support veteran health. It seeks to generate meaningful, ongoing positive change in the lives of Australian veterans. The project includes art exhibitions, art workshops and sustainable art programs. It was created by Australian artist and veteran Mike Armstrong.
The catalyst for Voices of Veterans is a collection of photographic artworks that show veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Each personal story is expressed through a creative process using molasses, as veterans are photographed. They show both sides of a lived experience - dark emotions of challenge and light feelings of hope.
Voices of Veterans is based in Canberra and is being shown around Australia. It is supported by patrons His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley as well as a number of sponsors and donors.
Voices of Veterans aspires to humanise mental health and share personal stories of strength, bravery and hope. All veterans and our artist, openly share their stories, feelings and experiences, to help others.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please talk to your GP or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Voices of Veterans is made possible with the help of passionate people and generous supporters.
You can directly support veterans in communities now by giving to the Voices of Veterans Fund. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. To ensure Voices of Veterans continues and supports people in future please donate to the Fund.
Thank you to all our foundation sponsors who enabled set up and a real beginning in 2022.
We're open to ongoing and new partners and private giving to enable Voices of Veterans to continue engagement around Australia.
Their Excellencies praised veteran art and movement during their generous visit.
Voices of Veterans is set for new conversations through an an exhibition at the UniSQ Art Gallery in early 2024
Mike Armstrong has been recognised with an Alumni Community Service Award from the University of Southern Queensland.
The creative process with veteran, Mick Cook as he explores and expresses his lived experience. Video by veteran, Kris Kerehona.
Voices of Veterans artist is Australian Army veteran and PTSD survivor, Michael (Mike) Armstrong. Mike started photographing veterans using molasses to explore their lived PTSD experience after his diagnosis and during his treatment. The process allowed veterans to present their struggle and Mike captured it.
"Molasses behaves in a manner that mirrors many of the symptoms of PTSD. Its weight and dark enveloping form, it's staining and sticky qualities mark everything it touches," says Mike. "The manner in which it mirrors qualities of light and dark around it. My models naturally resonated with the experience of working with molasses and found the medium profoundly evocative."
The works resonated with the veterans deeply. Mike posted some on his social media and they reached a broad audience beyond those effected by PTSD. High engagement conversations were created through socials. This sparked Voices of Veterans further, and the project was born.
This is a powerful video about Mike's story and how he has embraced art after his medical discharge to connect and heal.
The decision to push ahead with a Royal Commission into veteran suicide has finally given voice to the concerns of veterans and their families. It highlights the current gap in understanding and awareness of mental health and the health cost to all Australians.
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