Indigenous Makers’ Studio – Artist Residency

about the residency

NORPA are excited to announce a brand new Artist Residency opportunity as part of the Indigenous Makers’ Studio.

The Artist Residency will support an Artist or Artistic Team to research and develop a new work, continue developing an existing work, or get a work to presentation.

meet the artists

Mitch King

Mitch King

'Flow'

Flow ( working title) is a piece about the connections we have with water and the relationships we’ve had with this element throughout history, from our ancestors to the present. Exploring the universal theme of ‘water' it represents the tribes from the Bundjalung nation and Yaegl country respecting the stories that make us who we are, not only from the land but also the rivers, lakes, waterfalls and the ocean. Flowing through the country like the streams creating connections to the places we call home, family and community. These stories like the Dharagun and The Mighty Clarence River not only associate with the waters but also tell of how they were created, shaped and how it cuts through the land and end out to sea.

Mitch King is a Yaegl Bundjalung man from the Far North Coast region of NSW. He is a creative producer specialising in hip hop music and dance and has been working at NORPA as an Associate Producer and Associate Artist since 2014. He is one part of local hip hop group Teddy Lewis King and teaches dance with young people around the region. He has a background in youth work, collaborating with young people on community events and programs. Mitch combines his passion for hip-hop dance and music with theatre, movement and creative writing to connect with people who want to engage with the performing arts. As a workshop leader he develops people’s unique movement and voice within the rhythm and aesthetic of hip hop.

Mitch is in residency at NORPA from August 12-16 2019.

Photo | Kate Holmes

Thomas E.S. Kelly

Thomas E.S. Kelly

'YARN'

YARN (working title) is a collection of Aboriginal stories to be shared through a physical and theatrical performance. The new solo work, choreographed and performed by Karul Projects Artistic Director Thomas E.S. Kelly, will use his ever evolving and exciting movement vocabulary fused with stories of humour, happiness, triumph, tragedy and creation.

Thomas is a proud Bundjalung-Yugambeh, Wiradjuri, Ni-Vanuatu man. Thomas graduated in 2012 from NAISDA Dance College and has since worked with Vicki Van Hout, Shaun Parker and Company, Branch Nebula, ERTH, Chunky Move, Dancenorth, The FARM, Tasdance, Outer Urban Projects and Urban Theatre Projects. His choreographic credits include his Green Room Award winning work MISCONCEIVE, CO.EX.EN, SANDCIRCLE, VESSEL for Outer Urban Projects, MASS for Chunky Move and Junjeiri Ballun – Gurul Gaureima for Tasdance. Thomas creates work that explores high intensity physical works stemming from a cultural practice fused with contemporary, which incorporates voice and physical percussion. Creating work that ebbs and flows whilst mimicking nature. Thomas creates work that reveals subject matters that offers an opportunity to learn and develop. Remembering the past to better understand the present so we can move forward into the future. In 2017 Thomas created Karul Projects. A new company led by new indigenous voices telling new stories. Karul Projects is resident company at PACT situated in South East Qld and Northern NSW. Thomas is the 2018 Dreaming Award Recipient and a 2019 American Australian Association Alumni.

Thomas is in residency at NORPA from October 1-18 2019.

Photo | Kate Holmes

 

For more information contact Valley Lipcer via [email protected]

supported by

The Indigenous Makers’ Studio was made possible through Create NSW – Creative Koori Aboriginal Strategic Program funding and has been designed to elevate and enhance the skill set of the next generation of young, Indigenous storytellers and performers.

 

Photo | Horses Mouth (2017), Artist Jaymen Drahm. Image by Kate Holmes.