UNIMA TREASURER / CONSTITUTION & STRATEGY COMMISSION
A puppeteer and stage director of Polish and Ukrainian origin, based in Lyon, Peretjako Clément has developed a rich and diverse career that encompasses directing, performing, sculpture, teaching, and artistic consulting. He studied theatre and cinema history at the University of Rennes 2, puppetry at ESNAM in Charleville-Mézières, and international cultural project management at SciencesPo Lyon. His goal is to contribute to the international circulation of works and ideas through the art of puppetry, with a particular focus on cultural diversity, gender equality, and cultural rights.
He also serves as a cultural expert for the European Union’s Creative Europe program. As a volunteer, he developed and coordinated the ResiliArt UNIMA program in collaboration with UNESCO, aimed at UNIMA’s national centers. The program’s 21 roundtables gathered the testimonies of puppeteers on their resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting their ability to continue creating and supporting culture in times of crisis. In recognition of this initiative (out of 400 cultural sector roundtables, 21 were dedicated to puppetry), UNESCO’s Director-General expressed her support for the sector during World Puppetry Day 2021.
His work has led him to participate in numerous international projects across Europe, Africa, and Asia. His artistic approach blends political and social reflection, combining local traditions with contemporary influences. For example, he has drawn inspiration from the Ukrainian Vertep to explore contemporary political and social themes, and has also created shadow theatres in Kosovo, integrating humor and social satire in the tradition of Karagöz.
Recipient of several awards, including the Michael Meschke Prize for his commitment to supporting puppeteers in difficult situations, he strives to improve working conditions for puppetry artists and promote their visibility. His commitment also materializes through intercultural workshops in Lyon, supported by the French Ministry of Culture, where he collaborates with artists from various backgrounds to enrich puppetry practice and raise public awareness of this art.
As a leading member of several associations and NGOs, he advocates for the professionalization of puppeteers, the strengthening of support networks, and the consolidation of a civil society without borders. Within UNIMA, his work includes representing the organization at various international festivals, coordinating expertise, and organizing events to support Ukrainian culture, particularly during World Puppetry Day in Charleville-Mézières. He has also contributed to the EVOC project within UNIMA’s Europe Commission, which aims to improve the professional integration of young puppeteers in Europe.
In summary, his artistic and professional commitment is based on the use of art as a tool for intercultural dialogue, the preservation of cultural identities, and social transformation. Through his creations, collaborations, and international initiatives, he seeks to create spaces for reflection and to strengthen solidarity within the world of puppetry arts.