ABOUT
Yel K. Banto is a Swiss-Chilean choreographer and artist based between Switzerland and the Netherlands. Their practice is collaborative and moves across art direction, choreography, performance, music, design, visual arts, and curation, exploring the intersections and frictions between these disciplines.
Deeply rooted in queer philosophies of art-making, Yel's approach is poetic, shapeshifting and plays with the tension between playfulness and sophistication. Their work places particular emphasis on sensory experience and embraces intuition, live direction and hands-on processes as essential tools for creation.
Yel is a co-founder of Collectif Kimera, which runs Espace Dukat, an artist-run contemporary art space in Geneva, Switzerland, established in 2023. They have also been invited as a guest performing arts curator for Wunderkammer, a Lausanne-based cultural and artistic collective founded in 2013 by architects, artists, and art historians, which develops temporary installations, exhibitions, and performances in urban spaces, heritage sites, and buildings awaiting redevelopment.
Yel has co-curated an exhibition at PS:Communitism in Athens and was previously part of Collectif QULT, a queer-focused cultural and nightlife collective based in Lausanne, where they contributed to production and music programming. Alongside their curatorial and production work, Yel regularly works as an outside eye and dramaturge for artists and makers, primarily between Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Yel is currently studying choreography at the School for New Dance Development (SNDO) in Amsterdam. They hold an academic background in Fine Arts from the University of Art and Design Geneva (HEAD) and the University of Art and Design Lausanne (ECAL). They have presented their work internationally through performances and installations. In 2023, Yel while also contributing as a curator for Wunderkammer in Lausanne.
© Markus Goessi
CONTACT
CURRICULUM VITAE
Education
2024 - Ongoing
BA Choreography,
School for New Dance Development, Amsterdam (SNDO)
BA Choreography,
School for New Dance Development, Amsterdam (SNDO)
2020 - 2023
BA Fine Arts, (awarded with the jury's honours)
University of Art and Design of Geneva (HEAD)
2022
Exchange semester,
Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA)
2019 - 2020
Foundation year,
University of Art and Design of Lausanne (ECAL)
2016 - 2019
A-level in Fine Arts and Design, (awarded for outstanding achievement)
Gymnase Auguste Piccard, Lausanne
BA Fine Arts, (awarded with the jury's honours)
University of Art and Design of Geneva (HEAD)
2022
Exchange semester,
Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA)
2019 - 2020
Foundation year,
University of Art and Design of Lausanne (ECAL)
2016 - 2019
A-level in Fine Arts and Design, (awarded for outstanding achievement)
Gymnase Auguste Piccard, Lausanne
Awards and scholarships
2025/2026, 2026/2027
Ernst Göhner Scholarship
Swiss Study Foundation and Ernst Göhner Foundation
Awarded to promising artists based on artistic potential and academic merit.
Ernst Göhner Scholarship
Swiss Study Foundation and Ernst Göhner Foundation
Awarded to promising artists based on artistic potential and academic merit.
2019
Finalist for the Prix d’Arts Visuels Vaudois
Nominated for a regional award recognising outstanding emerging artistic practices in the secondary education level.
Finalist for the Prix d’Arts Visuels Vaudois
Nominated for a regional award recognising outstanding emerging artistic practices in the secondary education level.
2019
Fine Arts Award for outstanding achievement
Gymnase Auguste Piccard, Lausanne
Granted for excellence in visual arts at the secondary education level.
Fine Arts Award for outstanding achievement
Gymnase Auguste Piccard, Lausanne
Granted for excellence in visual arts at the secondary education level.
