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Congratulations to CK Rainbow – UNIMA Australia Melbourne Festival of Puppetry Bursary Recipient! 🎉

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Congratulations to CK Rainbow – UNIMA Australia Melbourne Festival of Puppetry Bursary Recipient! 🎉

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We’re delighted to announce that CK Rainbow (they/them) has been awarded the UNIMA Australia Melbourne Festival of Puppetry Bursary 2026.

CK is a Sydney-based puppet builder, performer and proud UNIMA Australia member. The $1,500 bursary will support CK to travel to Melbourne and attend the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry, taking place 22–27 September 2026.

The bursary will give CK the opportunity to experience performances, participate in hands-on workshops and connect with puppeteers from across Australia, while developing their puppet-making and concept development skills.

Congratulations, CK! We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne. 🥳

A huge thank you also to everyone who applied, and to our Scholarship/Bursary Committee — Sue Wallace, Mark Penzak and Joanne Foley — for their time and care in reviewing the applications.

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📢 UNIMA Australia AGM – Sunday 30 August 2026

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📢 UNIMA Australia AGM – Sunday 30 August 2026

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UNIMA Australia members are invited to attend our Annual General Meeting, taking place online via Zoom on Sunday 30 August, 3–5pm AEST.

The AGM is open to current financial members of UNIMA Australia. The meeting will include reports from the President, General Secretary and Treasurer, followed by elections for the President, General Secretary, Treasurer and Ordinary Committee Members.

🗳️ Nominations are now open

We are seeking nominations for:

President

General Secretary

Treasurer

3 Ordinary Committee Members

Nominations close Sunday 23 August 2026. Members may nominate themselves, and nominations must be signed by two financial members.

📋 Can't attend?

Financial members who are unable to attend can appoint a proxy to represent them in decisions at the AGM. Proxy forms must be received by 6pm AEST, Sunday 23 August.

📅 AGM: Sunday 30 August, 3–5pm AEST
💻 Online via Zoom
🎟️ Registration is free – register via TryBooking to receive the Zoom link.

👉 Read the full AGM notice, register and access nomination/proxy forms

We look forward to seeing our members there!

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UNIMA Australia extends our heartfelt condolences to the puppetry community following the passing of Dave Hansen, former Board Director and Chair of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre (WA), who died at the age of 52.

Dave’s connection with Spare Parts began long before his time on the Board. As a child in the 1980s, he was an audience member experiencing the company’s early work. Decades later, he returned to the organisation as a passionate supporter, serving as a Board Director for more than ten years from 2015 to 2025.

Dave served as Chair from 2018–2022 and later as Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee from 2024–2025. Throughout his service, he brought thoughtful leadership, sound judgement, generosity and integrity. He was a strong advocate for Spare Parts and deeply believed in the importance of its work.

His contribution extended beyond governance. Dave generously shared his expertise, time and encouragement, and was also a valued personal donor to the company. His influence can be seen throughout much of what Spare Parts has achieved over the past decade.

We acknowledge Dave's significant contribution to Australian puppetry and extend our deepest condolences to his wife Helene, his children Annie and Max, his mother Dorothea, and to his many friends and colleagues at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and beyond.

Vale, Dave. Thank you for your dedication and support of puppetry in Australia.

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UNIMA Australia is deeply saddened by the passing of Ronnie Le Drew (1947–2026), President of the British Puppet Guild, master puppeteer, teacher and mentor.

Trained at the Little Angel Theatre, Ronnie enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning theatre, television and film. While many knew him as the performer behind Zippy in Rainbow, the puppetry community knew him as a master of his craft, an exceptional marionettist, and, together with Caroline Astell-Burt, co-founder of the London School of Puppetry, where he inspired generations of puppeteers through his teaching.

We are grateful to have preserved a small part of Ronnie’s legacy on the UNIMA Australia YouTube channel. In this 2015 presentation at Skipton Puppet Festival, he shares his approach to puppet manipulation, demonstrates the beaver puppet that he performed for his Labyrinth audition, and offers a glimpse of the artistry and generosity that made him such an admired performer and teacher.

https://youtu.be/WLtnJ2o88t0?si=P6Ps2gQoOcd1bWtd

Our heartfelt condolences to Ronnie’s family, friends, and our colleagues at the British Puppet Guild.

Vale, Ronnie Le Drew.

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Artist Talk - UNIMA Puppeteers Trust INDIA 6 September

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Artist Talk - UNIMA Puppeteers Trust INDIA 6 September

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🎭 ANUBHAV #13 is here!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ms Kathy Foley (USA) —internationally renowned puppeteer, performance scholar, former President of UNIMA-USA, and UNIMA International Member of Honour (2025).

*Mandala Thinking, Tantric Traces, and Gods of Love: Playing Puppetry and Clowns of South-Southeast Asia*

🗓 Sunday | 6 September 2026

🕕 6:00 PM (IST)

📍 Online (Zoom)

Discover the fascinating world of Wayang, ritual performance, clown traditions, and southeast asian puppetry through the insights of one of the world's leading practitioners and researchers.

