Palawa artist Tye had barely picked up a brush 12 months ago, but as of Friday his work hangs on display and for sale in 'Future Dreaming', an annual exhibition featuring pieces by First Nations artists incarcerated in Victorian prisons, presented by The Torch.

The non-for-profit organisation and project, established in 2011, delivers Indigenous arts programs in prisons and post-release across the state.

Artists keep 100 per cent of profits from sales.

Over 200 works, created in 15 prisons across Victoria this year, are hung on the walls of their Naarm gallery for the exhibition.

It's a representation of the artists' vision for themselves - personally, spiritually, for their relationships, systems ranging from politics to social and the environment - their future after emerging from the prison system.

"When I imagine what my future holds, I always think of security and protection for the people I love," said Wallumattagal artist Karlie, whose art features in Future Dreaming.

"The geckos symbolise past loved ones in my family and they often show up after funerals. I like to believe in my future my ancestors are looking down on my family, keeping us safe and helping us pave a happy future beyond prison."

For Tye, The Torch gave him more than purpose to pass time while incarcerated, it helped him further connect with his culture, he told National Indigenous Times, and look ahead to reconnecting with his 'rock', his dog.

"She's nine years old now. She's been there through lots of times with me, through the hard times, good times," he said.

"Finally connecting with my culture - Palawa...I'm hoping to keep going and keep learning about it and hopefully can keep going with my art work."

Tye said he surprised himself by unlocking the 'artistic side' he didn't know was within.

Matty Chilly visits male prisons around the state and works with program participants as an arts officer with The Torch.

Originally from Mildura - with Wemba-Wemba, Neri-Neri, Yiti-Yiti, Mutti-Mutti, Wuradjuri, Yorta-Yorta, Watti-Watti, Barapa-Barapa, Gubbi Gubbi and Māori family connections - Mr Chilly is a multidisciplinary artist himself.

His journey in art, with knotting textile works, started young, taught by his parents, Aunties and Uncles.

For some of those he works with, it's their first introduction to art. For others he said it's about helping them find their 'muscle memory'.

"You can see, over time, their change in development of their styles, their techniques, their just overall content on the canvas," he said.

"They're getting that feel for the brush on canvas."

Mr Chilly says it's a privilege to see the relationships and see something develop in many of the men.

"All they all they know is the four walls. We're making impacts for these guys in their lives, with their art, with opening their eyes to a new type of path...to make their future a little brighter. I see that happen. It's very important."

The Torch identify an 11 per cent reduction in recidivism as a result of their program, Mr Chilly said.

For artists currently incarcerated, 70 per cent of sales revenue is withheld for their transition into the community.

Tye said "if you sell a painting, it's like gold...getting your artwork out there and being able to show what you can do".

"The torch has helped me...it's helped me learn about my culture. It's helped me keep myself out of trouble. Whenever I get upset or sad I'll go and sit down and paint. My mind goes into its own little zone."

Every artwork - all 30x30cm canvases - in Future Dreaming is priced between $180 and $330.

The month-long exhibition at 146 Elgin Street in Carlton opens October 24.

All works are also available to purchase online.

"This painting represents everything I look forward to in the future - being free! Being back on Country, back with my Mob, connecting back with my roots, connecting back to my culture. Most of all it represents me being home again," Yorta Yorta artist Sam H said.