Curation, lineup and art space management
2024
Guest performing arts curator,
Wunderkammer, Lausanne
2023 - 2024
Co-founder and artist-in-residence,
Espace Dukat, Geneva
2022
Curation of the exhibition Forbidden Fruit,
PS: Communitism, Athens
2018 - 2022
Music lineup and production assistant,
Collectif QULT, Le Romandie, Lausanne
Guest performing arts curator,
Wunderkammer, Lausanne
2023 - 2024
Co-founder and artist-in-residence,
Espace Dukat, Geneva
2022
Curation of the exhibition Forbidden Fruit,
PS: Communitism, Athens
2018 - 2022
Music lineup and production assistant,
Collectif QULT, Le Romandie, Lausanne
Experiences
2024
Production assistant, Bastien Gachet, Geneva
Production assistant, Bastien Gachet, Geneva
2024
Stage direction assistant, PRICE,
Gessnerallee Zürich, Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne,
Kunsthaus Pasquart Bienne.
2023
Stage direction assistant, Julie Monot,
Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
Stage direction assistant, PRICE,
Gessnerallee Zürich, Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne,
Kunsthaus Pasquart Bienne.
2023
Stage direction assistant, Julie Monot,
Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
2019
Communication internship for Programme Commun,
Théâtre de Vidy, Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Théâtre Sévelin 36, Lausanne
Communication internship for Programme Commun,
Théâtre de Vidy, Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Théâtre Sévelin 36, Lausanne
2018
Stage direction internship, Cie Phillipe Saire,
Théâtre Sévelin 36, Lausanne
Stage direction internship, Cie Phillipe Saire,
Théâtre Sévelin 36, Lausanne
Workshops
2025
Wasteland, Amsterdam University of the Arts, (2h)
Wasteland, Amsterdam University of the Arts, (2h)
2024
Dogo Residenz, Liechtensteig (1h30)
2024
Espace Dukat, Genève X L'Abri, Geneva (18h)
2024
Espace Dukat, Genève X Théatre de St-Gervais, Geneva (4h)
Dogo Residenz, Liechtensteig (1h30)
2024
Espace Dukat, Genève X L'Abri, Geneva (18h)
2024
Espace Dukat, Genève X Théatre de St-Gervais, Geneva (4h)
Residencies
2024
Théâtre de Sévelin 36, Lausanne (Creation - 4 weeks)
2024
DOGO Residenz, St-Gallen (Research - 4 months)
Théâtre de Sévelin 36, Lausanne (Creation - 4 weeks)
2024
DOGO Residenz, St-Gallen (Research - 4 months)
Choreography and stage direction
2026
Rust, Fire and Faggots,
Direction: Yel K. Banto
Performers and artistic collaborators:
Yevheniya Kravets, Merle Havas, Michelle Samba, Yadin Akira Bernauer, Jozef Jie Sheng Chua
Artistic adviser: Elisa Zuppini
Production: SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
Rust, Fire and Faggots,
Direction: Yel K. Banto
Performers and artistic collaborators:
Yevheniya Kravets, Merle Havas, Michelle Samba, Yadin Akira Bernauer, Jozef Jie Sheng Chua
Artistic adviser: Elisa Zuppini
Production: SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
2025
Under Lilies' Breath,
Direction: Yel K. Banto
Performers and artistic collaborators: Yadin Bernauer, Jozef Jie Chua, Yevheniya Kravets, Merle Havas (bass guitar)
Artistic adviser: Soraya Lutangu Bonaventure
Production:
SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
2024
The fool's fugue,
Direction and performer: Yel K. Banto
Sound composition: Hugo Landage
Outside eye: Sonja Jokiniemi
Production: Théâtre Sévelin 36, Lausanne
2024
L'âge de nos Idées,
Invitation: Yan Duyvendak
Artistic contributors and performers: Yel K. Banto, Yan Duyvendak, Mia La-Brossard
Artistic consultant & dramaturgy: Clara Delorme, Antoine Weil
Assistant: Guillaumarc Froidevaux
Music & light design, techniques: Luca Kasper
Screen/dress design: Safia Semlali
Creative production and tour management: Charlotte Terrapon
