Comment on “The Death of Naval Art?”
By Brian Santarpia, 30 June 2026
Jay Heisler’s article, “The Death of Naval Art?”, in the spring issue of CNR raises an important and timely concern about the declining visibility of naval experience in contemporary Canadian culture. His argument that the erosion of artistic representation risks severing the connection between the navy and the society it serves is both compelling and difficult to dismiss. If maritime power ultimately rests on public understanding and support, then the absence of a vibrant naval artistic tradition is more than aesthetic loss; it is a strategic liability.
Yet, as Heisler suggests, the issue is not simply one of cultural drift, but of institutional attention. In this regard, the Canadian Armed Forces already possess a mechanism that could help address the problem: the Canadian Forces Artists Program (CFAP), most recently highlighted in CANFORGEN 114/26. The program provides a structured means of embedding artists within military environments, enabling them to interpret and communicate service life to broader audiences. Properly leveraged, CFAP could serve as a bridge between the navy and the Canadian public, translating complex maritime realities into accessible and enduring forms.
However, the program appears to be a missed opportunity. It remains relatively unknown, even within defence circles, and its resourcing model raises concerns about accessibility and prioritization. The requirement that units may be asked to share the costs of artists’ travel and accommodation risks discouraging participation, particularly in an era of constrained budgets and competing operational demands. This effectively shifts what should be a strategic communications function onto already stretched units.
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Current Issue: Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026)
It’s that time again! Soon there’ll be a new issue of CNR hitting the streets. To whet your appetite, here is a preview of what’s in the issue.
As usual, the issue contains a smorgasbord of material, with something for everyone. Our first article takes us to China and outlines how it has become a shipbuilding powerhouse. The second article discusses Canada’s participation in the Gulf War, as we reach the 35th anniversary of the conflict. The third article argues that RCN veterans should be seen as strategic assets and treated and trained as such. The final essay outlines some of the defence capabilities that are being ordered/built, particularly relating to the Arctic, even in the absence of a new defence policy to provide strategic direction.
And, of course, we have our usual Making Waves commentaries. In response to enthusiastic discussion on Broadsides (our online discussion forum), we have a commentary about whether geography is destiny for Canada – i.e., as a small (in terms of population) country next door to the United States, does Canada have options for defence? There’s a commentary asking if naval art is dead, a commentary about naval capabilities for the Arctic, and a commentary about how the RCN can make the navy more visible to Canadians.
And, of course, we have our regular columns. “A View from the West” looks at whether China is indeed capable of/intending to invade Taiwan in 2027. “Dollars and Sense” examines the Defence Industrial Strategy, and “Warship Developments” updates us on recent naval developments.
Naturally, we have our usual amazing photos!
The spring issue will be in the mailbox of people who are lucky enough to be subscribers! It’s not too late for you to subscribe. See here for the Table of Contents.
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Looking for Books about Maritime Matters?
Over the last 20 years, Canadian Naval Review has published over 180 book reviews. These books cover a variety of topics but they all relate to maritime matters, history, or security and defence at sea. This is an amazing resource. Go through the list of reviews, pick out a few books that look interesting, read the reviews, and then order the books from your nearest bookstore or from the publisher. See the list of book reviews at https://www.navalreview.ca/book-reviews/