News
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
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
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
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 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
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
‘Bridge Now to Next’ this Reconciliation Week
“I challenged the jury system of Australia. I asked that I be judged by my peers and your peers as your equals. I asked to have some Aboriginal people on my jury. One lawyer said that I wasn’t black enough to be black and the other lawyer said that I wasn’t white enough to be
Takariliya – Thelma Beeton’s first solo exhibition
We are thrilled to announce Takariliya — meaning “family”, the first solo exhibition of Palawa artist Thelma Beeton. Launching on Thursday 17 April, at Fitzroy Library and running until 20 July 2025. This exhibition centres on her maternal family, starting with her grandparents and extending to her great-nephew. It is a testament to Thelma’s dedication
Anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
The personal stories shared through artworks offer a moving counterpoint to the dehumanising statistics often associated with the anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Today, we invite you to reflect on some of the artworks and stories presented in Blak In-Justice: Incarceration and Resilience, and remember that behind every number is