Memory, Healing and the Arts in the Griffins’ Vision is an artist’s attempt to respond to the placement of the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in the Griffins’ plan and to explain what that has meant for Canberra since. Originally, Anzac Parade leading up to the AWM was to have been the centre for the Arts in the nation’s capital. However, Walter Burley Griffin agreed to the late change in the design in his last meeting before being dismissed, recognising the need for the nation to grieve.

A century later, Christopher Latham, Artist-in-Residence at the AWM, has created the Flowers of War project, reclaiming lost composers’ works as well as creating a series of Requiems responding to the wars we have fought in, bringing music back into the precinct where the Griffins had originally envisioned showcasing the Arts. Latham’s talk is a rare opportunity to hear about the principles behind the design of Canberra from the perspective of “sacred geometry” and symbology, as well as demonstrating how the Arts can take a role in expressing and healing trauma.

Latham will be joined by architect Alanna King, of Philip Leeson Architects and lead architect on the Ainslie Arts Centre renovations, who will reveal the history of the Ainslie Arts Centre from its humble beginnings as a primary school, it’s connection to the Griffins plan, and her involvement in its refurbishment.

Latham and pianist, Edward Neeman, will perform the Australian premieres of his Great Uncle, Peter Latham’s Violin Sonata in F minor and his Adagio for violin and piano. These works were both written in 1919 as he came to terms with his severe wounding in WW1 which ended any hope of a career as a solo pianist – a potent example of an artist healing themselves through their creative practice.

Supported by JW Land.