The Torch is proud to partner with the Deakin Melbourne Boomers for the inaugural Women’s National Basketball League Indigenous Round. Please enjoy this selection of hand-picked artworks by women and men in The Torch’s In-Prison and In-Community Program.

Every sale supports the development of self-esteem, confidence and economic wellbeing of our participants and their community. The Torch takes no commission on sales; 100% of the artwork price goes directly to the artist. 

Art gives me an opportunity to feel heard – I think as an Indigenous woman in the justice system sometimes you feel like nobody cares and art gives me a voice.

Stacey (Taungurung /Boon Wurrung peoples) 2021

Indigenous Australians make up less than 3% of the Australian adult population but represent over 30% of the national adult prison population.

Indigenous men are 15 times more likely to go to prison than non-Indigenous men and Indigenous women are 21 times more likely to go to prison than non-Indigenous women.

Since 2011 The Torch has been providing art, cultural and arts industry support to Indigenous offenders and ex-offenders in Victoria through its Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program.

The program supports the development of self-esteem, confidence and resilience, through cultural strengthening and artistic expression. The Torch assists artists to reconnect with culture, earn income from art sales, foster new networks and to pursue educational and creative industry avenues upon their release.

By embracing program participants as artists rather than offenders, The Torch provides an avenue to change.