The Torch manages commissions of artworks made by participants in the Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community Program.

Organisations interested in commissioning a specific artwork by a Torch artist for a public project or outcome should contact our Art Coordinator: artcoordinator@thetorch.org.au or call (03) 9042 1236.

Recent Commissions

Alfred Carter’s Our Country

In 2022, Alfred Carter (Gunaikurnai people) was commissioned to create Our Country for TRACT Consultants, a landscape architecture, urban design and town planning firm. The original artwork now hangs in their offices and Our Country features across various digital and printed applications within the company. Alfred created the artwork to be licensed for use across their 2022-2023 Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.

These designs represent our Country and how important it is to maintain a healthy Country and waterways. Our people and our communities are connected to our Country, if the Country becomes sick it can impact our people and communities. This is why it is important to look after our Country.

Alfred Carter

Stacey’s Bunjil the Creator

The Burnet Institute engaged Torch artist Stacey (Boon Wurrung/Taungurung people) to create an artwork to be displayed at their premises and to feature in their 2021-2022 Reflect Reconciliation Plan. The completed artwork was Bunjil the Creator, completed by Stacey in 2022.

Bunjil is the creator of the Kulin nations. He takes the shape of a wedge-tailed eagle. Any guests of the Kulin nations have to follow two rules: to obey the laws of Bunjil, and to not harm the children or land of Bunjil.

Stacey

Melissa’s Bell’s The Ups and Downs of Life

Melissa Bell, Gunditjmara/Yorta Yorta woman and one of the post-release artists in The Torch program was commissioned by Respect Victoria to paint an artwork for various corporate documents including their 2021-2022 Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.

Joining The Torch program, I didn’t think that I would get this far in life. I’m proud of myself and I am grateful for this opportunity that Respect Victoria have given me … My [artwork] story is about the ups and downs of life and coming together to stop family violence.

Mellissa Bell

Shane Lovett’s Bunjil’s Creations

St John of God Accord commissioned the creation of the 3 paintings above  Frog, Bunjil and Turtle by Gunditjmara artist Shane Lovett. These paintings were created for the foyer of the St John of God Accord head office. This commission included the production of 40 prints of the Frog, Bunjil and Turtle paintings which have been framed and hung in St John of God’s Accord’s accommodation facilities to be enjoyed by their clients.

Other Projects

We are always looking at expanding opportunities for artists and are currently developing additional fee-for-service offerings. Some examples include: painting and weaving workshops, live painting demonstrations and speaking engagements. If you have an idea for a project, we would love to hear from you via our other projects enquiry form.