Philip Channells is a 2025 Regional Arts Australia Fellow and an award-winning creative director, producer, and industry mentor at the forefront of dance in Australia and internationally. Renowned for championing artist-led initiatives, sector inclusivity, and cross-cultural partnerships, with a proven record of delivering innovative, high-impact projects. Specialist in community engagement, Accessible & Inclusive collaborations, and strategic sector development.

RECENT KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Recipient, Regional Arts Australia Fellowship (2025) – Professional development and international partnership-building in the UK.

Initiator & Leader: Dance Sector Uplift; engaged 120+ underrepresented artists and informed regional arts policy.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Dance Integrated Australia | Creative Director / Producer

Dec 2012 – current

Collaborations with The Farm, Force Majeure, Bundanon Trust, SOH, Tasmania Performs, West Kowloon, Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, ZODIAK. Developed inclusive, artist-led programs including Beyond Technique, Raconteurs, The Corner Dance Lab, MOVE IT Dance Fitness Fun, PRACTICE & PLAY and PH(R)ASE.

                  •               Founded and produced over 30 major dance works and residencies with key partners (e.g., Bundanon Trust, The Farm, West Kowloon C.D.A., Garage Museum Moscow).
                  •               Developed artist-led platforms: PRACTICE AND PLAY, PH(R)ASE//:, and flagship programs supporting regionally based and underrepresented artists.
                  •               Designed and delivered MOVE IT Dance Fitness Fun, expanding from community care homes to region-wide open classes for diverse ages and abilities.
                  •               Established new revenue streams through partnerships, council and venue engagement, special events, and corporate collaborations.
                  •               Mentored and managed creative and technical teams, fostering professional growth and sustainable practice.

Arts Northern Rivers | Research & Design Consultant

Dec 2022 – Dec 2023

Produced the Dance Sector Uplift project designed to reactivate and reinvigorate the dance, physical theatre and experimental performance sector of the NSW Northern Rivers region and collaborated with Patternmakers to co-design strategic tools for long-term sector resilience and growth.

                •               Led the Dance Sector Uplift flood recovery initiative, revitalising the Northern Rivers dance community (including Bundjalung, Yaegl, and Gumbaynggirr nations).
                  •               Coordinated stakeholder engagement, including First Nations knowledge holders and industry leaders, to inform regional cultural planning.
                  •               Delivered the region’s first dance-focused Yarning Circle; embedded cultural protocols and protocols for equity, care, and sustainability.
                  •               Co-created strategic marketing, survey, and consultation materials with ANR’s in-house team and Patternmakers research agency.

Restless Dance Theatre | Artistic Director

May 2009 – Jul 2012

Secured Australia Council triennial funding to expand touring and artistic programming. Pioneered inclusive professional programs recognising artists with and without disability as equals. Established the Debut mentoring initiative with Adelaide College of the Arts and led the company’s first international tour for DFAT’s Australia Week in Papua New Guinea, promoting cross-cultural exchange and inclusive practices abroad.

                  •               Secured triennial funding through the Australia Council to expand the company’s reach and develop a touring repertoire.
                  •               Innovated the company’s professional program so that disabled and non-disabled artists worked and were remunerated equally.
                  •               Established the Debut program in partnership with Adelaide College of the Arts for cross-sector artist mentorship.
                  •               Led company’s first international tour (Papua New Guinea, 2012) for DFAT’s Australia Week, advancing cultural diplomacy and inclusion.

EDUCATION

Link Dance Company, Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Perth WA

2003

Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) (unfinished)

Adelaide College of the Arts (AC Arts, formerly CPA & AIT), Adelaide SA

1998 – 2001

Bachelor of Dance Performance

REFEREES

Jane Fuller – Executive Director, Arts Northern Rivers

jane@artsnorthernrivers.com.au | T: 0420 701 614

Agnès Michelet – Artistic Director, Critical Path

director@criticalpath.org.au | T: 0481 383 662

Headshot Image: Raimond de Weerdt