Melbourne will host the 2026 Festival of Veterans Arts (FOVA) from 21–29 March, bringing a diverse program of art, performances, and community events to the heart of the city’s cultural precinct. Now in its third year, the annual festival is curated by the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM) and shines a spotlight on the artistic practices of current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families.
The festival’s 2026 program includes a broad range of artistic expressions, from visual art exhibitions and interactive workshops to live performances and community celebrations. Events are designed for both practising artists and those curious about creative pursuits, reflecting the depth and diversity of talent within the Veteran community.
FOVA has grown steadily since its inception in 2024, with earlier editions establishing a platform that honours veterans’ contributions to culture and community through artistic engagement. Previous festivals featured exhibitions, performances, and creative workshops, drawing attendees from across Australia and offering opportunities for veterans to connect and share their stories in meaningful ways.
The 2026 festival encompasses activities suitable for a wide range of interests, with workshops covering disciplines such as painting, poetry, photography, and textiles, empowering participants to explore new skills and creative outlets. These sessions are part of the festival’s broader aim to foster wellbeing and connection among those who have served.
Exhibitions form a central part of the event, with galleries across Melbourne’s Arts Precinct showcasing works created by Veteran artists. These exhibitions provide public audiences with insight into the varied ways that service and life experience inform artistic expression.
Community-focused events are likewise scheduled throughout the week. Family-friendly activities and participatory experiences offer veterans, their loved ones, and the general public chances to celebrate together and engage with the arts in a supportive environment.
This year’s event will also feature live performances and cultural talks, complementing the festival’s visual art offerings with dynamic displays of performance, music, and storytelling. These events contribute to an atmosphere of celebration and recognition for veteran creativity.
FOVA’s organisers emphasise the importance of creative expression as a means of connection, resilience, and shared understanding within the Veteran community. Through its broad program of events, the festival invites both veterans and the wider public to experience the unifying power of the arts.
Bookings for individual festival events and workshop registrations are now open. As the cultural precinct comes alive with colour and creativity this March, FOVA 2026 promises to be a significant occasion in the national calendar for arts, community, and veteran engagement.
