Philip Samartzis

Philip Samartzis is a sound artist, researcher, and curator specializing in documenting the social and environmental conditions of remote and extreme regions. His work captures the impact of climate change through advanced audio technologies, producing recordings for teaching, exhibitions, and publications. He has worked extensively in Antarctica, the Swiss and Australian Alps, and the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia.   In 2024, Philip received the RMIT Research Award for Engagement and Impact for Kulininpalaju, a four-year sound archive project produced in collaboration with the Martumili community in Western Australia. This initiative highlights his commitment to fostering cross-cultural partnerships and preserving unique sonic environments.   Philip has been awarded the Australian Antarctic Territory Fellowship three times and is currently leading a 20-year sound study of Antarctica, documenting the changing sonic environment of the ice continent. His book, Antarctica: An Absent Presence (Thames and Hudson), has become a key resource in soundscape studies and geohumanities, used by institutions including the London College of Communication and Durham University. In 2021, he was honoured with the Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools Distinguished Research Award. Highlighting the significance of his research, Australia Post featured Philip on a $2.20 postage stamp commemorating the Australian Antarctic Territory Arts Fellowship.   In 2019, Philip was awarded a Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowship to conduct research at the High Altitude Research Centre at Jungfraujoch, with outcomes featured in The New York Times and Deutsche Welle Radio. His alpine and Antarctic research has been exhibited internationally, including in Switzerland, France, Italy, China, and Japan. Recently, he received a Creative Australia International Engagement Grant to document subterranean soundscapes in Valais, Switzerland, in collaboration with the Verbier 3-D Foundation and Valais School of Art.   Industry Experience
Philip has collaborated with leading organizations, including: • Australian Antarctic Division • Bogong Centre for Sound Culture • Creative Australia  • Creative Victoria • High Altitude Research Station (Jungfraujoch and Gornergrat) • Martumili Arts • The National Gallery of Victoria • Swiss National Science Foundation • Verbier 3-D Foundation   Philip’s work combines art and research to document and interpret environmental and cultural change, positioning sound as a critical tool for understanding and communicating these transformations.