Future Dreaming … visions of the future is an exhibition of artworks created by Indigenous artists within Victorian prisons during 2021.

The Torch invited our In Prison program participants to dream of a brighter future and to bring that future to life on a standard 30 x 30 cm canvas.

Over 200 participants across 14 Victorian correctional facilities embraced this challenge and painted a brighter future for themselves, their families, their Country, their communities, and even the world as a whole.

100% of the sale price of each artwork goes to the artist.

206 OF 206 ARTWORKS SOLD!

“When I am released I want to get back to the basics. I want to enjoy being with loved ones and family, embracing all the little things and taking nothing for granted.”

Tamara T, Torres Strait Islander people

This exhibition gives a voice to First Nations Australians who are isolated in prison during the pandemic, mirroring the global community’s wish to reconnect with loved ones in a better future.

Over 200 artworks are showcased, including works from first-time artists to seasoned artists like Sam M (Going On) and Stacey (Future Grandchildren) both of whom have strong art practices and have artworks held in prominent public collections.

After purchase, artworks can be shipped to you via Australia Post or you can pick them up from our St Kilda gallery on Wednesdays and Fridays between 10 am and 4 pm.

“My future dreaming path is going back to my culture and my way of life along the Murray River back home…The painted-up men on the river are me, dancing, happy to go back home to the bush I was brought up in. This is my future dreaming, a Yorta Yorta man.”

R.R., Yorta Yorta people

“This is me teaching Men’s Group how to paint and make didges and boomerangs. If I can save one out of ten kids by teaching them to paint instead of ending up in jail, that’s my future dreaming. If I can save two or three kids: even better. Hopefully I will be an art teacher at the Tafe in Wodonga.”

Clinton A, Wiradjuri people