Joel Bray is Chunky Move's first choreographer in residence

Melbourne company Chunky Move has announced that Joel Bray is to become its inaugural choreographer in residence. Beginning in 2021, Joel Bray will undertake an $80,000 two-year residency with Victoria’s leading dance company, an initiative in partnership with the Tanja Liedtke Foundation. 

The introduction of this major new initiative extends Chunky Move’s commitment to supporting established independent choreographers to develop their careers while furthering the company’s ambition to transform how contemporary dance is experienced, valued and understood.

The residency is designed to provide Australian choreographic artists with extensive support to develop and present new work, further their artistic practice, gain organisational knowledge, extend their professional networks and build a meaningful ongoing connection with Chunky Move. 

“It was dancing with Chunky Move which brought me back to Australia. So I am so thrilled to be coming onboard as choreographer-in-residence; it feels like coming home,” Bray says. “I received the news whilst walking through the city and did a little spontaneous dance on the footpath, because this incredible opportunity is such a vote of faith in me and my practice, and a genuine investment in Blackfella work of scale. My heartfelt thanks to both Chunky Move and the Tanja Liedtke Foundation. I can't wait to get cracking next year!”

Antony Hamilton and Kristy Ayre, co-CEO’s of Chunky Move, say. “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Joel Bray as our inaugural Choreographer In Residence for 2021-22. Through the selection process, the panel were blown away by Joel’s enthusiasm for the opportunity and his clear ability to identify how he will work with the company at this critical moment in his career. Joel’s connection to Chunky Move has been significant, having previously been a performer and commissioned artist and we are excited to have his thoughtful, vibrant and creative presence contributing to the artistic program of the company over the next two years."

The Tanja Liedtke Foundation said of the inaugural initiative: “We are fully dedicated to fostering the artistic development of young Australian choreographers and are thankful to be part of this extraordinary program with Chunky Move.”

The new position comes as Chunky Move celebrates its 25th anniversary. A celebratory digital media archive can be found at cmarchive.net, where a wealth of fascinating images, video and other material can be accessed. 

Congratulations to Joel and to Chunky Move!

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