📲 Register by scanning the QR code on the poster. Or sign up using the link given below

: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9M14oGelR4aOB2ogdLlHjg

Everyone interested in puppetry, theatre, performance, and Asian traditions is warmly welcome!

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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Anubhav 13 with Kathy Foley. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Anubhav 13 with Kathy Foley. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

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Call out for Asia-Pacific Roundtables on Living Puppetry Heritage (EOI by 31 August)

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Call out for Asia-Pacific Roundtables on Living Puppetry Heritage (EOI by 31 August)

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The UNIMA Asia-Pacific Commission invites expressions of interest in a new series of online roundtables exploring living puppetry heritage across the Asia-Pacific region.

The roundtables aim to bring together puppeteers, researchers, scholars, festival directors, educators, cultural practitioners, heritage specialists, and others interested in documenting, discussing, and promoting puppetry heritage within the region.

Presentations should focus on living puppetry heritage from Asia-Pacific countries and communities. Participants from any UNIMA National Centre or region are welcome, provided their proposed presentation relates to the Asia-Pacific region.

The first roundtables are tentatively planned for October 2026.

To register your interest in participating, please send a title for your proposal, a resume and a short biography to asia-pacific@unima.org

📧 Expressions of interest are requested by 31 August 2026.

https://www.unima.org/en/asia-pacific-roundtables-on-living-puppetry-heritage/

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🧵 Open Call: 23rd Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival — India 

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🧵 Open Call: 23rd Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival — India 

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Friends around the world, here’s an opportunity for solo puppeteers and small (1–2 person) puppet groups!

The 23rd Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival is inviting applications for its 2027 festival, presented for family audiences.

📅 5–14 February 2027
📍 India Habitat Centre, New Delhi & Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, India

If you have a solo or two-person show, this could be a wonderful opportunity to share your work with audiences in India.

📩 To apply / enquire: dadipud@gmail.com

Please share with puppeteers and small companies who may be interested! 🪆🌏

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UNIMA Council in Montreal 2-6 March 2027 (Canada)

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UNIMA Council in Montreal 2-6 March 2027 (Canada)

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𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳

📅 2–6 March 2027

In March 2027, Montréal will proudly host the Council of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA), bringing together representatives from many countries to discuss the major artistic, professional, and institutional issues shaping the future of puppetry worldwide.

As UNIMA’s governing body between two World Congresses, the Council plays a very important role in guiding the organization’s development and strategic direction.

Hosted by UNIMA Canada and organized in collaboration with Festival international de Casteliers, this international gathering prepared by the AQM - l'association des marionnettistes québécois - will welcome delegates, artists, researchers, educators, cultural leaders, and puppetry professionals from across the globe for a week of dialogue, collaboration, and celebration.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲:

𝗘𝗡: https://www.unima.org/en/unima-council-2027/

𝗙𝗥: https://www.unima.org/fr/conseil-unima-2027/

𝗘𝗦: https://www.unima.org/es/consejo-unima-2027/

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🎉 Fellowship Success & UNIMA Passport Programme Highlight

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🎉 Fellowship Success & UNIMA Passport Programme Highlight

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We’re delighted to share some exciting news from Natasha Pearson (Performer / Director / Theatre Maker).

Natasha has been successful in her fellowship application, supporting the expansion of her puppetry practice through international travel and the development of a new puppetry work. With the assistance of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and support from the WA Government, the fellowship will fund the development of a new work in Perth, as well as travel to three international puppet festivals in May 2026.

As part of this opportunity, Natasha was also successfully accepted into the UNIMA Passport Programme, supporting her participation in the Festival Internazionale dei Burattini e delle Figure – Arrivano dal Mare (Italy) in 2026. The UNIMA Passport Programme is designed to assist artists to attend international puppetry festivals, fostering global exchange, professional development, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Natasha is an emerging director and puppeteer from Perth and a valued member of UNIMA Australia. Her practice spans theatre for young people, puppetry, and performance art, with a particular interest in experimental and avant-garde approaches to traditional forms. She is also deeply committed to accessibility and inclusive creative practices, drawing on her professional experience in disability support to amplify underrepresented voices in the arts.

Natasha has shared her sincere thanks to UNIMA Australia for providing a letter of support for her UNIMA Passport application — a contribution that played a meaningful role in this success.

Opportunities like this highlight the value of the UNIMA Passport Programme, and we encourage members to consider applying to support their own international festival participation.

We look forward to following Natasha’s journey and the new work that will emerge from this exchange, and we wish her every success as plans continue to unfold.

📍 Based in: Perth & Melbourne

📸 Instagram: @tash.pearson

✨ Congratulations, Natasha — we can’t wait to see what’s next!

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Unima - Union Internationale de la Marionnette

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The PASSPORT program aims to help young puppeteers or puppetry students, who are UNIMA members, to attend puppet festivals and increase their knowledge of the organization and programming of an international event.

