Behind the Mask: A Veterans' Art Engagement Project

See how military veterans have used the power of art to explore their past and to contemplate its continuing impact on their mental health.

Masks have been used since ancient times: in theatre, dance and cultural ceremonies. On a more personal level, we have all worn masks at some point in our lives - figuratively, at least.

Masks provide freedom, a freedom to become someone else for a moment, to change how we interact with the world around us. At times, these 'masks' can be used to hide our inner emotions and present to the world an outward image which seeks to align with idealised social norms.

Out of these concepts, 'Behind the Mask' was developed - a partnership between the Office of Cultural Heritage at the US Embassy in London and The Not Forgotten, a charity supporting injured veterans and serving military personnel.

The project brought together a group of veterans for a week-long retreat in Devon, where they spent time bonding, reflecting and creating their ‘masks’. For many, this process helped to relieve negative emotions and stress, and provided a path to a wider dialogue with those who had lived through similar experiences.

The participating veterans found they could explore their past and its impact on their mental health; and produced the beautiful, powerfully emotive masks which are now on display.

Image: US Embassy London Collection, Photography by Ken Adlard

About the project partners

The Not Forgotten

The Not Forgotten provides a varied programme of events to improve physical and mental health and to address isolation and loneliness in the armed forces and veteran community.

Since its founding in 1920, the charity has helped over 1 million veterans and service personnel of all ages, ranks, backgrounds and disabilities across the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy. Their events include social lunches and afternoon teas, concerts and musical events, royal engagements, day outings, and respite and challenge breaks around the UK and abroad.

Office of Cultural Heritage

The Office of Cultural Heritage was established in 2015, under the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. It implements a stewardship programme for the care of the US Department of State’s culturally, historically and architecturally significant properties and collections through research, conservation, educational programs, exhibit design and maintenance protocols.