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 Winners

Melbourne Road Art and Canvas Stretching Connection Award

Awarded to an In Community participant who has been released since the last Confined exhibition and has demonstrated a strong commitment to The Torch’s program.

Winner: Jeza (Yorta Yorta/Wemba Wemba peoples)

Melbourne Road Art and Canvas Stretching Development Award

This prize recognises an artist not represented in a public gallery who has shown significant artistic development and an art profession outlook.

Winner: Sonia Sadler (Torres Strait Islands people)

Exceptional Story Award

Art is storytelling, and this award celebrates an artwork with an outstanding yarn behind it—honouring both the visual piece and the powerful story it conveys.

Winner: ‘Beginning of Something Beautiful’ by Aalayah (Wiradjuri people)

Connection to Culture Acquisitive Award

This award acquires an artwork that expresses a strong connection to culture.

Winner: ‘Family Beyond and in a Dark Place’ by Michael P. (Noongar people)

3D Acquisitive Award

This prize allows The Torch to proudly acquire a 3D artwork based on merit or innovation to showcase at The Torch’s home in Carlton. .

Winner: Narnz (Gunaikurnai/Barkindji/Wurundjeri/Bundjalung peoples)

G4S Acquisitive Award

A prestigious acquisitive award recognising excellence in artwork from either In-Prison or In-Community artists. 

Winner: Gary Reid (Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara peoples)

Melbourne Water Yaluk Biik Baan Acquisition Award

This award honours an artwork that demonstrates an outstanding connection to waterways and Country, reflecting the importance of land and water in First Nations culture.

Winner: ‘A Journey Starts with a Single Step’ by C. Keller (Wambaya people)

The Dennis Thorpe Awards

Named in honour of the late Torch artist Dennis Thorpe, these awards celebrate two In Community artists who have made a significant year-round contribution to The Torch. Winners are selected based on their engagement with arts officers, cultural research, art-making, workshops, and external projects.

Winners: Alisha F. (Wadawurrung people) & Tupun Wultatinyeri (Ngarrindjeri/Kukabrak peoples)

Since 2009, Confined has provided a dedicated space for First Nations people who have been incarcerated in Victoria to share their stories, culture and lived experiences through art. The exhibition series serves as a poignant reflection on the disproportionate representation of First Nations Australians in our criminal legal system, underscoring the urgent need for change.

Check out last year’s winners here.

Congratulations to all the Confined winners and to all Torch artists!