Each participating festival to the PASSPORT program offers free accommodation and tickets for shows on the program. To offer a PASSPORT, please complete this online form.

Each recipient of a PASSPORT is responsible for the travel costs to the selected festival, for providing for their own food, and visa fees (if applicable).
The application form
Interested parties should:

Complete the online form

Attach a letter confirming your UNIMA membership signed by the National Center to which you belong.

The deadline
Applications must reach the IFC (festivals@unima.org) a minimum of 3 months before the start of the festival. As places are limited, interested persons must apply as soon as possible.
The selection process

PASSPORTS are awarded to the first applicants, according to a 'first come, first serve" basis

The IFC receives the application and presents it to the selected festival.

The festival confirms to the IFC the availability of the PASSPORT.

The IFC then sends the applicant a confirmation and puts this person in touch with the festival offering the PASSPORT

Duties of the person who receives a PASSPORT
This person agrees to:

Collaborate with the host festival and respect the general rules of the organization.

Send the IFC a brief report of their stay at the festival (including 3 photos of the event) within 30 days of the end of the festival.

Festivals offering PASSPORTS
January 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026

Skupova Pilsen | Czech Republic | June 10 - 14 2026 [2 passport x 5 days] - The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.

Figura Theaterfestival | Switzerland | June 16 - 21 2026 [1 passport x 6 days] - The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.

Festival Djaram'art | Senegal | June 16 - 21 2026 [1 passport x 6 days] - The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.

September 2026 September 2027
Reports of the sponsored

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PASSPORT - Festivals hosting puppeteers' program - Unima - Union Internationale de la Marionnette

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The PASSPORT program aims to help young puppeteers or puppetry students, who are UNIMA members, to attend puppet festivals and increase their knowledge of the organization and programming of an international event. Each participating festival to the PASSPORT program offers free accommodation and tickets for shows on the program.

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📖 UNIMA Oz Zine – Calling All Members to be seen in the zine! (Due 30 August)

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📖 UNIMA Oz Zine – Calling All Members to be seen in the zine! (Due 30 August)

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UNIMA Australia is putting together the UNIMA Oz Zine, a mini magazine celebrating our members and the Australian puppetry community. The zine will launch at the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry in September.

If you’re a current financial UNIMA Australia member, we’d love you to be included in the member directory. We’ve made the submission form quick and easy to complete — it should only take a minute.

⏰ Submission deadline: Sunday 30 August 2026 (the date of the UNIMA Australia AGM)

👉 Submit your details for the UNIMA Oz Zine

Not sure whether your membership is current? Contact our Membership Secretary, Katherine, at membership@unima.org.au.

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💬 UNIMA Australia WhatsApp Community – Members

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💬 UNIMA Australia WhatsApp Community – Members

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UNIMA Australia has launched a new WhatsApp Community for members, including a dedicated group for those attending the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry this September.

The group provides an opportunity for UNIMA Australia members to connect with fellow puppeteers, share information, coordinate meet-ups and make plans during the festival.

The WhatsApp Community is for current UNIMA Australia members. We hope to expand the community with dedicated groups for other states and regions in the future.

If you're a UNIMA Australia member and would like to join, check your member communications for the invitation link or contact us for more information.

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Tickets are now on sale for the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry! 🎭

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Tickets are now on sale for the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry! 🎭

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The full program for the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2026 is now live, with performances, workshops and masterclasses taking place across 22–27 September 2026.

If there’s a workshop or masterclass you’ve had your eye on, don’t wait — these sessions tend to book out quickly!

🎟️ Tickets & festival information:
Melbourne Festival of Puppetry

📋 Festival timetable:
View the festival timetable

The timetable is a working document and will continue to be updated as more details are confirmed.

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BRIA McCARTHY Animal Dreams. Photo: Geneva Valek

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Animal Dreams Exhibition : Bria McCarthy 1 Aug – 20 Sep (Blue Mountains, NSW)

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Animal Dreams Exhibition : Bria McCarthy 1 Aug – 20 Sep (Blue Mountains, NSW)

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Pondering the question ‘what do animals dream of?’

Multi-disciplinary performer and artist, Bria McCarthy explores the uncharted realms of sleep, multispecies imagination, and neurodivergence. Audiences entering Animal Dreams will be immersed in an imagined theatre backstage, where experimental shadow puppetry, sculpture and installation come to life.

Animal Dreams is a compelling, sensorially considerate exhibition that recognises the importance of cross-species connection through imaginative empathy, and playful approaches to the unknown… with puppets!

A Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Altitude exhibition

https://bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/exhibition/animal-dreams-bria-mccarthy/

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A Blanck Canvas Presents: First Kingdoms - 14 Aug (VIC)

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A Blanck Canvas Presents: First Kingdoms - 14 Aug (VIC)

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A unique opportunity to experience the early stages of an exciting new large-scale puppetry and installation project.

Developed in collaboration with First Nations artists from across Australia, First Kingdoms celebrates First Nations storytelling through spectacular creature and light installations. Each work reflects a unique artistic voice, bringing together traditional knowledge and contemporary creative practice in an immersive cultural experience.

