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Future Dreaming – visions of the future is an exhibition of artworks created by First Nations artists incarcerated in Victorian prisons across 2023. The Torch has invited each artist to create a new artwork inspired by their interpretations of “Future Dreaming”.

Many artists dream of returning to home and to their kids, of making amends and living a new life beyond the prison walls. Over ten artists explored the Voice and what it meant to them, and several speak of wanting to reconnect to Culture and Country when they get out, and to learn from their Elders.

As our inaugural exhibition in our new Carlton gallery space, this exhibition gives artists an avenue to explore the future they see for themselves, their community, their Country. Over 250 participants across 14 Victorian correctional facilities embraced this challenge.

First Nations Australians make up less than 3% of the Australian adult population but represent over 30% of the national adult prison population. First Nations men are 15 times more likely to go to prison than non-First Nations men and First Nations women are 21 times more likely to go to prison than non-First Nations women.

EXHIBITION LAUNCH:

Future Dreaming – visions of the future will launch at 6pm on Thursday 2nd November 2023. We welcome you to celebrate with us at our new Carlton gallery:

All artworks will be priced between $230 – $330. The Torch takes no commission on sales, meaning that 100% of the sale price, after a $30 canvas stretching cost, goes directly to the artist.

My Future Dreaming is about me when I get out of prison and go home back to Country. I want to surround myself with my culture and learn more about it (represented by all the dots surrounding the tree). I want to also put my family tree together (represented by the black and red circles), to find the roots of my heritage. The tree represents me.

– Dindjabup, Noongar/Pindjarup peoples

MORE INFORMATION:

Over 250 artworks will be showcased representing First Nations cultural groups from all across Australia. The exhibition features first-time painters alongside seasoned artists who have works held in prominent public collections. Future Dreaming – visions of the future presents a unique opportunity to support a participant’s first sale, or to acquire an affordable artwork from some of The Torch’s most seasoned artists.

We welcome you to view the exhibition online or from our new premises in Carlton:

This is the story of my future and my freedom from prison. The meeting place is all the places I will be able to go. It’s surrounded by my family, friends, my partner and new people to come.

– D.Kerr, Yorta Yorta people

Image credits
Top left: Jay, Gunaikurnai people, Blue Wren 2023