UK research trip set to boost local dance scene

LOCAL dancer, choreographer and creative producer Philip Channells is heading to London in late September after being awarded a Research Arts Australia Fellowship.

Channells will connect with dance organisations, artists and producers across the UK and Europe, attending key festivals with the goal of bringing valuable insights and experiences back to the Northern Rivers. His focus is on learning how independent artists are supported internationally, and using that knowledge to strengthen networks and opportunities in the local arts scene.

Through workshops and forums, Channells plans to share ideas with local artists and producers, aiming to foster a more connected and sustainable regional arts community.

Based at Diamond Springs near Rosebank, Channells said the fellowship, awarded in early August, will allow him to reconnect with past collaborators and meet new ones, all while gaining skills and ideas to benefit regional dance in Australia.

In addition to founding the dance fitness group MOVE IT — which regularly performs at festivals and events across the region — Channells also established the artist-led producing organisation PH(R)ASE, an acronym for Propel, Harness, Revitalise, Amplify, Strengthen, Energise.

PH(R)ASE was created in the wake of the Dance Sector Uplift report, which Channells led for Arts Northern Rivers following the 2022 floods.

“After Ausdance NSW closed in 2023, PH(R)ASE fills a gap and takes on a bigger role as a producing platform and advocate for independent regional artists,” Channells said. “The Fellowship builds on this work and the findings from the Dance Sector Uplift data.

“I want to bring knowledge back to the Northern Rivers and work with the local dance sector to design a business model for PH(R)ASE that meets local needs while having an international outlook.”

Channells has also received Create NSW support through its ‘Next Steps’ program, which is assisting his professional development with artists and organisations across Australia.

He acknowledged the vital role of Regional Arts Australia, which funded the Fellowship through the Regional Arts Fund — an Australian Government initiative delivered in partnership with Regional Arts Australia.

“Their ongoing investment in regional creativity makes opportunities like this possible, and I can’t wait

to bring all I’ve learned back home,” he said.