Torch artists Stacey Edwards (Taungurung/Boonwurrung peoples) and Thelma Beeton (Palawa people) have been selected for the Aboriginal Creative Residency at Boyd Studios! This incredible opportunity is a testament to their exceptional talent, dedication to their craft and the hard work they have put in.

Torch Arts Officer and proud Ngarrindjeri woman, Flick Chafer-Smith, provided unwavering support and guidance and was instrumental in helping to secure this residency. We also extend our gratitude to Creative Spaces for helping to make this dream a reality.

Stacey and Thelma’s friendship, forged during their time at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, is a powerful example of the bonds that can form in challenging circumstances. Stacey says ‘Thelma taught me what’s it’s like to be a true sister’. Their 2021 exhibition, Banj Banj/nawnta (meaning sister in their First Nations languages), shared their inspiring artistic and cultural journeys. This residency is a significant step forward in their artistic careers, offering them the opportunity to further develop their practice.

“Having this studio is life-changing, it makes me feel like an established artist and it’s moved away from being just a hobby. I have a workplace to go to create art as it’s my career now”.

While Stacey and Thelma’s success is inspiring, it’s essential to acknowledge the broader context. The latest Closing the Gap data shows that the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults being incarcerated continues to increase. Only Victoria and the ACT have seen a reduction in the rate of imprisonment between 2019 and 2023. ABC News states that four out of the 17 targets are not just behind, but moving in the wrong direction.

The Torch is committed to working towards a future where First Nations Australians are not disproportionately represented in prisons. By providing opportunities for artistic expression and cultural connection, we aim to contribute to reducing recidivism rates.

Stacey and Thelma’s Aboriginal Creative Residency is a beacon of hope, demonstrating the positive impact art can have on individuals and communities. The Torch is proud to support their artistic journeys and will continue to advocate for programs that empower First Nations people.