News

From Country to Incarceration

The Torch’s program provides artists the opportunity to express what matters most to them – to reengage with old knowledge or embrace the newly learned, to flex a well-crafted skill or try their hand at a new one – and this has allowed for an array of visual and narrative storytelling. Artists from The Torch

Celebrating Culture and Creativity: The Torch’s Pop-Up Exhibitions During NAIDOC Week

During NAIDOC Week, The Torch was proud to showcase the incredible talent of artists in our program through a series of vibrant Pop-Up Exhibitions. These exhibitions were held across Melbourne, each thoughtfully curated to reflect the vision of our partners while providing unique opportunities for artists to share their culture, stories, and artwork with new

NAIDOC 2025 inspires new art commission

To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV) engaged The Torch on a new commission by artist and AHV client Flick Chafer-Smith. Inspired by this years NAIDOC theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, this newly commissioned work is a vibrant celebration of cultural knowledge and resilience. Flick shared the meaning behind this

Alfie Carter’s NBL1 South First Nations Basketball Jersey

Alfie Carter’s NBL1 South First Nations Basketball Jersey

Since the Latrobe Regional Hospital commission and Deadly in Gippsland, Gunaikurnai artist Alfred ‘Alfie’ Carter has been busy designing the 2025 First Nations Basketball Jersey for the Rookie Me Melbourne Tigers. The story behind the First Nations Basketball Jersey “A long time ago, different Aboriginal mobs would travel across the land to meet at important

Art can keep you out of prison

If you’ve been following The Torch for a while, you may have come across the work of Flick Chafer-Smith. Flick is a Ngarrindjeri artist. Her work incorporates the diamond and parallel line work that south east ‘Australia’ is known for. About a year ago, Flick joined our Program team as our first woman Arts Officer

First Nations artist during performance at the opening event of Blak In-Justice, presented by The Torch and Heide Museum of Modern Art

Invest in First Nations Artists and the Transformative Power of Art this EOFY

As we approach the end of financial year, your support is more vital than ever. The Torch is a not-for-profit arts organisation that delivers a visionary program supporting First Nations people with lived experience of incarceration. Our work is only possible because of the generosity of our philanthropic community. We recently launched our EOFY Appeal and

Internal Landscapes - Tupun Wultatinyeri–Kungullun

Tupun Wultatinyeri selected for ‘Internal Landscapes’ Exhibition at The Dax Centre

We are thrilled to announce that Tupun Wultatinyeri, a proud Ngarrindjeri/Kukabrak man will feature in Internal Landscapes, a powerful First Nations art exhibition at The Dax Centre presented in collaboration with The Wilin Centre and supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants. A Journey of Healing Through Art Tupun began painting in late 2022 as

Lightscape Melbourne

Lightscape Melbourne

This winter, as The Royal Botanic Gardens transforms into a wonderland of light and sound with Lightscape Melbourne, The Torch is proud to be a part of the magic! From 20 June – 10 August 2025, wander the illuminated trail and immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience alongside the dazzling light displays. Nestled beside

Confined 16 Awards Winner Tupun Wultatinyeri receives the Dennis Thorpe Award

Confined 16 Awards Winners

The Torch is proud to announce the winners of this year’s Confined 16 Awards, recognising the incredible talent and growth of First Nations artists participating in The Torch’s In-Prison and In-Community programs. These awards highlight artistic excellence, cultural storytelling, and personal growth, supporting artists in their creative and professional journeys. 🎨 2025 Confined 16 Award

Sir Doug Nicholls Round Boots

Artists Alisha F and Roey Design Sir Doug Nicholls Round Boots for Geelong Cats

Wadawurrung artist Alisha F and Warumungu/Yawuru artist Roey have created stunning bespoke Sir Doug Nicholls Round boots as part of a commission for Geelong Cats players. These unique designs honour the legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions to the AFL. A Special Connection to Country and Club Indigenous Arts Officer Paul Kelly helped