THOMAS E.S. KELLY

Thomas E.S. Kelly is a proud Bundjalung-Yugambeh, Wiradjuri and Ni-Vanuatu man.  He studied at NAISDA Dance College, graduating in 2012.  Thomas is an artist that works with multiple art forms which include choreography, dance, theatre, music composition, puppetry and teaching.

 In 2017, Thomas co-founded and became Co-Artistic Director of Karul Projects. 

 Thomas’ performance credits include: Long Grass and Les Festivities Lubrufier (Vicki Van Hout), Am I and Trolleys (Shaun Parker & Co.), Dinosaur Zoo (Erth, Visual & Physical), 1770 A Tale Not Often Told (Founding Modern Australia), Accumulation (Chunky Move) and Throttle (The Farm).

 Thomas creates work that offers audiences an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal Australia and where that fits into the modern world.  Acknowledging the past, to understand the present, to better the future, knowledge is a source of power and it must be shared.  

 Thomas’ choreography credits include: [Mis]Conceive, Co_Ex_En, Sand Circle. and SShiftt (Karul Projects), Vessel (Outer Urban Projects), Mass (Chunky Move), Junjeiri Ballun-Gurul Gaureima (Tasdance) and Communal Table (Dancenorth).

 Thomas won a Green Room award for Outstanding Choreography by an emerging Artist/Choreographer for his work [Mis]Conceive in 2016 and Best Dance award at Adelaide Fringe for the same work in 2020.

 Thomas is the 2018 recipient of The Dreaming Awards which is a part of the National Indigenous Arts Awards.