Artists

Each year, over 800 First Peoples artists engage with The Torch program.

For artists, the creation and sale of their artworks is part of the rehabilitation process that helps build confidence, social capital, economic stability and pathways to reconnect with the community.

Income earned from the program provides artists with the ability to realise their potential and change their circumstances while in prison and when connecting back to the community. Artists are able to provide approved support to their families on the outside, increasing stability and helping to alleviate ongoing socio-economic disadvantage. They are also able to stand more confidently on their own two feet and avoid common pitfalls upon release from prison such as finding and maintaining affordable and safe accommodation. This decreases recidivism and opens new pathways towards education and employment with many positive intergenerational impacts.

The knowledge and experiences of Community Elders and those participating in the program continues to define the program’s design and delivery. The Torch continues to develop pathways for program participants to develop their skills to be job ready. Creating pathways for artists to become First Peoples Arts Mentors is a priority.

The Torch program was built upon the foundation of Indigenous knowledges, philosophies and support processes that have been developed, taught and embraced for generations. It shows that Indigenous led and delivered solutions to some of the ongoing issues caused by systemic over incarceration can be addressed successfully if driven by the Indigenous community

Kent Morris, Barkindji, CEO of The Torch

Listen to some of our artist’s journeys on YouTube.