Ian RT Colless / Knowledge Circle Participant

Ian RT Colless is a member of the Dharabuladh (Therabluat) clan of the Gundungurra people.

Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts from QUT. A Bachelor of Arts (1st Class Honours) from WAAPA. A Masters of Arts (1st Class Masters) from New York University. At NYU completed an Independent Study & designed a curriculum, through full-time study, coursework & participation with the American Ballet Theatre (America’s National Ballet Company), & observation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School (NYC). A graduate of Harvard Business School’s Executive Education’s Strategic Agility Program. Recently completing the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s Milparanga Established Leaders Program.

Ian has been a Choreographer in Residence at NAISDA Dance College. Artist in Residence at Performing Arts Forum (France), & the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (Canada). Has been commissioned to create works at; The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (NYC), The Alvin Ailey American Citigroup Theatre (NYC), La MaMa Moves Dance Festival (Broadway, NYC), The Queens Fringe Festival (NYC), Summer Stage Central Park (NYC), The Australian Consulate (NYC), National Dance Week (NYC), The Australian Embassy Washington (DC), New York University, The RUBABOO Arts Festival hosted in collaboration with Alberta Aboriginal Arts (Canada), The Brisbane Festival (QLD), The Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences; Powerhouse (NSW). 

Currently the Assistant Director of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Engagement, Culture & Arts for the Australian Capital Territory with ACT Government & artsACT.