🎂 Happy 97th Birthday, UNIMA

Celebrating 97 years of international puppetry connection

Celebrating 97 years of international puppetry connection

Today, 20 May, marks the 97th anniversary of UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette) — the international organisation for puppetry arts, founded in Prague in 1929.

As the British Centre of UNIMA, we are proud to celebrate this milestone alongside colleagues, members and puppetry communities around the world.

For nearly a century, UNIMA has helped connect puppeteers, makers, performers, educators, researchers, festivals and organisations across borders, strengthening international exchange and supporting puppetry in all its forms.

Here in the UK, British UNIMA is proud to contribute to that wider network through events, advocacy, international exchange, publications and conversations that support our sector and connect practitioners.

Looking toward the Centenary

UNIMA International has begun sharing early ideas for the journey toward UNIMA’s 100th anniversary in 2029, which will culminate in Prague, the city where UNIMA was founded.

Early proposals include:

• 🎭 International exhibitions and events

• 📚 Archiving and documenting puppetry histories

• 🌍 Global collaborations between National Centres

• 🎵 A call for a UNIMA Centenary Song

• 📝 Future publications and documentary projects

There are also updates regarding the 2027 Council & Extraordinary Congress in Montreal, constitutional work, and future international participation opportunities.

🎬 Watch the UNIMA Centenary Trailer

British UNIMA Members: Full UNIMA International Update

UNIMA International recently shared a more detailed anniversary communication with National Centres and councillors, including information relating to centenary planning, governance developments, participation opportunities and future international events.

British UNIMA members can read a summary / access the full communication below.