The Torch

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The Torch Creating new pathways through art and culture for First Nations people who have been incarcerated.

First Nations Australians make up 3% of the Australian population yet represent 32% of the national adult prison population. Indigenous men are 17 times more likely to go to prison than non-Indigenous men and First Nations women are 25 times more likely to go to prison than non-Indigenous women. Since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991, incarceration rates for Indigenous Australians have more than doubled and deaths in custody have continued to increase. The Torch’s Statewide Indigenous Arts In Prisons and Community Program is set within the context of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement and its focus is on the role of culture and cultural identity in the rehabilitative process of First Nations people impacted by incarceration. The Torch employs Indigenous Arts Officers to deliver the program to Indigenous men and women in Victorian prisons and to support participants who are transitioning back into the community. Since 2011, the Statewide Indigenous Arts In Prisons and Community Program has provided art, cultural and arts industry support to First Nations artists. The Torch assists participants to reconnect with culture and earn income from art sales (with 100% of the artwork price going directly to the artist), licensing, special projects and exhibitions including our major annual exhibitions, Confined and Future Dreaming. Each year, The Torch works with artists from approximately 80 cultural language groups within Victorian prisons and throughout the community.

Did you know the average gallery visitor spends just 8 seconds looking at an artwork?But who says we have to rush? Join ...
06/10/2026

Did you know the average gallery visitor spends just 8 seconds looking at an artwork?

But who says we have to rush? Join us at The Torch Gallery in Carlton for Slow Looking at Future Dreaming.

Facilitated by First Peoples artists and team members from The Torch, this intimate session invites you to settle in and discover your own connection to each piece and story.

What to expect:

• Gentle breathing exercises to ground you in the space
• Focused looking prompts to guide your experience
• Warm, reflective group discussion to share insights and connections

Whether you are an avid art lover or simply seeking a quiet moment of mindfulness, this experience is an invitation to slow down and connect with Future Dreaming.

Find out more in the comments below!

We are so proud of the deadly Eli! Seeing our brother share his art across the country is an absolute joy, and we can’t ...
03/10/2026

We are so proud of the deadly Eli! Seeing our brother share his art across the country is an absolute joy, and we can’t speak highly enough of his work.

Elijah is a proud Kuku Yalanji man and cultural performer based here in Naarm/Melbourne. Through powerful yidaki (didgeridoo) playing, traditional dance, smoking ceremonies, and storytelling, Eli brings deep knowledge, authority, and warmth to every gathering.

Whether performing solo or leading a group, Eli tailors his sets for any gathering—from community festivals to corporate activations across Victoria and nationwide.

Book Eli for your next event by clicking the link in the comments below!

03/10/2026

We are beyond proud of the deadly Eli! Watching our brother share his culture right across the country is a true joy, and we can’t speak highly enough of his work. 🌿✨

Elijah is a proud Kuku Yalanji man bringing yidaki (didgeridoo), traditional dance, smoking ceremonies, and storytelling to audiences across Victoria and nationwide.

đź“Ť Naarm/Melbourne | Regional Vic | Australia-wide

Book Eli for your next activation or event via this link: https://artist-bookings.com/contactus

You know who'd look good with a Torch tote? 🫵Our cotton totes are back in stock. Tote-ally. Want to show off your suppor...
02/10/2026

You know who'd look good with a Torch tote? 🫵

Our cotton totes are back in stock. Tote-ally.

Want to show off your support? Want a bag that pairs with literally everything?

Don't get it twisted. All the cool kids are doing it (and our Communications Manager).

The tote features our logo, which incorporates five distinctive patterns inspired by existing artworks by artists at The Torch. The tote includes an internal pocket and measures 38 x 42cm with double-stitched 65cm shoulder straps.

Support community, support mob. Get yours by clicking the link in the comments below 👇👇👇

We are officially one month away from opening Future Dreaming 2026!📅 Dates: October 23 – November 21, 2026Alongside the ...
24/09/2026

We are officially one month away from opening Future Dreaming 2026!

📅 Dates: October 23 – November 21, 2026

Alongside the exhibition, we are running a program of public events, panel discussions, and talks throughout the month.

From weaving workshops to artist-led tours and cultural activities, there are many ways to connect with the exhibition.

Places are limited for select events, so explore the full program and secure your tickets via the link below.

23/09/2026

Future Dreaming is almost here! Stay tuned to our socials for more!

To launch our new "Torch Spotlight" series—introducing the team supporting our artists and programs—we sat down with our...
17/09/2026

To launch our new "Torch Spotlight" series—introducing the team supporting our artists and programs—we sat down with our Communications & Marketing Manager, Mathew Mackie, a proud Yuin/Wiradjuri man bringing over a decade of media, policy, and First Nations advocacy experience to our community.

Here's a sample of our Q&A with Mathew:

đź’¬ How would you describe the energy at The Torch in three words?
"Collaborative, warm, and loud."

🎨 Which artwork stuck with you right away?
"Keanu’s 'My Totem the Wren'. It was the first piece I saw in the gallery when I attended my job interview, and the first piece I purchased as part of the team. Superb Fairy Wrens are culturally significant on Yuin Country, and they’re always a treat to see on walks."

đź”— To read the full Q&A and hear about Mathew's office rituals, his advice masterclass, and the other artworks he picked from our collection, click the link in the comments below!

Transformed into a large-scale digital projection along the Birrarung, original paintings by Torch artists illuminate th...
16/09/2026

Transformed into a large-scale digital projection along the Birrarung, original paintings by Torch artists illuminate the façade of Hamer Hall for Water Stories—honouring sacred freshwater life through vibrant light.

⏰ Closing Soon: The lights go out on 26th September—don't miss your chance to experience this powerful installation.

To find out more, click the link in the comments below!

03/09/2026

Proud to stand alongside community for the official launch of Nillumbik Shire Council's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

An important step forward for community self-determination, the day was made even more memorable by brilliant live performances from Eli Yidaki and Will Pritchard!

Join our team! We’re hiring a Gallery Coordinator!You’ll be the welcoming face of our Carlton gallery space—managing art...
01/09/2026

Join our team! We’re hiring a Gallery Coordinator!

You’ll be the welcoming face of our Carlton gallery space—managing artwork sales, packaging art with care, keeping our online store up to date, and ensuring front-of-house operations run seamlessly.

Got experience in customer service, retail, or arts admin, great organisational skills, and a respect for cultural safety? We’d love to hear from you!

👉 Read the job pack and apply in the comments below!

Address

146 Elgin Street
Carlton, VIC
3053

Opening Hours

Wednesday 1pm - 4pm
Thursday 1pm - 4pm
Friday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+61390421236

Website

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