At Seekers, we are dedicated to giving back to our community. Through our Seekers Supports program, our valued customers help us to select a charity to receive a $1,000 donation each quarter.
We are thrilled to share that this quarter's chosen organisation is The Torch – a Victorian statewide program supporting First Peoples artists with lived experience of incarceration, using art as a powerful pathway to cultural reconnection, healing and self-determination.
Operating across Victoria's prison system and in the community, The Torch works with First Nations people who are currently incarcerated or recently released, providing artistic support, cultural connection and financial income through art sales. Each year, The Torch works with artists from approximately 80 cultural language groups within Victorian prisons and throughout the community.
Each year, The Torch supports over 800 First Peoples artists to break the cycle of incarceration by strengthening cultural connection and knowledge through arts practice. Their annual Confined exhibition is a cornerstone of this work – a showcase of paintings, weaving, ceramics and carved emu eggs, where 100% of sales go directly back to the artists.
Since 2016, more than 1,000 artists have collectively earned over $6 million through The Torch. Participants in the program have a return-to-prison rate of just 17%, compared with the national average of more than 70%.
Visit The Torch to learn more about the important work they are doing within the community.
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Photo // The Torch ‘Future Dreaming 2026: Voices Beyond the Walls’ official exhibition image title ‘These Feathers’ by Lachy Shedding
If you would like to support The Torch further, their upcoming exhibition Future Dreaming 2026: Voices Beyond the Walls runs from 23 October to 21 November at The Torch Gallery, 146 Elgin Street, Carlton. Entry is free, artworks are affordably priced from $180, and every dollar goes directly to the artists. Event information can be found here.
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To date, Seekers has proudly donated $24k to 24 charities across Melbourne and beyond. Thank you for helping us to support our community!
Are there other charities you would like Seekers to support? Get in touch with us via email or instore to let us know!
