Figures of the Future – Mario Mirabassi Award 2026
Apply by 2 May 2026 | A major international opportunity for puppetry artists and companies under 35
British UNIMA is pleased to share, on behalf of UNIMA Italy, an important international opportunity supporting the next generation of puppetry and visual theatre artists.
The “Figures of the Future – Mario Mirabassi Award” has been established to champion emerging voices in contemporary puppetry. Named in honour of Mario Mirabassi, a key figure in the development and dissemination of puppetry as an art form, the award continues his legacy by fostering innovation, experimentation, and international exchange.
This initiative forms part of the 29th International Festival of Animated Figures, taking place from 27–30 August 2026—a long-standing and respected event that serves as a vital meeting point for artists, practitioners, and audiences from across the global puppetry community.
🌍 About the Award
The award is designed to support and elevate young international artists working in puppetry and related visual forms, including:
Marionette and puppet theatre
Object theatre
Shadow theatre
Visual and hybrid animation forms
It aims to:
Encourage new artistic research and contemporary practices
Support the creation and touring of new work
Foster dialogue between tradition and innovation
Create opportunities for exchange between emerging artists and established professionals
🎭 Who Can Apply
The call is open to:
Individual artists
Companies
Theatre collectives
Applicants must:
Be under 35 years old (or, for companies, the majority of members must meet this requirement)
Present a work that is completed or in an advanced stage of development
Be available to perform live during the festival dates
✨ What Selected Artists Receive
An artistic committee will select four finalist performances, which will be presented at the festival.
Selected participants will benefit from:
A performance platform at an international festival
Visibility among programmers, peers, and audiences
Opportunities for networking and professional exchange
Hospitality during the festival period (as arranged by organisers)
From these finalists, one will receive the Mario Mirabassi Award, which includes:
A commemorative prize for Best Performance
Inclusion in the next season of Teatro di Figura Perugia
The award ceremony will take place on 30 August 2026, at the close of the festival.
📩 How to Apply
To apply, candidates must submit:
A completed performance presentation form (including concept, techniques, credits, and details)
A video recording (full performance or significant excerpt)
A short artistic CV
🗓 Deadline: 2 May 2026
📧 Submit applications to: info@tieffeu.com
🔗 Full call details and application forms are available here:
https://www.tieffeu.com/news/
📣 A Call to Share
British UNIMA warmly encourages members, partners, and the wider performing arts community to share this opportunity widely. Supporting emerging artists is vital to the continued evolution of puppetry and visual theatre, and this initiative offers a meaningful platform for new work to be seen and celebrated internationally.
For further information, please refer to the official materials or contact the organisers directly.
We look forward to seeing the next generation of artists shape the future of this dynamic and evolving art form.
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