News
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
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!
Indigenous Arts Officer Tracy Wise represents The Torch at Norman, Disney and Young’s RAP Launch
Indigenous Arts Officer Tracy Wise was invited to speak at Norman Disney & Young’s Melbourne office last week for the launch of their first Reconciliation Action Plan. Tracy represented in-prison artist Sheldon, who’s work was licensed by the Tetra Tech company. The image of Sheldon’s painting is used on the front cover of their Reconciliation
The Torch CEO Kent Morris featured in Art Collector magazine
The Torch CEO Kent Morris was selected to go into the Jan-Mar 2020 edition of Art Collector magazine. The cover story titled ’50 Things Collectors Should Know’ showcases Kent in the ‘Agenda Setters’ section, which highlights three curators, directors and artists set to influence the region in the year to come. The piece talks about the
The Torch to feature on NITV’s ‘Our Stories’ series on 11th Dec 2019
This Wednesday at 7pm, a short documentary about The Torch program and post-release artist Chris Austin titled Inside Out will air as part of NITV’s Our Stories series. The short was created by local documentary filmmaker Daniel King, who followed long-term participant Chris Austin as he prepares to take part in the 10th anniversary of our annual Confined exhibition.
Work gets underway on a 25-metre Mural at Melbourne Assessment Prison (MAP)
This year, Melbourne Assessment Prison (MAP) approached The Torch to facilitate a mural project to be painted on the west wall of the new Protection Unit exercise yard. The wall measures 25 metres in length, and 4.2 metres in height. The Torch brought professional mural mentor Tom Civil on board for the project, and he
2019 Dhumbadha Munga Exhibition Launch
The Torch had a fantastic night last night, celebrating the launch of our exhibition Dhumbadha Munga: Talking Knowledge at Metro Gallery. Five of our post-release artists that featured in the exhibition were there on the night: Kelvin Rogers, Renee Gray, Ash Thomas, Ralph Rogers and Marbukk, with Kelvin also making a terrific speech talking about
Have you seen The Torch tram around?
It’s carrying an important message As one of the eight recipients of the 2019 Yarra Trams Community Partnerships Program, The Torch has chosen to use this valuable brand exposure as an opportunity to shine a light on one of our country’s most harrowing statistics — the rate of incarceration amongst Indigenous Australians. First Nations Australians