This special preview event takes place at the A Blanck Canvas workshop in Preston, where visitors can:

Explore the workshop where the giant creatures are created.

Meet the creative team behind the project.

Enjoy an evening of conversation and light refreshments.

Learn about the vision for First Kingdoms as it evolves into a touring cultural experience connecting communities across Australia through art, storytelling and spectacle.

📅 Friday 14 August, 6:00–9:00pm

📍 Preston, Victoria

🔗 More information and tickets: Humanitix event page

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A Blanck Canvas Presents: First Kingdoms

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An exclusive preview celebrating First Nations storytelling through large-scale creature and lighting installations

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THE DPS LAB showcase at The Princess Theatre - 19 August (QLD)

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THE DPS LAB showcase at The Princess Theatre - 19 August (QLD)

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ANNOUNCEMENT!

We're pumped to announce the works that will feature as part of this year's THE DPS LAB with @The Princess Theatre, Brisbane on 19th August.

Canvas! (Sebastian Sorensen)

Grab your paintbrush! Inspired by shows like Blue Man Group, STOMP, and GEAR, enter a cluttered art studio in the world of Canvas!, where musical theatre meets the visual arts! Follow a colourful cast of artists on their non-verbal journey to paint a masterpiece, through the magic of live percussion and collaboration. Each character brings their strengths and weaknesses to the show - learning to embrace each other’s true colours, to create something greater than themselves. Comprised of four drummers, Canvas! invites audiences to immerse themselves in a kaleidoscopic world of colours and original music for an unforgettable performance!

Splish, Splash, Splosh (Stephen Quinn & Brymore Productions)

Dive into a whimsical world of underwater wonder with Splish, Splash, Splosh. Three funny fish set out to find their school in a shifting aquatic world, filled to the brim with clowning, puppetry and sensory surprises.

Equal parts ridiculous and beautiful, Splish, Splash, Splosh is a joyful visual comedy for all ages that explores what it means to belong - in a very fishy way.

KILL THE GODS (Fake Blood)

Mankind was made to worship, we create idols and myths of exceptional people with extraordinary talent, etching their names into history. On the Isles of Iricles every inhabitant worships the Gods, celebrating their glory. All except Odessa, after her brother is taken as a sacrifice to the gods, she makes a violent and bloody vow. “By the dawn of the new sun I will save you brother, and I will kill the gods!”. KILL THE GODS is a work in development by Fake Blood that explores celebrity culture and power, through myths of gods and monsters.

Join us for a night of experimental design-led theatre.

https://www.deadpuppetsociety.com.au/the-dps-lab

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Hell bent on bringing our inimitable brand of entertainment to the world, creating deeply imaginative theatre where the old school meets the technological and the mythic meets the modern.

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AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things: 29 September - 3 October 2026 (WA)

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AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things: 29 September - 3 October 2026 (WA)

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Big news, Perth families! The AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things is back this September school holidays, and 2026 will be the biggest Festival yet.

Running from Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 3 October, the Festival is expanding to three metropolitan hubs. The Perth Cultural Centre precinct (home to the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, WA Museum Boola Bardip, and the State Library of Western Australia), Yagan Square, and Barking Gecko Arts' home at the Subiaco Arts Centre. The Festival also travels to regional WA throughout October, with hubs in Kununurra, Albany, Beverley and Bunbury.

The 2026 program features two world premieres, Walk of the Whales, Barking Gecko Arts' new adaptation of Nick Bland's award-winning picture book, and Snuggleplay by Sensorium Theatre, created especially for babies with disabilities. Plus international artists from Scotland and the Netherlands, free outdoor concerts, zebra-led Beyoncé dance parties, giant lizards, clown librarians, and the return of Stellarphant by James Foley Books.

And to make sure every family can come along, all ticketed events are just $10.

The full festival program will be released online in late August, with the exact go-live date to be confirmed. Stay tuned for further updates.

・

Artwork elements by Jasmine Berry

https://barkinggecko.com.au/awesome-festival

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Mr Squiggle has landed in Newcastle! 4 July - 1 November (NSW)

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Mr Squiggle has landed in Newcastle! 4 July - 1 November (NSW)

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🎭 Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington

📍 Newcastle Museum

🗓 4 July – 1 November 2026

For many Australians, Mr Squiggle is a treasured part of childhood. This delightful new exhibition celebrates the extraordinary creativity of Norman Hetherington, the puppeteer, artist and creator behind one of Australia’s most beloved television characters.

Visitors can see an incredible collection of original handcrafted puppets, including Mr Squiggle, Blackboard, Rocket, Bill Steamshovel and Gus the Snail, alongside Norman Hetherington’s wartime artwork, sketches and colourful stage props. The exhibition also features an interactive squiggle drawing activity, inviting visitors of all ages to create their own imaginative masterpieces.

Drawn from the Norman Hetherington Collection at the National Museum of Australia, this travelling exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Australia’s rich puppetry heritage and introduce a new generation to the magic of Mr Squiggle.