Co-production: by La Bâtie, Geneva / Grütli - Centre de production et de diffusion des arts vivants, Geneva / Festival de Marseille / Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
Under Lilies' Breath,
Direction: Yel K. Banto
Performers and artistic collaborators: Yadin Bernauer, Jozef Jie Chua, Yevheniya Kravets, Merle Havas (bass guitar)
Artistic adviser: Soraya Lutangu Bonaventure
Production:
SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
2024
The fool's fugue,
Direction and performer: Yel K. Banto
Sound composition: Hugo Landage
Outside eye: Sonja Jokiniemi
Production: Théâtre Sévelin 36, Lausanne
2024
L'âge de nos Idées,
Invitation: Yan Duyvendak
Artistic contributors and performers: Yel K. Banto, Yan Duyvendak, Mia La-Brossard
Artistic consultant & dramaturgy: Clara Delorme, Antoine Weil
Assistant: Guillaumarc Froidevaux
Music & light design, techniques: Luca Kasper
Screen/dress design: Safia Semlali
Creative production and tour management: Charlotte Terrapon
Co-production: by La Bâtie, Geneva / Grütli - Centre de production et de diffusion des arts vivants, Geneva / Festival de Marseille / Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
Interpretation
2026
Hayden Bouvet, Amsterdam
Co-Production: Frascati Theatre - Amsterdam, SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
2026
Bricks Have Eyes,
Yevheniya Kravets, Amsterdam
Production: SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
2024
In the garden between our armpits a moth bloomed,
Anllel Maria, Amsterdam
Production: SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
2024
Killing Time,
Julie Monot, Lausanne
Co-production: Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
2023
Rictus,
Julie Monot, Lausanne
Co-production: Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, Geneva / Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
Hayden Bouvet, Amsterdam
Co-Production: Frascati Theatre - Amsterdam, SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
2026
Bricks Have Eyes,
Yevheniya Kravets, Amsterdam
Production: SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
2024
In the garden between our armpits a moth bloomed,
Anllel Maria, Amsterdam
Production: SNDO - Choreography, Academy of Theatre and Dance
2024
Killing Time,
Julie Monot, Lausanne
Co-production: Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
2023
Rictus,
Julie Monot, Lausanne
Co-production: Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, Geneva / Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
2023
Room of Doubts,
Julie Monot, Lausanne
Co-production: Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
2020 - 2022
Charivari,
Cie Mélanie Gobet, Fribourg
Co-production: L’Oriental, Vevey / Le Dansomètre, Vevey
Room of Doubts,
Julie Monot, Lausanne
Co-production: Arsenic – Centre d’art scénique contemporain, Lausanne
2020 - 2022
Charivari,
Cie Mélanie Gobet, Fribourg
Co-production: L’Oriental, Vevey / Le Dansomètre, Vevey
Performances
2026
Translocal Performance Art, Giswil
2024
Fondation Francine Delacrétaz, Espace Arlaud, Lausanne
LiveInYourHead, Geneva (with Laurent Fiorentino)
Théâtre de l’Usine, Genève, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Friedengasse 1, Zurich
Translocal Performance Art, Giswil
2024
Fondation Francine Delacrétaz, Espace Arlaud, Lausanne
LiveInYourHead, Geneva (with Laurent Fiorentino)
Théâtre de l’Usine, Genève, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Friedengasse 1, Zurich
2023
One Gee in Fog, Geneva, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Festival ACT, HKB - Bern, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Festival ACT, édhéa - Sierre, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Festival ACT, HEAD - Geneva, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Art’s Birthday 2023, Les 6 Toîts, Geneva, (RTS Culture, Ensemble Contrechamps and HEAD - Geneva)
