Despite the onset of European colonisation and their irreversible changes to the landscape, the Wurundjeri people have walked the same paths on this Country in Naarm for millennia. To the Wurundjeri their Country is called biik in the woi wurrung language, and biik plays a central, pivotal role in their identity. Combining the words wurun

The Torch is proud to celebrate the latest commission by Wotjobaluk/Gunaikurnai artist Thomas ‘Marksey’ Marks who was selected by Arthritis Australia to create a thought-provoking artwork highlighting the impact of Gout, a common yet often overlooked form of arthritis, affecting 1 in 15 Australians. Arthritis Australia is Australia’s leading national arthritis charity. They work with

Did you know that your organisation can commission original artwork from artists in The Torch program? These culturally rich, contemporary pieces not only enhance your space but also support post-incarcerated Indigenous artists on their journey of healing, reconnection, and self-determination through art. A recent standout example is the stunning piece Old Ways And New Tracks,

The recreation of traditional-style painting connected to an artist’s Heritage Community is a popular exercise amongst First Nations artists in The Torch’s program. An artist’s knowledge of their Heritage Community’s styles, and both the traditional and contemporary stories they can tell, provides them with an outlet to attain or maintain their connection to Culture and

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

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

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

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

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

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