If you’re visiting Newcastle between now and November, this exhibition is well worth adding to your itinerary!

🔗 More information: https://newcastlemuseum.com.au/exhibitions-events/exhibitions/mr-squiggle-and-friends

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Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington

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Hurry up! It’s Squiggle Time at Newcastle Museum.

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Tickets now on sale for Henson exhibit coming to GOMA Brisbane this September! 12 Sept 2026 - 18 April 2027 (QLD)!

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Tickets now on sale for Henson exhibit coming to GOMA Brisbane this September! 12 Sept 2026 - 18 April 2027 (QLD)!

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BIG NEWS The wild and wonderful creatures of The Jim Henson Company are coming to GOMA!

'Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’ opens at GOMA on Saturday 12 September 2026.

Tickets on sale now!

Members enjoy early access plus a complimentary exhibition ticket.

Find out more https://brnw.ch/TheJimHensonCompanyGOMA

QAGOMA is excited to be celebrating the opening of ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’ as part of Brisbane Festival in September.

#HensonGOMA #visitbrisbane #thisisqueensland

This exhibition is supported by Strategic Partner Visit Queensland, Australia Visit Brisbane / Major Partner Shayher Group / Industry Partner Screen Queensland / Tourism & Media Partner JCDecaux & Supporting Partners Allpress Espresso & Dulux Australia

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Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art

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With stunning natural assets and a subtropical alfresco lifestyle, Brisbane is understated and unpretentious, with a welcoming laidback feel that flips the traditional city experience on its head.

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Celebrating 70 years of creativity and innovation, the exclusive-to-Brisbane exhibition 'Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company' will be an

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Callout for Village Puppet Festival (QLD)

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Callout for Village Puppet Festival (QLD)

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Callout: Storytellers, Puppeteers & Makers!

The 2nd Village Puppet Festival is inviting artists, makers and curious creatives to be part of a vibrant, community-driven celebration of puppetry in Queensland.

📍 Maleny Theatre Grounds, QLD

🗓 24–25 October 2026

This joyful two-day festival features puppet performances, roving musicians, workshops, market stalls, and a Puppet Parade at the end of each day. Whether you’re an experienced puppeteer or just starting out, this is a welcoming space to develop ideas, share work, and connect with others.

✨ Get involved:

Perform at the festival

Join pre-festival workshops

Create and develop new work

Simply register your interest — no obligation

The festival is presented by Little Big World Puppet Company (UNIMA Australia members), and is one of only a small number of dedicated puppet festivals in the country.

Applications close 30th June 2026.

💌 Find out more / register interest:

lbwpuppetco@gmail.com

🌐 littlebigworld.com.au

A beautiful opportunity to gather, make, and celebrate puppetry together.

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THE LION KING is in Sydney! (until 4 Oct 2026)

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THE LION KING is in Sydney! (until 4 Oct 2026)

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THE LION KING is now playing at Sydney's Capitol Theatre for a strictly limited season (currently with shows until October 4, 2026).

Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to Sydney!

More than 124 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.

https://thelionkingmusical.com.au/tickets/?city=sydney

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Call for Members & Volunteers – UNIMA Applied Puppetry Commission

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Call for Members & Volunteers – UNIMA Applied Puppetry Commission

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The newly formed Applied Puppetry Commission (2025–2029), led by Chair Terence Tan and Co-Chair Antje Wegener, is seeking passionate people to join our work in exploring and advancing puppetry for social health, development, and well-being.

We welcome practitioners, educators, and advocates involved in:

Puppetry in education

Support for vulnerable people

Relief and therapy work

Social development through the arts

The Commission is currently developing exciting projects, including:

Research and development of puppet pedagogy for people with special needs

Translating applied puppetry concepts and studies for more UNIMA national centres

Creating a hybrid academic course for members worldwide

If you’d like to share your skills, propose a project, collaborate on research, or help spread knowledge, we’d love to hear from you.

📧 Email: appliedpuppetry@unima.org

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Giving away a FREE Glove Puppet Stage (QLD)

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Giving away a FREE Glove Puppet Stage (QLD)

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FREE TO A GOOD HOME

A robust indoor/outdoor glove puppet stage.

Built by Richard Hart to outlive us all.

Complete with covers, lights, etc.

Slightly used - less than 1,000 times

Current location: Toowoomba, Queensland

For more information ring Dennis Murphy

0404 775 585

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Seeking a New Home for Ned & Monique – A Piece of Australian Ventriloquism History

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Seeking a New Home for Ned & Monique – A Piece of Australian Ventriloquism History

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Jude Blankfield is looking for a new home for two beloved puppets, Ned & Monique, which belonged to her late father, Allan Blankfield, a ventriloquist who performed throughout Melbourne in the 1970s.

Ned, a classic ventriloquist doll, and Monique, a large crocodile puppet, were central to Allan’s performances. Alongside them, Jude has a collection of original materials, including performance notes, photographs, costumes, ventriloquism training books, and even early designs for Monique.

