Philip Channells / National Regional Arts Fellow '25

Rosebank, NSW
Artform: Dance/Physical Theatre
Project Title: Professional development project: strengthening regional dance & building producing skills through international consultation 

Philip Channells is a Northern Rivers-based dance artist, choreographer, and creative producer known for his inclusive and socially engaged approach to contemporary dance. With over two decades of international experience, including in the UK, Europe, and Asia, Philip has collaborated with innovative artists and organisations such as the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, and ZODIAK - Centre for New Dance. His work explores themes of identity, memory, and social justice, focusing on the intersection of age, culture, and body. As a socially engaged artist, Philip amplifies the voices of marginalised communities, particularly aging LGBTQIA+ elders & HIV/AIDS survivors, using performance as a tool for collective reflection. Philip’s notable works include Next of Kin for Restless Dance Theatre, PERFECT imPERFECTIONS – stories untold (commissioned by DansiT for the Multiplié Dansefestival), and Off The Record (in partnership with Force Majeure and Dance Integrated Australia). 

Recent projects include The VITALITY Project (ACON Northern Rivers) and IM//BUE (an intergenerational workshop series co-created with Queensland Ballet’s Community and Education team). In 2022 Philip collaborated with Arts Northern Rivers and Patternmakers as the Research and Design Consultant for the Dance Sector Uplift report. From long term recommendations Philip designed PRACTICE AND PLAY, a new initiative for creatives of the Northern Rivers region and is a founding creative producer of PH(R)ASE, an initiative supporting independent dance artists in the Northern Rivers, Philip continues to foster community-driven collaborations, cementing his reputation as a key figure in Australian contemporary dance.  

www.philipchannells.com
@philip.channells
@phra_se1