‘Follow Your Dream’
Kim Carpenter AM reflects on five decades of theatrical imagination, sharing stories of triumph, risk and the delightful absurdities that shaped his life in visual theatre. As founder and Artistic Director of Theatre of Image, and a creator whose work spans drama, dance, opera, puppetry and digital design, Carpenter has collaborated with leading companies across Australia and internationally. His acclaimed productions – from The Happy Prince to Monkey… Journey to the West – reveal a distinctive visual language that has influenced generations of artists. A former Co‑Artistic Director of Nimrod Theatre and Head of Design at NIDA, Carpenter’s work is held in major collections worldwide and recognised with honours including the Order of Australia, a Churchill Fellowship, Helpmann Awards, Sydney Theatre Critics Awards and AWGIEs. This presentation offers an intimate look at a career built on curiosity, collaboration and the courage to follow a creative dream.
Kim Carpenter AM is a renowned visual artist, director and designer whose five decade career has left a defining mark on Australian theatre. Best known as the founder and long serving Artistic Director of Theatre of Image, he pioneered a distinctive form of visual theatre that blended text, movement, puppetry, digital imagery and design. Over 30 years, the company toured nationally and internationally, presenting work for family and adult audiences at major festivals and venues including the Sydney Opera House.
Carpenter has created more than 100 productions across drama, dance, opera, children’s theatre and physical theatre, collaborating with leading companies such as Belvoir, Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, the Australian Youth Orchestra, Kageboushi Theatre Company (Tokyo) and Manitoba Theatre for Young People (Canada). His acclaimed adaptation and design for The Happy Prince – first developed for Theatre of Image and later reimagined with Graeme Murphy for The Australian Ballet – exemplifies his commitment to storytelling through image, atmosphere and theatrical invention. His artworks and designs are held in collections and exhibitions in Australia and internationally.
A former Co Artistic Director of Nimrod Theatre and Head of Design at NIDA, Carpenter has also worked in television, puppetry and animated children’s programming. His contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia, a Churchill Fellowship, multiple Helpmann Awards, Sydney Theatre Critics Awards and AWGIEs. He now works independently as a visual artist, continuing to explore the fantastical, character driven worlds that have shaped his creative legacy.
Join us at 2.00pm on 23 August 2026 for The Stage on Sunday, a joint program with the Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation and Theatre Heritage Australia.
All are welcome. This event is free but bookings are essential and must be made through Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation.
Theatre Heritage Australia in partnership with Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation presents
The Stage on Sunday: Kim Carpenter AM
2.00pm for afternoon tea with a 2:30pm start
Sunday 23 August 2026
Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation | Suite 10, 20 Young Street Neutral Bay NSW
Bookings: (02) 9955 5444