2022
Sofia Art Week, Doza Gallery, Sofia
The Big Simili Show, LiveInYourHead, Geneva, Commissioned by Tadeo Kohan and Gabrielle Boder
La Grange, Lausanne
One Gee in Fog, Geneva, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Festival ACT, HKB - Bern, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Festival ACT, édhéa - Sierre, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Festival ACT, HEAD - Geneva, (with Sébastien Roussi)
Art’s Birthday 2023, Les 6 Toîts, Geneva, (RTS Culture, Ensemble Contrechamps and HEAD - Geneva)
2022
Sofia Art Week, Doza Gallery, Sofia
The Big Simili Show, LiveInYourHead, Geneva, Commissioned by Tadeo Kohan and Gabrielle Boder
La Grange, Lausanne
2021
Performance festival, Atle Schreinerei, Bern, curated by Bacio Collective
Walking on Sunshine, Versoix, curated by Christophe Lovasoa Kauffmann
Performance festival, Atle Schreinerei, Bern, curated by Bacio Collective
Walking on Sunshine, Versoix, curated by Christophe Lovasoa Kauffmann
2020
Online performance, Valentin 61, Lausanne
La Placette, Lausanne
Online performance, Valentin 61, Lausanne
La Placette, Lausanne
2018 - 2020
Club sandwich, Queer parties organised by the Collectif QULT, Le Romandie, Lausanne
Club sandwich, Queer parties organised by the Collectif QULT, Le Romandie, Lausanne
2020
Lausanne Space Dance, Le Bourg, Lausanne
Lausanne Space Dance, Le Bourg, Lausanne
2019
Voodart, Centre Culturel des Amériques Latines, Lausanne
Fesse-tival, Genève
Traces de Passages, Lausanne
Théâtre de Beaulieu, Lausanne
Festival CMJN, Lausanne
Voodart, Centre Culturel des Amériques Latines, Lausanne
Fesse-tival, Genève
Traces de Passages, Lausanne
Théâtre de Beaulieu, Lausanne
Festival CMJN, Lausanne
2018
Quartier du Flon, Lausanne
Quartier du Flon, Lausanne
Solo exhibitions
2022
Fragmented Bodies, La Placette, Lausanne
Fragmented Bodies, La Placette, Lausanne
Collective exhibitions
2026
+41 x CINQUE, Balerna, Curated by Associazione Più Quarantuno
+41 x CINQUE, Balerna, Curated by Associazione Più Quarantuno
2024
Fondation Francine Delacrétaz, Espace Arlaud, Lausanne
Dogo Totale, St-Gallen
Galerie Fabienne Levy, Lausanne
Espace Dukat, Geneva
Wallstreet, Fribourg
2023
Grand Tour, HEAD - Geneva
Aux Abris, Lausanne
Fondation Francine Delacrétaz, Espace Arlaud, Lausanne
Dogo Totale, St-Gallen
Galerie Fabienne Levy, Lausanne
Espace Dukat, Geneva
Wallstreet, Fribourg
2023
Grand Tour, HEAD - Geneva
Aux Abris, Lausanne
2022
La Grange édition n°4, Lausanne
EMPATHY, with Hannah Doepke, Cantina Social, Athens
EMPATHY, with Hannah Doepke, Literature House, Athens
La Grange édition n°4, Lausanne
EMPATHY, with Hannah Doepke, Cantina Social, Athens
EMPATHY, with Hannah Doepke, Literature House, Athens
2021
Tore del Forni, Balerna, Curated by Associazione +41
Tore del Forni, Balerna, Curated by Associazione +41
2020
Exhibition in a flat, Lausanne
La Grange édition n°2, Lausanne
Galerie l’Elac, Lausanne
Exhibition in a flat, Lausanne
La Grange édition n°2, Lausanne
Galerie l’Elac, Lausanne
2019
Centre Culturel des Amériques Latines, Lausanne
Traces de Passages, Lausanne
Electrosanne, Lausanne
Théâtre de Sévelin 36, Lausanne
Ville de Vevey, (with Maelle Amiet)
Festival Animai, Vevey
Centre Culturel des Amériques Latines, Lausanne
Traces de Passages, Lausanne
Electrosanne, Lausanne
Théâtre de Sévelin 36, Lausanne
Ville de Vevey, (with Maelle Amiet)
Festival Animai, Vevey
2018
Espace Dem’Art, Lausanne
Quartier du Flon, Lausanne
Festival Animai, Vevey
Espace Dem’Art, Lausanne
Quartier du Flon, Lausanne
Festival Animai, Vevey