Ideally, these treasured puppets would find a place in a museum or collection dedicated to preserving Australia’s puppetry history. However, Jude is also open to speaking with collectors or performers who could give them new life.

Allan performed at venues including Le Crepe Bretonne in St Kilda, and if anyone remembers him or has stories to share, Jude would love to hear from you.

If you or someone in your network is interested in giving Ned & Monique a good home, or if you have memories of Allan to share, please reach out to Jude at judeblankfield@gmail.com. The puppets are currently located in Hawthorn, VIC.

Let’s help find Ned & Monique the perfect new home and celebrate Allan Blankfield’s legacy!

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Puppet Newsletter on Substack: Holly Likes…Puppets! (UK)

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Puppet Newsletter on Substack: Holly Likes…Puppets! (UK)

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Check out this free monthly newsletter about puppetry news around the world, available on the Substack app! This is a reader-supported newsletter and there are free and paid subscriptions available.

https://open.substack.com/pub/hollylikespuppets/p/september-2025-newsletter?r=6aew7x&utm_medium=ios

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This summer has been bursting with puppetry - giant figures striding through city centres, festivals filling streets with stories, and announcements rolling in from across the puppetry world. And there's still more to come: spectacular autumn festivals, brand new opportunities, and some extraordinary exhibitions.

At the very top - the 10ft puppets of Ancient Giants by Inspirate are opening The Full Shebang Festival in Mansfield this week, colliding South Asian mythology with martial arts and large-scale puppetry. Elsewhere, Preston's Encounter Festival is turning ten with its own parade puppet of Arthur Wharton, Bournemouth will glow with giant jellyfish and a moving wheel parade, and Ards Puppet Festival promises animal-inspired adventures for the Halloween holidays.

It's been a busy season of celebrations - the British Puppet Guild's centenary , the evolution of Puppet Place 48 with new sponsorship and awards from BrUNIMA and the Guild, and the promise of fresh British UNIMA member events and screenings coming soon. And alongside, there's a packed month of workshops, a world of opportunities, and a new podcast Under the Puppet episode to enjoy.
Here's what you'll find inside this newsletter:

🎓 Workshops (online & in person)

🎭 Exhibitions in Rennes & Vitré

🌟 Opportunities (Puppet Place 48, Skipton, Tunbridge Wells)

🎧 Podcast feature

🎪 Festival highlights & giant puppets

The new school year means a fresh slate of workshops, both online and in person. This month you can enjoy Extreme Puppetry with Blind Summit, table top people puppets with Judith Hope, shadow mechanisms, automata tinkering, Lambe Lambe theatre, family shows, and more...

👉 See the full collated list of September workshops

5-8 November 2025 | Lillico - Salle Guy Ropartz, Rennes
Step inside the magical world of Czech puppetry, a UNESCO treasure, and celebrate 60 years of Rennes-Brno friendship with Radost Theatre. Puppets, sketches, workshops, and guided tours bring this living tradition to life.
(Free entry, ages 8+)

On now until 2 November 2025 | Maison des Cultures du Monde, Vitré
From Indonesian shadow figures to Vietnamese water puppets and Bolivian carnival spirits - this exhibition goes beyond display into ritual, resistance, and play.
(Free entry)

Apply by 30 September 2025
The much-loved biennial festival is seeking a passionate, creative Festival Director to lead it into its next exciting chapter. With a focus on world-class puppetry and community engagement, this part-time, flexible role (freelance fee) is an opportunity to shape the future of puppetry in Tunbridge Wells.
👉 Apply with CV & expression of interest: alisontwpf@gmail.com

12-14 September (Challenge Weekend) · 19 October (Finale)
Create a brand new puppet film in just 48 hours! This year British UNIMA sponsors the International Award, celebrating puppetry voices across borders. With additional prizes including the Inclusive Puppetry Alliance Award, there's space for everyone.

We're thrilled to share some exciting news from our friends at Beverley Puppet Festival 🎭

They are currently working on the 12th edition of the festival, which they hope to present (funding dependent) from Friday 17 - Sunday 19 July 2026.

The Beverley Puppet Festival is a much-loved celebration of puppetry in all its forms - and this is your chance to be part of it!

17-18 October 2025 | Skipton Town Hall, North Yorkshire
Two packed days of panels, workshops, networking, and celebrations.

The 2026 touring list is live and growing. Submit your show or see what's happening across the UK. Browse it by genre and type, view them all here!

Want to be listed? Email hollylikespuppets@gmail.com

Under the Puppet Podcast - Jeanne Lauren
Creature-shop artist on Return of the Jedi, puppet designer at Skyana, and biker cameo in Howard the Duck.
👉 Listen here

- The Full Shebang Festival - East Midlands, UK | 6 Sept
Catch the spectacular 10ft puppets of Ancient Giants by Inspirate, a dazzling mix of South Asian storytelling, martial arts, and large-scale puppetry. Alongside, catch circus, drumming, Aardman animation workshops, and more

Encounter Festival - Preston, UK | A tenth anniversary celebration of outdoor arts with puppetry at its heart - look out for the giant Arthur Wharton parade puppet leading the Torchlight Procession, alongside Inspirate's Ancient Giants, live music, dance, and a fireworks finale.

