Art in Recovery

Thirty pieces of art were displayed in Christchurch’s Arts Centre in October, as part of the New Zealand Army’s Art in Recovery initiative.

The exhibition ‘A Shared Journey of Recovery’ celebrated and recognised NZDF personnel who have been injured, wounded or became ill during their service. It also recognises their family and friends, and the families of our fallen.

Art in Recovery has been running since 2018 and this is the first time art work has been open to the public to view.

New Zealand Army Liaison Officer – Injured, Wounded and Ill, Captain Rebecca Millar, said the exhibition allows stories to be shared through art to enhance a sense of wellbeing.

We have 20 artists and more than 30 pieces of art across a variety of mediums including mouth painting, sculptures, welding, digital art and more.

Rebecca says that Art in Recovery is about raising awareness of recovery through art by exhibiting work by NZDF people.

"The journey to recovery can be found in many forms, including art and creativity which is just one therapeutic method that can help in the recovery process,” Captain Millar said.

This initiative was supported by The Fallen Heroes Trust, Veterans’ Affairs and the RNZRSA.