Weapons for the Soldier

Protecting Country, culture and family

Presented by APY Art Centre Collective, Hazelhurst Arts Centre and the Araluen Arts Centre

Examining complex themes of weaponry, warfare and the deep connection and protection of land and Country, Weapons for the soldier is a ground-breaking project and a major exhibition, initiated by the young men of the APY Lands, Vincent Namatjira, Aaron Ken, Derek Jungarrayi Thompson, Anwar Young and Kamurin Young, with support from senior artists Willy Kaika Burton, Kunmanara Ken, Peter Mungkuri, Kunmanara Williams and Frank Young.

With invited senior artists from the APY Lands joining renowned artists from across Australia, including Tony Albert, Shaun Gladwell, George Gittoes, Danie Mellor, Reko Rennie and Alex Seton, Weapons for the soldier redefines our notions of the nation’s war history. This exhibition explores the multigeographical and multi-generational fights for land, Country and freedom experienced by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, as well as the Indigenous experience within Australian military history and the long fight to stand their ground and maintain cultural strength and pride.

Weapons for the soldier is a partnership project between APY Art Centre Collective and Hazelhurst Arts Centre.