About

Thomas E.S. Kelly is a proud Minjungbal-Yugambeh, Wiradjuri and Ni-Vanuatu man. He studied at NAISDA Dance College and graduated 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. He employs up to 12 Indigenous people each year across his arts performances. Thomas creates work that offers audiences an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal Australia and where that fits into to 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 choreographic credits include; [MIS]CONCEIVE - Karul Projects CO_EX_EN - Karul Projects SILENCE - Karul Projects SAND CIRCLE. - Karul Projects MASS (from Accumulation) - Chunky Move Best Dance Award at Adelaide Fringe for [MIS]CONCEIVE - 2020 Thomas is the 2018 recipient of The Dreaming Awards which is apart of the National Indigenous Arts Awards. Thomas is the 2020 Mcknight Institute International Choreographer Fellow. “AS CO-FOUNDER OF KARUL PROJECTS WE CREATE EMPLOYMENT FOR UP TO 12 INDIGENOUS DANCERS EVERY YEAR AND TOUR REGULARLY AROUND THE COUNTRY”