Canadian Forces Artists Program
by Dr. John MacFarlane
Version Francaise
The production of Canadian war art was officially started in 1916, with the creation of the Canadian War Memorial Fund. Artists, often already serving with Canadian forces during the First World War, would record over 800 paintings, sculptures and printed work by war's end. These works were exhibited throughout Canada and internationally, making appearances in major art centres like London and New York.
The Second World War presented yet another opportunity for the actions of those serving Canada to be officially recorded in art. The Canadian War Records Program was officially started in 1942 and, like its predecessor, drew candidates mainly from within the serving ranks. However, at the end of the War, Canada once again had no official war art program.
Aurora Time
Ardell Bourgeois (Air Force)
After a gap of over 20 years, 1968 saw the creation of the Canadian Armed Forces Civilian Artists Program (CAFCAP). Though keeping the same aim as previous war art projects, this new program allowed civilian artists to become involved; working alongside Canadian soldiers on both domestic and foreign operations. Unfortunately, this unique CF program was cancelled in 1995, due to a lack of funds.
However, the need for Canada to record the actions of its military members was not forgotten and, on June 6, 2001, Chief of Defense Staff, General Maurice Baril, officially announced the creation of the Canadian Forces Artists Program (CFAP). This new artistic endeavour would allow Canadian artists the opportunity to record Canada's soldiers in Canada and eventually around the world. These artists, all volunteers, will help usher in a new era of Canadian military art.
Homecoming
John Horton (Navy)
In 2002 a pilot project allowed artists and administrators to test run the format and see how artists could best be integrated into the three services. Allan Mackay went with the Army to Afghanistan, Ardell Bourgeois with the Air Force to the same area and John Horton with the Navy to the Persian Gulf. It went very well and in 2003 twenty-one individuals were selected to become the first official CFAP artists. They were: François Béroud, Ardell Bourgeois, Douglas Bradford, David Collier, John Dowling, Kevin Goligher, Jacques Hamel, John Hutton, Gertrude Kearns, Maskull Lasserre, Karole Marois, Alex Meyboom, Sylvia Pecota, Zeqirja Rexhepi, Mark Richfield, Ho Tam, Katherine Taylor, Ian Wall, Andrew Wright, Edward Zuber, William MacDonnell. A new competition every two years seeks more artists to experience the CFAP.
While this program does not offer grants it does present other advantages to artists. The CFAP provides a range of unique opportunities to support the independent, creative work of professional Canadian artists of all cultures who wish to contribute to the history of the Canadian Forces. This program is open to all form of art and artists, be it painters and sculptors to writers and poets.
Armoured Fighting Vehicle on way to Tarnak Farm
Allan MacKay (Army)
While it is assumed that the majority of applications to the CFAP will be made by visual artists, writers and other non-visual artists are encouraged to apply. Please ensure, however, that examples of work do not exceed five (5) pages in length so that the application may be processed in a timely manner.
It is the aim of the CFAP to allow artists from across Canada, working in various mediums, privileged access to capture the daily operations, personnel, and spirit of the Canadian Forces, as well as families and communities affected by Canadian military operations, allowing for a well documented vision of our past, present and future Armed Forces for the Canadian public to enjoy.
The works created by the artists as a result of their experience with the CFAP will remain the property of the artists. However, the CFAP will organize occasional tours and may ask artists if they would like to lend works for these tours (fees usually paid to artists for exhibits would be waived for these tours). For artists wishing to donate works to Canadian museums (in exchange for tax receipts) a list of potential institutions will be provided to help artists contact them.
FURTHER INORMATION
For more information about the CFAP or the application process, please contact:
Dr. John MacFarlane
Canadian Forces Artists Program
Directorate of History and Heritage
National Defence Headquarters
MGen George R. Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2
Telephone: (613) 998-7052
Links
Directorate of Heritage and History
Canadian Navy Artists Program
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Dr. John MacFarlane is a historian for the Directorate of Heritage and History. He is the program manager for the Canadian Forces Artists Program.
Copyright © 2005 Department of National Defence Directorate of Heritage and History
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