News

Never Alone

Torch CEO Kent Morris’ ‘Never Alone’, artwork is currently featured on the digital billboard at the intersection of Grey and Fitzroy streets in St Kilda reassuringly reminding Melburnians that they are “never alone”. During lockdown in Melbourne Kent and his partner Tiff regularly walk the Yaluk-ut Weelam Country (through Elwood) on which they live. While

Artist Insights: Alfred Carter

Alfred Carter is a proud Gunaikurnai man and post-release artist with The Torch, who only picked up a brush in 2018. He completed a Koori Art course through Kangan but has mainly taught himself, as well as guidance from his Indigenous Arts Officer Sean Miller at The Torch. Alfred is known for using contemporary lines

Artist Insights: Thomas ‘Marksey’ Marks

Thomas Marks, also known as Marksey, is a proud Wotjobaluk/Gunaikurnai artist who grew up on Gunaikurnai country, currently based in Ballarat on Wathaurong Country where Thomas is involved with Ballarat based arts collected Pitcha Makin Fellas. Thomas has no formal training but always knew he had an artistic side. He says he didn’t feel able

Confined 11 virtual exhibition, 14 May - 6 June 2020

Save the date for the Confined 11 virtual launch

This year The Torch will be bringing the Confined 11 exhibition to you at home. We are excited to be showing all the magic of our annual Confined exhibition in a new and engaging online format. Confined 11 will be the largest exhibition ever presented by The Torch, with 300 artworks by 286 artists in

Finding New Ways to Connect in a Changing World

The Torch’s primary aim is to provide art, cultural and arts industry support to Indigenous offenders and ex-offenders in Victoria. A vital stage in program delivery is just after release when our Indigenous Arts Officers encourage artists to continue to develop their art practice as they transition back into the community. Due to social distancing

The Torch showcased on Initiative podcast exploring Indigenous recidivism

The Torch’s CEO Kent Morris and post-release artist Chris Austin were recently interviewed on the Initiative Podcast, produced by the Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse (IJC) where leaders in public policy address the most pressing problems faced by Indigenous people in the criminal justice system. The podcast profiles initiatives representing good or promising practice at reducing Indigenous

Waa the Protector

Update from The Torch: COVID-19 Response

As a valued member of the Torch community, we want to update you on The Torch’s response to the rapidly developing COVID-19 pandemic. As we all navigate through uncharted waters, The Torch is committed to maintaining delivery of the Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community Program through innovative and adaptive methods that don’t require person

Contacting The Torch during COVID-19

Thank you to those who have already shown support to our community of artists in these unprecedented times. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our artists, customers and staff, we will be implementing some changes beginning immediately that will be revised frequently. Visiting us at the gallery and office From 24 March – 3

The Torch CEO joins Take It Blak podcast co-host Jack Latimore (NITV)

Back in mid-Feb, The Torch CEO and Barkindji artist Kent Morris joined Take It Blak co-host Jack Latimore (NITV) to discuss The Torch program. They spoke about going into prisons and communities in Victoria to provide First Nations people with cultural connection, healing and the opportunity to make art. Listen below!