In 2022, Terrapin will lead a unique cultural exchange program with UK contemporary puppetry practitioner Tim Spooner. In a series of international residencies, Tim and Terrapin artistic director Sam Routledge will explore one another’s practice: experimenting with form, movement and storytelling in the singular artform of puppetry.

Working remotely across countries and time zones, the exchange will be conducted partly through digital collaboration, allowing for extended relationship building. The two in-person residencies, hosted in each artist’s home city, will ground the exchange in physical experimentation.

In this project, UK and Australian artists will ask the question: “What is the most important story children in both of our countries need to hear?” With this question, the shared values of each country are discussed through a prism of speaking to future generations.

Website: Terrapin Puppet Theatre

Image: Photo courtesy of Terrapin Puppets

Project start-end dates: June 2022 – June 2023

Country: UK

Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grant: $46,893