The Torch

Did you know The Torch facilitates artwork licensing for our artists? This generates crucial revenue for them. Explore recent projects featuring Torch artists: https://lnkd.in/gnZUZrvK   Yorta Yorta/Bunurong artist S. Baker's 'Two Brothers' was adapted for the Reconciliation Action Plan for Boston Consulting Group (BCG) with this stunning result. What do you think? "The two emus are me and my younger brother. The two boomerangs are what we hunt with. The gum tree leaves and waterholes are where we camp under the gum trees. All the dots are places we've been and where we are going in life, to reconnect with all our loved ones, family, and friends."

✨ Future Dreaming is now OPEN! ✨   The Torch is absolutely blown away by the turnout and the incredible response to our exhibition launch. We're thrilled to have sold over half of the works on the very first day!   It was a joy to host you at our new gallery in Carlton, on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, and we hope to see you again soon.   'Future Dreaming' runs until Saturday 23rd November. We’d love for you to swing by during the following hours below. ⏰ Open hours: • Tuesday – Friday: 1pm - 5pm • Saturday: 11am - 3pm   For those who can’t make it to Carlton, the exhibition is also live online! If you haven’t already, take a moment to explore the mosaic of artworks, read the moving stories, and support your favourite artists. Special thanks to: Creative Victoria Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts - Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support  Australian Communities Foundation Margaret Lawrence Bequest Highland Foundation City of Melbourne Melbourne Rd Art & Canvas Stretching Levantine Hill CAPI SPARKLING Bodriggy Brewing Company Decently Exposed Guardian Australia   #FutureDreaming  #ArtExhibition  #FirstNationsArt  #cityofmelbourne #melbmoment

This is going to be great!

Torch Creative Director and proud Barkindji man, Kent Morris, shared powerful insights at a NAIDOC Week event and Reconciliation Action Plan launch for Wilson Parking Australia. Kent spoke about the incredible stories behind several artworks, and of the artists’ journeys to reconnect with culture through art. His message resonated deeply with Wilson Parking team, who have been incredible supporters of The Torch, amplifying First Nations voices through artwork purchases, licensing and storytelling. Discover how The Torch can enrich your organisation's reconciliation journey: https://lnkd.in/gZgA297f #NAIDOCWeek #FirstNationsArt #Reconciliation

Kent Morris and Thelma Beeton spoke at the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSBC) today, to celebrate their new offices at 500 Bourke St in Melbourne CBD. VLSBC has previously licensed Thelma's work. Almost a year ago The Torch launched the 'Walpa' exhibition, where the VLSBC purchased two works by Robby Wirramanda and integrated them into their office design!    It was an action-packed afternoon of speeches, learning and celebrating. All from the lofty heights of the 27th floor!    If you or your organisation wants to collaborate with First Nations artists, we would love to hear from you! https://lnkd.in/gZgA297f #FirstNationsArt

'Future Dreaming' is an exhibition of 250 artworks created by First Nations artists incarcerated in Victorian prisons in 2024. Each artist has created an artwork that explores their concept of “Future Dreaming.” Re-entering society after incarceration is a challenging transition, with 50.2 per cent of incarcerated #Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslanders returning to prison within two years of their release. The Torch works with artists to strengthen the cultural, economic, and social connections that help break the cycle of reoffending. Using brushes, paint and canvas, artists participating in 'Future Dreaming' explore dreamt and potential pathways ahead of their release. The resulting artworks express their visions and aspirations. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gA4DNUN4

A huge thank you to Flowerdale Estate for supporting The Torch program and for showcasing First Nations art! 

THANK YOU to all those who donated to our recent matched giving campaign.  Your gift was matched by EthicalJobs.com.au and raised $19,114 !   Your donations ensure we can commit to a full public program as part of the exhibition complete with workshops, floor talks and a community day – all led by our post-release In-Community artists, who we engage with professionally paid meaningful employment.

We are excited to announce that Benson Saulo has taken on the role of Chairperson at The Torch! We’re very excited about the next chapter! We extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing Chair, the Hon. Jeff Kennett AC, for his leadership over the past nine years.

$1,000 TO GO! We’re just $1,000 short of the $9,000 matched giving goal – can you help us reach our target? Until 12 noon tomorrow, your gift will go twice as far – all donations up to $9,000 are being matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to EthicalJobs.com.au.   Will you make a tax-deductible donation to make Future Dreaming a reality? Your donation helps incarcerated First Nations artists envision a new future. Donate now: https://lnkd.in/gniws63R