We’re thrilled to share some very special news — our atist Philip Mitchell has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Performing Arts WA Awards.
It’s a big honour, and one that couldn’t have gone to a more deserving artist. While many know Philip as the long-time Artistic Director of Fremantle’s iconic Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, we’re lucky enough to know another side of him — the artist who creates deeply personal, expressive pieces of art.
This award recognises Philip’s enormous contribution to the performing arts in WA. Over the last few decades, he’s helped shape the direction of puppetry in Australia, creating theatre that’s full of heart, curiosity, and imagination. Under his guidance, Spare Parts has become a cultural treasure — telling stories that connect generations and leave lasting impressions.
But beyond the stage, Philip’s creativity runs in many directions. In the gallery, you’ll find his assemble sculptures, full of gesture and personality. Each piece captures a moment — often whimsical, sometimes still, always thoughtful. His work reflects his background in storytelling and performance, with each sculpture feeling like a character in its own quiet narrative.
We’ve always loved the way Philip blends movement, form, and emotion in his work. There’s a kind of simplicity and clarity in the way he creates — never overstated, but always considered. You can tell each piece is made by someone who’s spent a lifetime paying attention to people, to stories, to the little things that make us human.
This award is a celebration of a remarkable career, but also a reminder of the value of creative persistence — of showing up again and again to the work, the story, the moment. It’s what Philip does so well, in theatre and in his sculptures.
We’re incredibly proud to have Philip as part of our artist family, and we invite you to explore his work in the gallery and in our on-line shop.
