We Sit in Circle is an exhibition about women’s strength, hope, and survival.
The second iteration of a series presented by The Torch in partnership with Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC), We Sit in Circle showcases powerful paintings and intricate weavings by First Peoples women with lived experience of incarceration. They are mothers, aunties, grandmothers, daughters, and sisters.
For generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have used symbols as a visual language to pass down stories, preserve cultural knowledge and express spiritual beliefs. While their meanings vary across different language groups, many messages are shared. One such symbol is the circle, which represents a meeting or resting place. It reflects how we come together – sitting in circles, yarning (talking), and sharing. Lines extending from the circle signify journey paths, showing movement to and from that place of connection.
Curated to reflect the circle and a resting place, We Sit in Circle positions works by artists in the community near the entrance and exits of the gallery space, while those positioned in the centre are by artists currently in prison. This design reflects the position of each artists’ journey – with those in the centre regrouping, reconnecting and resting until they in time, join the community and continue on their own paths after release.
All artworks are available to purchase and 100% of the artwork price goes directly to the artist.
We Sit in Circle is curated by Flick Chafer-Smith, Ngarrindjeri artist and First Peoples Arts Mentor at The Torch.
This exhibition is presented as part of NAIDOC Week. QVWC is delighted to be celebrating NAIDOC Week with The Torch and to have an opportunity to support this exciting new exhibition in its Birnbeal gallery, a space designed to support emerging women and gender diverse artists.
Dates: 3–30 July 2026
Location: Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, Birnbeal Rainbow Exhibition Space, Ground Floor, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne 3000
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Artwork credit: Kim A, Palawa people, Future Journey 2026 (detail), acrylic on canvas, 40 x 40 cm
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