Arts by the Sea - Bournemouth, UK | This year's theme We Are Here brings a bold line-up of music, circus, walkabout theatre, and light installations - from giant glowing jellyfish to Parade: The Giant Wheel, a moving spectacle of community and performance.

UNIMA International @ World Festival of Puppet Theatres - Charleville-Mézières, France | Gatherings, talks, and convivial evenings for puppeteers worldwide - including the launch of UNIMAGAZINE, international aperitifs, and discussions on collaboration and women in puppetry.

Ards Puppet Festival- Northern Ireland | A family-friendly Halloween alternative: puppet shows, making workshops, and animal-inspired adventures. The full programme drops 18 Sept - expect top international companies and plenty of hands-on fun at Ards Arts Centre.

View the full list of festival coming up and to apply for here
That's plenty of news for now - from workshops and festivals to exhibitions and opportunities, I hope there's something here to spark your imagination.

If you have an event, exhibition, or story you'd like featured in the next newsletter, do let me know. This space works best when it carries all our voices.

Holly

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Workshops, exhibitions, opportunities & puppet magic around the world

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International Puppet Festivals - Interactive Google Map! 

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International Puppet Festivals - Interactive Google Map! 

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https://www.naranjarte.com/festivalsmap/

Naranjarte (Ana Lorite and Sergio Aguilar) have been creating an online map showing puppet festivals around the world! The markers are colour coordinated according to the months of the year.

If you scroll down on the site there is also a spreadsheet showing the festivals by month.

Check it out - we hope you will find it helpful for any touring puppeteers and to plan future puppet travels!

Huge thanks to Ana and Sergio for contributing to create and update this map, which also allows others to contribute!

https://www.naranjarte.com/festivalsmap/

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Erth seeking EOI for Sydney based performers! (NSW)

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Erth seeking EOI for Sydney based performers! (NSW)

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Erth is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from performers wishing to join our ensemble for a variety of Sydney-based, national and internationally touring shows. We are looking for individuals with experience in text and script-based work, as well as physical strength and stamina from backgrounds in puppeteering, dance, and/or physical theatre. We encourage people of all shapes, sizes, abilities, genders, and cultural backgrounds to register their interest in auditioning.

For details on how to apply, visit www.erth.com.au/recruitment

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Welcome to our UNIMA Australia Puppetry Bulletin!

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Welcome to our UNIMA Australia Puppetry Bulletin!

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UNIMA Australia is the official association organisation of Australia - we are all about friendship through Puppetry! Membership is open to anyone around the world.

Join our free mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/721bff46fca8/unima-australia-newsletter-signup

Not a member? Learn more about joining UNIMA Australia here.

Follow us on

Instagram @unima_oz

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UnimaOz

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Check out professional classes at https://www.hensonfoundation.org/puppet-happenings/professional-classes/

Subscribe to the Puppet Happenings Newsletter and receive a weekly email of Puppet Happenings highlights every Friday!

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UNIMA Australia is the official association organisation of Australia - we are all about friendship through Puppetry! Membership is open to anyone around the world.

Join today at https://www.unima.org.au/membership/

Follow us on

Instagram @unima_oz

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UnimaOz

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Here is a list of our UNIMA Oz Committee:

President - Larissa Deak (QLD)

General Secretary- Kay Yasugi (NSW)

Treasurer - Katherine Hannaford (NSW)

Extra-Ordinary Committee Members- Alex Joy (VIC), Susie Boeselt (SA), Tahlia Ransley (NSW), Christopher Ragg (VIC) and Tania Heideman (TAS).

Councillors - Larissa Deak, Kay Yasugi and Alex Joy

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Accessing the members only Digital Archive (Members were sent an email - it's not Spam!)

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Accessing the members only Digital Archive (Members were sent an email - it's not Spam!)

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We have launched our UNIMA Australia Digital Archive!

All members are being sent access codes via email for the UNIMA Australia website. Once you log in, you can watch recordings of past meetings, workshops, and social events.

The email will look something like this (note - this is not spam):

From: WordPress <wordpress@unima.org.au>

Subject: [UNIMA AUSTRALIA] Login Details

To: (Your email address)

Username: (first name.surname)

To set your password, visit the following address:

(we will send you a unique link)

https://www.unima.org.au/wordpress/wp-login.php

Once you log in, you can watch recordings of past meetings, workshops, and social events.

Haven't received your access code? Contact our Membership Secretary Katherine Hannaford at membership@unima.org.au

Katherine has been working very hard to create this archive for our members, and we thank her immensely for her efforts!

📚 UNIMA Oz Book Collection – Now Online!

Katherine has also been busy testing out a new scanning app and has successfully digitised the very first book from the UNIMA Oz collection. She also discovered another title is freely available on Scribd.

She’s created a dedicated page in our Members Area to host the full collection as it grows – making it easier than ever for members to explore our puppetry library.

