Introduction

The Applied Puppetry Commission aims to develop and advocate the art of puppetry for social causes and personal development. The commission works with artists, educators, community artists, social workers, and art therapists who use puppetry to support holistic education, social health and emotional well-being. It explores the therapeutic and pedagogical abilities in puppetry and supports UNIMA programmes that benefit its members. The commission also seeks to train and develop more practitioners in applied puppetry so that puppetry is seen as an essential art form in our communities and societies. It supports the interdisciplinary transfer of knowledge between puppetry arts, psychology, pedagogy, expressive therapies and social work.

Objectives

• To analyse and present the best and most current working practices, theories and terms in the application of puppets for social and personal development
• To create and sustain puppetry activities that aid UNIMA’s members with their social needs and artistic humanitarian causes
• To further the understanding of the field and practice of applied puppetry with a variety of accessible means and platforms
• To promote the social relevance of puppetry and its cultural importance

Programme and Activities

The Commission is looking into the following areas:

• Research & development of puppet pedagogy for early childhood development and persons with special needs
• Development, discussion, dissemination and translation of concepts and studies of applied puppetry for more UNIMA national centres
• Creation of a hybrid academic course in Applied Puppetry, accessible to UNIMA members worldwide

It is also supporting the Strings of Support programme meant to provide counselling and mentorship to puppeteers in crises, intending to use puppetry for community relief and redevelopment.