UNIMA at FMTM 2025 –
Happy Apero! UNIMA’s international aperitifs
In the Garden of Inspiration – Charleville-Mézières, France
21–26 September 2025
This year, UNIMA’s presence at the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes (FMTM) in Charleville-Mézières started within the Garden of Inspiration — the poetic home once belonging to Arthur Rimbaud, where the legendary poet lived and wrote before leaving for Paris.
The garden became a living stage for encounters, reflections, and collaborations — a place where puppetry and poetry met in the spirit of imagination, friendship, and creativity.
Over six days, UNIMA hosted a series of events that celebrated solidarity, creativity, and the future of the puppetry community.
Day 1 – Garden of Peace | 21 September
The week began on World Peace Day, with a gathering dedicated to dialogue and solidarity.
Highlights included:
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Presentation of the Humanitas & Cooperation Commission’s work.
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Launch of an Emergency Aid supporting puppeteers in need worldwide.
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Inspiring exchanges on how puppetry can nurture peace and human connection.
UNIMA was honored by the presence of Ms. Svetlomira Stoyanova, President of the UNESCO NGO Liaison Committee, whose participation gave added depth and resonance to the day’s reflections.
Day 2 – Friendship Toast | 22 September
An evening of celebration and warmth, dedicated to the new UNIMA team and to friendship across cultures.
Highlights:
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Toast led by President Louise Lapointe and General Secretary Fabrizio Montecchi.
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Conversations that deepened bonds within the global UNIMA network.
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Italian and Quebec specialties offered a flavorful reminder of international unity.
The night beautifully captured the joy of collaboration and the promise of shared creative journeys ahead.
Day 3 – UNIMAGAZINE Launch | 23 September
The spotlight turned to the world of words and imagination with the launch of UNIMAGAZINE — UNIMA’s new global publication on puppetry and the arts.
Highlights:
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Presentation of the magazine’s vision and first edition.
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A moment to celebrate collective creativity, exchange, and cross-cultural understanding.
Day 4 – Across the Borders | 24 September
Organized by the UNIMA Puppetry Collaboratorium, this session explored four international collaborations between National Centres.
It celebrated the creative energy that arises when artists and institutions work beyond borders, reinforcing the collaborative foundation of UNIMA’s mission.
Day 5 – Prague 2029 and AVIAMA – 2026 Grants | 25 September
The Czech UNIMA Centre unveiled the first insights into the upcoming Centennial Congress of UNIMA, which will take place in Prague in 2029.
Participants discovered the meeting venue, concept, and initial plans for this once-in-a-century event.
All roads lead to Prague — a historic moment to celebrate 100 years of UNIMA!
Day 6 – Imagine! Building Friendships for Future and Happiness | 26 September
The week concluded with a joyful and moving UNIMA Apéro, proposed by the Futures & Happiness Commissions.
Members came together through movement, dance, and reflection — celebrating connection and envisioning the future.
The evening reminded us that happiness and friendship are inseparable foundations for a creative and compassionate world.
In Reflection
Amidst the poetic air of Rimbaud’s garden, UNIMA’s week at FMTM 2025 became a living metaphor. Through every discussion, toast, and shared dream, the garden blossomed with voices of the global puppetry family — united in creativity, empathy, and hope for the years ahead.