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https://www.redbubble.com/people/unimaoz/shop

Did you know that you can buy UNIMA Australia merchandise at our Red Bubble store?

You can grab a t-shirt, stickers, posters, and lots more - perfect for wearing to shows, festivals, gatherings and meet-ups. Our logo was designed by the renowned Australian puppeteer Norman Hetherington, creator of Mr Squiggle.

The amazing 'Puppet Finger' and 'Alanis Marionette' designs were created by Francesca 'Frankie' Snow for the ABC iView puppet campaign in Australia in 2021. The graphic was kindly donated to UNIMA Australia for members and all puppet lovers to enjoy! More info, clips and photos at [http://www.digitalseagull.com/digital-seagull-blog/dont-be-surprised-if-youre-surprised-puppets-on-abc-iview]

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Monkey Baa Theatre: "Where is the Green Sheep?" | National Tour 2026! NT | QLD | VIC | NSW | TAS | ACT

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Monkey Baa Theatre: "Where is the Green Sheep?" | National Tour 2026! NT | QLD | VIC | NSW | TAS | ACT

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Where is the Green Sheep? — Touring Production Update

Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the much-loved children’s book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Adapted for the stage and directed by Eva Di Cesare, the production blends puppetry and animation to invite young audiences on a gentle and playful quest with three farmers searching for the elusive green sheep.

The puppets for the production were created by UNIMA Australia members Kay Yasugi (Puppet Designer/Maker) and Kailah Cabanas (Puppetry Director & Assistant Director). Kay would also like to acknowledge and thank UNIMA members Katherine Hannaford, Kerrie Fuller and Kaia Helle for their generous help with the build, alongside Paige Hoorweg, George Wohlfiel and Chloe Jade, who also contributed to bringing the puppets to life.

Co-created with students from Bankstown West Public School, whose voices feature as narrators, the production is enriched by the imagination and perspectives of children themselves.

The show premiered successfully at Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Out of the Box Festival in Brisbane in June 2025.

Check out National Tour Dates for 2026!

More performances are planned across Australia in 2026 — visit the Monkey Baa Theatre Company website for upcoming dates and bookings: https://www.monkeybaa.com.au/shows/where-is-the-green-sheep

Where is the Green Sheep? is a co-production with Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Out of the Box Festival, in association with Arts Centre Melbourne, Sydney Opera House and The Art House, Wyong.

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We are a national Australian theatre company that creates theatre for young audiences. For over 27 years, we’ve been creating productions for ages 3-13 years that spark imagination, creativity and a lifelong love of the arts.For thousands of young people, our shows will be their first time at the theatre; so, we ma…

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Sydney-based puppetry company Erth Visual & Physical Inc. brings its spectacular new production Erth’s Dinosaurs to audiences across Australia later this year.

Blending giant puppetry, live video, storytelling, humour and the latest paleontological science, Erth’s Dinosaurs brings a menagerie of prehistoric creatures to life—from curious baby dinosaurs to towering predators. The production continues Erth’s internationally acclaimed tradition of creature puppetry and immersive theatre for audiences of all ages.

📍 Upcoming performances:

Gold Coast – HOTA: 25–26 September 2026

Adelaide – Adelaide Festival Centre: 13–14 November 2026

Erth also continues to tour a range of works including Erth’s Shark Dive, Dinosaur Zoo, Prehistoric World, Prehistoric Aquarium, ARC and The Nature of Things, alongside large-scale installations and roving performances.

🌐 https://www.erth.com.au/
📸 @erthvisualphysical

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📅 UNIMA Oz Events 2026 – Save the Dates!

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📅 UNIMA Oz Events 2026 – Save the Dates!

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We’re excited to share some key dates from the UNIMA Oz 2026 events calendar.

Whether you’re keen to make, share, celebrate, or simply drop in and say hello, we’d love to see you during the year.

More events will be announced as 2026 unfolds, but here are a few you can start marking in your calendar now:

🐝 The Hive - Second Wednesday of the Month!

Monthly online drop-ins to share work, ask questions, and connect:

Wednesday 12 August 2026 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday 9 September 2026 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday 14 October 2026 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Register at https://www.trybooking.com/DJIVY

🗳️ UNIMA Oz AGM

Sun 30 Aug | 3–5pm AEST | Online

Hear what’s been happening and help shape the future of UNIMA Oz.

🎪 Melbourne Festival of Puppetry

22–27 Sept 2026

A full week of puppetry performances, workshops, and events.

🎟️ Program & tickets on sale June 2026

👉 https://www.lemonys.net.au/the-melbourne-festival-of-puppetry

🎃 Spooky Social

Sun 25 Oct | 3–5pm AEST | Online

A Halloween get-together with pumpkin carving, puppets, and spooky fun.

💚 Not a member (or need to renew)?

Membership includes free events, discounted workshops, grants, news, and connection with puppeteers across Australia.

👉 https://www.unima.org.au/membership/

We can’t wait to share another year of puppetry with you.