By embracing participants as artists rather than offenders, the program provides an avenue for change, supporting Indigenous men and women to reconnect with their culture and earn income from art sales and licensing while developing self-esteem, cultural pride, and resilience. It also supports participants to integrate back into the community by fostering new networks and opening doors for educational and vocational pursuits and creative skills development.
In 2020, The Torch’s In-Prison program supported 299 Indigenous men and women from across Victoria’s 15 correctional facilities, while 189 ex-offenders participated in the Post-Release program.