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We are proud to present Future Dreaming 2026, an exhibition centred entirely on the self-expression, direct words, and personal aspirations of First Nations people in Victoria’s correctional facilities.
Because incarcerated artists cannot physically attend the exhibition, Future Dreaming places their authentic, unmediated perspectives front and centre. Alongside the physical gallery and online collection, visitors can connect directly with the artists through pre-recorded audio statements, written reflections, and digital postcards.
Each of the 223 artworks offers an individual glimpse into the artist’s vision of the future—from deeply personal hopes, such as reuniting with family, returning to Country, or reconnecting with culture, to broader reflections on political, social, and environmental systems. This exhibition poses a powerful question: What future do artists emerging from the prison system imagine for themselves?
Created within the walls of fifteen prisons across Victoria, these works are a powerful act of strength, resilience, and determination. First established in 2020 by The Torch, the annual Future Dreaming series makes space for every First Nations artist in prison to share their forward dreaming with the wider community, offering a platform for voices often silenced to be heard.
The overrepresentation of First Peoples in Australia’s criminal legal system remains one of the nation’s most pressing challenges. Despite representing under 4% of the total population, First Peoples community members account for 36% of the prison population. These stark statistics paint a sobering picture of injustice. Future Dreaming stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in building pathways for healing, advocacy, and change.
Exhibition dates: 23 October – 21 November 2026 (entry is free!)
Location: The Torch Gallery, Wurundjeri Country, 146 Elgin St, Carlton VIC 3053
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10am to 4pm; Saturday: 11am–3pm
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Dive deeper into the exhibition through our public programs, including Artist Talks, Weaving Workshops, a Floor Talk, and Live Art.
