Don’t Miss This! Apply by 3 October to Perform at Türkiye’s Premier Puppet Festival
Be part of the 21st International Bursa Karagöz Puppet & Shadow Theatre Festival – happening 14–23 November 2025 in the cultural heart of Türkiye!
British UNIMA is thrilled to share this incredible international opportunity from our friends at UNIMA Türkiye and the Bursa Culture, Arts and Tourism Foundation (BKSTV) — applications are now open for the 21st International Bursa Karagöz Puppet and Shadow Theatre Festival, taking place in the historic city of Bursa from 14–23 November 2025.
This is not just any festival — it's Türkiye’s largest celebration of puppetry and shadow theatre, rooted in the centuries-old tradition of Karagöz, and supported by one of the country’s most influential cultural foundations.
✨ Why You Should Apply
Showcase your work to international audiences
Participate in talks, workshops, and seminars with fellow puppetry artists
Be part of a prestigious lineup selected by the festival’s Art Committee
All accommodation and meals provided for groups of up to four
International artists receive €1,500 + travel
🕰️ Deadline to apply: 3 October 2025
📧 Notification of results: 6 October 2025
👉 Apply now via the official portal
🏛️ About the Organisers
BKSTV (Bursa Culture, Arts and Tourism Foundation)
Founded in 1987, BKSTV has been a driving force in shaping Bursa’s cultural scene. From theatre to film festivals, it creates events that honour traditional arts while nurturing contemporary voices. Their aim? To use the unifying power of art to foster cultural exchange and civic pride.
UNIMA Türkiye
As part of the global UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette) network, UNIMA Türkiye champions the heritage of Turkish puppetry — especially the traditional Karagöz shadow play — while promoting dialogue between artists across borders. Their collaboration ensures the festival remains artist-led, inclusive, and internationally relevant.
🎟️ What to Expect at the Festival
Expect a vibrant week of:
Live performances from puppet artists worldwide
Cultural exchange and networking opportunities
Workshops and panels exploring puppetry’s global evolution
An audience of thousands, in a city where art meets tradition
This is more than a festival — it's a global gathering of puppet voices in one of Türkiye’s most historic and artistic cities.
⏳ Don’t wait — your chance to perform on an international stage is one click away.