Archive (2016-2022)

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s Artist in Residence 2020

13 December, 2019

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is thrilled to be inviting professional artists to apply for our Artist in Residence Program, the next evolution of our FirstHand Puppetry Artist Training Program.

The program offers a two-week residency at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle and includes use of rehearsal/performance space, technical equipment, workshop/making facilities and support from company artistic and technical staff.

In addition to in-kind support, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will contribute financially to the costs of the project up to $2500 and provide fee free access to training opportunities and an international artist Masterclass.

Through the Artist in Residence program we will support distinctive, imaginative and relevant puppetry works that create a fearless yet safe environment in which audiences can celebrate the world and their humanity. We embrace opportunities to explore and influence creative practice and to experiment with new performance languages. We are excited about works that captivate and stimulate an audience emotionally and offer opportunities for greater participation, expression and agency.

The program is open to professional, independent artists and groups working in puppetry and related fields of contemporary performance and can relate to puppetry in a multitude of ways. Projects may be in their early stages of formation or may have already undergone some development and can be for any audience. Works that have potential to be presented at Spare Parts will be given special consideration and priority will be given to Western Australian artists.

The program will be accessed by a two staged application process. Stage One is an Expression of Interest with a short intent/vision statement addressing the selection criteria and a budget outlining fees and materials required.

The projects will be assessed against the following selection criteria:

  • How the project actively engages puppetry
  • well-articulated concept including envisaged outcomes
  • potential for future development and/or presentation
  • a feasible budget
  • allows time for self-reflection and evaluation

At stage two shortlisted artists will pitch their project to a selection panel.

Dates: Closing date for stage one EOIs 17 January 2020

Stage two pitches in late January 2020.

The timing of the residency is flexible and can be negotiated between the artist and Spare Parts.

Please submit your EOI application to Michael Barlow asd@sppt.asn.au or Philip Mitchell ad@sppt.asn.au

For more information and the opportunity to discuss your proposal please email Michael or Philip or call us on 

(08) 9335 5044.