Calling for Contributions: Strings of Support
UNIMA International seeks teaching resources for puppeteers working in crisis and recovery contexts
UNIMA International is calling for teaching resources for puppeteers working in challenging situations, including disaster-areas, conflict zones, and refugee camps. The objective of this compilation of materials is to enhance what they already know — that puppetry is effective for the emotional, mental, and social support of the communities they are supporting and reaching out to in times of war and survival. Artistic and creative suggestions and anecdotes on how to use puppetry for personal well-being with scarce resources are welcome. Ten-minute video clips and written documents with succinct text and visual references will also be preferred to provide context and avoid errors in translation.
The project is overseen by Executives Salma Mohseni and Terence Tan of the Executive Committee. To contact them or sign up, please visit this online form:
https://forms.gle/JH5oWS9ztr57KzsW6
More About UNIMA’s Applied Puppetry Commission
Introduction
The Applied Puppetry Commission aims to develop and advocate the art of puppetry for social causes and personal development. The commission works with artists, educators, community artists, social workers, and art therapists who use puppetry to support holistic education, social health, and emotional well-being. It explores the therapeutic and pedagogical abilities in puppetry and supports UNIMA programmes that benefit its members. The commission also seeks to train and develop more practitioners in applied puppetry so that puppetry is seen as an essential art form in our communities and societies. It supports the interdisciplinary transfer of knowledge between puppetry arts, psychology, pedagogy, expressive therapies, and social work.
Objectives
To analyse and present the best and most current working practices, theories, and terms in the application of puppets for social and personal development
To create and sustain puppetry activities that aid UNIMA’s members with their social needs and artistic humanitarian causes
To further the understanding of the field and practice of applied puppetry with a variety of accessible means and platforms
To promote the social relevance of puppetry and its cultural importance
Programme and Activities
The Commission is looking into the following areas:
Research & development of puppet pedagogy for early childhood development and persons with special needs
Development, discussion, dissemination and translation of concepts and studies of applied puppetry for more UNIMA national centres
Creation of a hybrid academic course in Applied Puppetry, accessible to UNIMA members worldwide
It is also supporting the Strings of Support programme meant to provide counselling and mentorship to puppeteers in crises, intending to use puppetry for community relief and redevelopment.
UK Venues: We Need Your Solidarity.
British UNIMA is calling on UK theatres, arts centres, universities, festivals and community spaces to help amplify the Artists of Hope campaign from UNIMA International.