The Torch is a not for profit First Nations-led arts organisation that provides art, cultural and arts industry support to First Nations people impacted by incarceration across Victoria.

The core business of The Torch is to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Victoria’s legal system through its Statewide Indigenous Arts In Prisons and Community Program.

Our vision is to support First Nations people to reclaim cultural connections through art and cultural practice. This includes personal and community healing and empowerment, economic elevation, and supporting a sense of purpose.

The Torch assists artists to reconnect with culture and earn income from art sales (with 100% of the artwork price going directly to the artist), licensing, special projects and exhibitions including our major annual exhibitions, Confined and Future Dreaming.

I don’t think you should underestimate the power of culture in the rehabilitation process for Indigenous offenders. We work from a cultural basis to then express that through art-making — to try to reconnect some of the fragments of cultural dislocation and put the pieces back together.

Kent Morris, Barkindji, The Torch CEO

There are many ways you can get involved in The Torch’s work and do your part for the First Nations people in our in-prison and post-release programs.

The Torch Gallery
146 Elgin St
Carlton VIC 3053