My Special Place
Across the nation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be incarcerated at profoundly disproportionate rates due to the ongoing impacts of systemic racism within Australia's criminal legal system.
First Peoples with lived experience of incarceration share their stories in My Special Place: Cultural Connectivity and Self-determined Decarceration, a deeply human and poignant exhibition. Featuring powerful artworks and artist videos, the exhibition highlights the realities and impacts of incarceration and the importance of cultural practice as a pathway towards connection, renewal and justice.
All artworks will be available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artists. The space will also feature a pop-up library courtesy of Readings, with books by First Nations writers available to read and purchase.
The exhibition will be complemented by a program of public events, including immersive, hands-on weaving workshops led by an artist from The Torch and an intimate evening of storytelling featuring First Nations writers and exhibited artists.
Artwork: Ranwul Ruwi by Tupun Wultatinyeri
Upcoming Events
In collaboration with The Torch, this special NAIDOC Week exhibition at The Wheeler Centre highlights the importance of connection to Country for First Peoples experiencing physical incarceration.
My Special Place: Exhibition
Join artists from The Torch for a hands-on weaving workshop grounded in cultural knowledge, skill-sharing and story.
My Special Place: Weaving Workshop
Hear a remarkable line-up of First Peoples writers and artists share their stories about place, connection and the transformative power of language and art.
My Special Place: An Evening of Storytelling
Presented in partnership with The Torch for NAIDOC Week
The Torch is a First Peoples-led not-for-profit based in Carlton which supports a First Peoples community of artists to break the cycle of incarceration by strengthening cultural connection and knowledge through arts practice. Individual healing and self-determination are fostered by nurturing empowerment, economic elevation and a sense of purpose.
The Torch mentors First Peoples artists with lived experience of incarceration to reconnect with culture and earn income from art sales (with 100% of the artwork price going directly to the artist), licensing, Cultural Activations and exhibitions.
Visit their website to find out more.