The 24th UNIMA Congress: A Global Puppetry Gathering in Chuncheon
An unmissable international event celebrating the art of puppetry.
The world of puppetry is coming together once again for an extraordinary event! From 26–30 May 2025, Chuncheon, South Korea, will host the 24th UNIMA Congress, a gathering that promises breathtaking performances, hands-on workshops, and vibrant cultural exchanges. This international festival is a must-attend for puppeteers, artists, and enthusiasts alike, offering a unique opportunity to witness the magic of puppetry on a global stage.
🎭 A Puppetry Extravaganza
At the heart of the Congress is the 37th Chuncheon Puppet Festival (running from 23 May to 1 June 2025), Asia’s oldest and largest puppetry festival. This celebrated event will showcase an array of performances from Korea and beyond, offering a dynamic mix of traditional and contemporary puppetry styles. Whether you are drawn to intricate hand puppets, grand marionettes, or innovative digital puppetry, you will find something that captures your imagination.
🛠️ Workshops to Inspire Creativity
The Congress will feature engaging workshops led by renowned puppetry experts from around the world. One of the key highlights is the exploration of how traditional Korean music and storytelling can be seamlessly integrated into modern puppetry. These sessions are open to all—whether you are a professional puppeteer or someone new to the art form, you will gain valuable insights and practical experience that will leave you inspired.
🎉 The Spectacular Puppet Carnival
A true crowd favourite, the Puppet Carnival takes place on Sundays during the festival. This lively event brings together local artists, puppeteers, and Chuncheon residents for a colourful street parade filled with performances, interactive puppetry, and theatrical fun. The city transforms into a vibrant stage where puppets of all sizes and styles come to life, making it an unforgettable spectacle for visitors of all ages.
💬 Expanding Puppetry’s Horizons: The International Symposium
Beyond performances and workshops, the Congress will host the International Symposium: "Borders: The Puppetry Unborders", a discussion exploring the power of puppetry to transcend artistic, social, and political boundaries. This event, available both online and in person, will feature presentations from global puppetry leaders and provide a networking platform for artists and scholars alike.
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🎨 Exploring Korea’s Puppetry Legacy
For those keen to delve into the rich history of Korean puppetry, the Congress will include a special exhibition: "From Tradition to Modernity: The Evolution of Korean Puppetry." This showcase will highlight the fascinating journey of Korean puppetry from its ancient origins to its contemporary innovations, offering valuable insight into a tradition that continues to evolve and inspire.
🌏 Mark Your Calendars!
The 24th UNIMA Congress is set to be an unmissable event, bringing together puppetry lovers from across the globe. With the Chuncheon Puppet Festival running alongside, it is the perfect opportunity to experience puppetry in all its forms while immersing yourself in Korea’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Save the dates: 26–30 May 2025, for the UNIMA Congress, and 23 May–1 June 2025, for the Chuncheon Puppet Festival.
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of puppetry—see you in Chuncheon!
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