The winner of the 2016 Keir Choreographic Award was announced at Carriageworks on Sunday 9 May. Congratulations to Ghenoa Gela, the recipient of the Keir Choreographic Award for 2016. Gela also took out the audience choice award.
The award was announced at the culmination of the finals season, which featured works by the four award finalists, Sarah Aitken, Martin Hansen, Rebecca Jensen and Gela.
Gela's work Fragments of Malungoka – Women of the Sea explores what Gela's female ancestry means to her as a mainland born Torres Strait Islander woman. By sharing her culture with an ensemble of non-Torres Strait women, Ghenoa integrates traditional influences with contemporary movement and technology. "I believe these awards are invaluable for the contemporary dance scene in Australia,” comments Genoa. “The notion that eight new works have been commissioned and multiple artists have been employed through the award is very inspiring for the sector. I am overwhelmed by the support I have felt throughout this time and am proud that my work was considered as a possible reflection of the current dance climate. Big Esso (Thank you) to my parents, from whom I learnt the process of sharing our culture. They led the way for me to be passionate about my Torres Strait identity; something I will be able to continue sharing as a recipient of this award.”
Top: Ghenoa Gela. Photo: Daniel Boud.
