UNion Internationale de la MArionnette
The UNion Internationale de la MArionnette (UNIMA) is a UNESCO-affiliated NGO and the oldest international theatre organization, created in 1929. Its members, who come from all over the world, contribute to the development of the puppetry arts. Present in more than 90 countries, UNIMA is a platform for exchange and collaboration between people who practise puppetry, work in the field, or who are passionate about the art form. UNIMA supports meetings, conferences, festivals, exchanges and collaborations, opportunities to co-operate with people in all areas of puppetry (therapy, teaching, exhibitions, etc.), and supports collecting and distributing information and publications about research, courses and workshops.
Oldest international theatre organization
The UNion Internationale de la MArionnette (UNIMA) was created in Prague in 1929, at the Fifth Convention of Czechia Puppeteers. Initially known under the name of Union Internationale des Marionnettistes, its goal remains to promote puppetry arts. It took on its present name in 1969. As of 2022, there are approximately 100 national UNIMA centres. In addition to this figure, a number of countries have an UNIMA representative. Since 1980, UNIMA’s headquarters have been in Charleville-Mézières, France.