Creative Australia mourns the passing of Uncle Noel Tovey AM, a revered artist, activist, and Elder whose remarkable career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the arts landscape.
Uncle Noel’s journey was one of resilience and triumph, emerging from early hardships to become Australia’s pioneering Indigenous male ballet dancer. His stellar career saw him as a principal dancer with Sadler’s Wells Opera Ballet in London, later transitioning into directing and choreographing acclaimed productions across continents.
Noteworthy among Noel’s directorial achievements were groundbreaking works like The Aboriginal Protestors and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, featuring all-First Nations casts, showcased at the Sydney Olympic Arts Festival in 2000.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Noel was a dedicated mentor and educator, founding a performing arts program at the Eora Centre for Aboriginal Studies and establishing the Noel Tovey Scholarship Fund at the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, aimed at facilitating access for young talents.
Uncle Noel was also a prominent advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, actively involved in initiatives to rectify past injustices, notably contributing to the expungement of historical convictions related to consensual homosexual activity.
His life story found resonance in the pages of his memoir, “Little Black Bastard,” later brought to life on stage in a one-man production that toured nationally and internationally. His second memoir, “And Then I Found Me,” chronicled his experiences in London and his accidental presence at the iconic Stonewall Riots in New York in 1969.
Throughout his illustrious career, Uncle Noel maintained a close partnership with Creative Australia, previously known as the Australia Council for the Arts, serving as a peer and committee member for several years. He was a recipient of multiple grants and fellowships supporting his creative pursuits, including the lauded autobiographical stage production, “Little Black Bastard.”
Franchesca Cubillo, Executive Director of First Nations Arts and Culture, lauds Uncle Noel’s legacy, hailing him as a beacon of resilience, creativity, and bravery who paved the way for future generations of artists and advocates.
Creative Australia pays tribute to Uncle Noel Tovey AM, extending heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues, and communities, recognizing his exceptional life and the enduring influence of his work.
Vale Uncle Noel Tovey AM (25.12.1934 – 11.08.2025)
As we reflect on Uncle Noel’s legacy, his contributions stand as a testament to the power of art in fostering social change and breaking down barriers, leaving an indelible imprint on the cultural fabric of Australia and beyond.
His unwavering dedication to his craft, coupled with his advocacy for marginalized communities, serves as an inspirational narrative for aspiring artists and activists, underscoring the transformative potential of creativity in effecting meaningful societal progress.
Uncle Noel’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched, his artistic legacy serving as a guiding light for future generations navigating the complexities of identity, equality, and artistic expression.
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