Since 2020, G4S has sponsored The Torch Acquisitive Art Prize, as part of the annual ‘Confined’ Exhibition.

The exhibition presents more than 450 artworks by First Nations artists currently imprisoned in Victoria, or who have been released in recent years. It is a powerful reflection of the over-representation of First Nations Australians in our criminal justice system and highlights the need for change.

This year the G4S Acquisitive Award was awarded to Melissa Bell, a proud Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta woman.

Melissa paints where she comes from, her totem and her Country. She likes to represent her Country and culture in bright colours and striking patterns, such as diamonds to represent fishing spots and dots to represent waterholes.

‘Making art makes me feel connected to my land. To be an Aboriginal female artist, just to put down a beautiful picture from my Country - knowing I can put that down on a canvas and express my Country to other people is amazing,’ Melissa said.

Melissa believes that ‘art has always been a part of me’ but being a part of The Torch has changed her life. She has been able to get her artwork out into the world, which she thinks has kept her out of prison and saved her life.

Overall, the partnership between G4S and The Torch represents a significant step forward in supporting Indigenous offender rehabilitation. By leveraging The Torch's expertise in art programs, G4S can provide culturally appropriate services that support the rehabilitation and reintegration of Indigenous offenders and ex-offenders into their communities.