News

Housing for Women Leaving Prison

Housing for Women Leaving Prison

Proud Ngarrindjeri woman and Torch artist Flick Chafer-Smith told her story in a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s Inquiry into Housing and Homelessness. Flick was interviewed by Smart Justice for Women’s (SJFW) submission to Yoorrook about the experience of women leaving the prison system. The submission investigates systemic injustices experienced by First Nations peoples

Collective Movements Mildura Ash Thomas

Collective Movements moves to Mildura

Collective Movements moves to Mildura! Collective Movements: First Nations Collectives, Collaborations and Creative Practices from across Victoria is a wide-ranging project focusing on the work of historic and contemporary First Nations creative practitioners and community groups from across Victoria that recognises collectivity as integral to Indigenous knowledges and ways of being. Touring with NETS Victoria,

Stacey Edwards, Twilight Black Cockatoos

MAV: Kaleidoscope – Stacey Edwards

MAV (Multicultural Arts Victoria) has announced the curation of a large-scale public art installation as part of the Metro Tunnel Creative Program. MAV: Kaleidoscope offers a mesmerising exploration of culturally rich and diverse narratives, styles and multi-genres featuring works by five artists, including proud Taungurung/Boonwurrung woman and Torch artist Stacey Edwards. The impressive installation was

Treaty for Victoria - First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

Treaty for Victoria

Allira and Jarvis from the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria visited The Torch to have a yarn about the path to Treaty. After a challenging year, it is heartwarming to hear about the hard work being done by this mob. Treaty is our opportunity to make sure we always have the freedom and power to

Change the Date

26th of January

The 26th of January 1788, is the date Arthur Phillip led the First Fleet into what is now known as Sydney Cove in NSW. He raised a British flag on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation to proclaim British Sovereignty. The date marks the beginning of an unnecessary and brutal colonisation

Matty Chilly

Torch Arts Officer Matty Chilly selected for Blak Design

The Torch is thrilled to announce that Arts Officer Matty Chilly (Wiradjuri/Wemba Wemba/Mutti Mutti/Yorta Yorta/Waddi Waddi/Barapa Barapa/Gubbi Gubbi peoples) has been selected for the Blak Design program – fashion and textiles. As part of the Blak Design program, Matty will undertake intensive hands-on workshops; learning and refining their fashion and textile skills. They will be

Artist Insights: Sonia

Sonia is a Torres Strait Islander artist with connections to Papua New Guinea. Sonia is well known for her colourful woven baskets which take inspiration from the world around her, memories of childhood, and her Country. Sonia began weaving in prison, learning the technique from her sisters inside. This basket brings back memories of the

Jeffrey Jackson

Artist Insights: Jeffrey Jackson

Jeffrey Jackson is a Mutti Mutti man from north-west Victoria. Jeffrey is a talented painter with over ten years painting experience. Jeffrey paints about his relationship to his Country, particularly the area of Lake Mungo, Yanga and Robinvale. His palette includes the colours of the sand, the earth and the surrounding landscapes and his designs

My Two Daughters

The 11th Koorie Art Show features eleven artists from The Torch

The 11th Koorie Art Show launches on 9th December 2023 and runs to 25th February 2024. It features work by eleven artists (four of which are also staff) from The Torch program. Support this First Nations exhibition at Birrarung Building, Fed Square or browse all works online here. The Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square

Susannah Day and Kent Morris

The Torch Introduces Dual Executive Leadership Team

The Torch is pleased to announce a significant development in its leadership structure. Susannah Day, a Martu woman, will step into the role of CEO, while Kent Morris, a Barkindji man, will assume the position of The Torch’s Creative Director, forming a dual executive leadership team. From its inception in 2011 with just two staff