Open Call for Puppetry Artists: Apply to Join Pesta Boneka #10 in Indonesia

Deadline: 4 August 2025 — Papermoon Puppet Theatre invites international artists to Yogyakarta for their 2026 puppetry festival, 8–11 October

Jul 18, 2025

British UNIMA is pleased to share an opportunity from Papermoon Puppet Theatre, who are inviting puppetry artists and ensembles from around the world to apply for the 10th edition of Pesta Boneka, taking place from 8–11 October 2026 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

This biennial puppetry festival is known for its artist-focused, community-centred approach and offers a platform for meaningful international exchange through performance, storytelling, workshops and shared creative experiences. The theme of the 2026 edition is “Holding Hands” — a gesture of care, connection and solidarity in response to growing global division.

Artists based in the UK working in puppetry, visual theatre, object performance or related forms are encouraged to explore this opportunity.

More about Papermoon Puppet Theatre

About the Festival

Launched in 2008 by Papermoon Puppet Theatre, Pesta Boneka is a small-scale but internationally respected puppetry gathering, bringing together artists, audiences and communities in Yogyakarta for four days of exchange. The festival features:

Live performances (indoors and outdoors)
Artist talks and lectures
Workshops and creative labs
Film screenings
Communal meals and open forums
The popular "When Puppets Cook" event

🎥 Watch the trailer for a glimpse of the atmosphere:

Application Information

📅 Festival dates: 8–11 October 2026
🌍 Location: Ruang PANA / Kampoeng Media, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
⏳ Deadline to apply: 4 August 2025
📝 Apply here: https://bit.ly/prefillformPB10
Apply here
📖 Info from the 2024 edition: https://bit.ly/ReportPB9 and below
Artists selected to participate will be offered:
A standard daily allowance (based on local rates)
Meals throughout the festival
Shared accommodation for six days / five nights (up to 6 people per group)
Transport to/from Yogyakarta airport or train station
Technical assistance
Access to all festival events and networking opportunities
Apply here

International travel costs are not covered and would need to be arranged independently.

About Papermoon Puppet Theatre

Founded in 2006 by Maria Tri Sulistyani (Ria) and Iwan Effendi, Papermoon Puppet Theatre is based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and has produced over 30 original puppet works, visual art installations and international collaborations. Their work is known for blending poetic imagery with contemporary social and political themes.

Papermoon has performed in more than 10 countries and has been featured by major institutions including the New York Times, the Kennedy Center, and the U.S. Department of State's Center Stage programme.

Through Pesta Boneka, they aim to create a generous, creative space where puppeteers from all backgrounds can connect and collaborate.