Today we’d like to introduce you to Vince Anthony.
Hi Vince, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
UNIMA-USA is the United States branch of the international theater organization Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA). Established in 1929, UNIMA was founded for all people worldwide concerned with the Art of the Puppet Theatre, to serve the idea of peace and mutual understanding without distinction as to race, political ideas, or religion. There are more than 90 countries represented in the international association and UNIMA-USA’s diverse membership hails from 307 towns and cities across 44 states plus D.C. UNIMA-USA was established in 1966* and its key programming includes the bi-annual magazine Puppetry International; an interdisciplinary, freely available, online academic journal: Puppetry International Research; online educational programs such as Zoomies; an annual Scholarship to study puppetry abroad; and a Citation program recognizing excellence in puppetry-focused productions and publications. The website also has a searchable database of company members – The Puppetry Yellow Pages. Vince Anthony, the Center for Puppetry Arts’ founder, has served as the General Secretary of UNIMA-USA since 1991. And fun fact – the founder of the Center’s Museum Nancy Lohman Staub was the festival director of the first and only UNIMA Congress and World Puppetry Festival held in North America**. Mark your calendars – the next UNIMA Congress and World Puppetry Festival will take place during the organization’s centenary year in its birthplace: 2029 in Prague, Czech Republic!
*For those interested in Jim Henson’s connection to the founding of UNIMA-USA and the inspiration he found in the global puppetry community – read this great article on the Henson Foundation’s website
***For further reading, here’s a great PIR article about Nancy and the 1980 festival
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
UNIMA-USA celebrates our 60-year anniversary this year, with our international parent organization nearing its 100th anniversary in 2029. No organization with such a long tenure is a stranger to bumps in the road. The organization’s success amid the ebb and flow of life is thanks to the countless individuals who have contributed their time and energy to the organization’s mission.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
UNIMA-USA commits to four key areas: Community-We value the power of puppetry to build community through shared experiences between artists and audiences worldwide; Creativity-We value puppetry that demonstrates imagination, creative integrity, skill and commitment; Diversity-We value and celebrate individual and cultural diversity and foster understanding between people; and Preservation-We value puppetry’s past, present andfuture through education, preservation and training. UNIMA-USA achieves these values through key programming which includes the bi-annual magazine; an interdisciplinary, free online academic journal; website, resource guides, online programs and electronic communications actively supporting the history and future of puppetry; promotion of cultural exchanges and professional touring both domestically and internationally; and a citation program recognizing excellence in puppetry-focused productions and publications.
The intended beneficiaries of UNIMA-USA’s projects include all those with an interest in puppetry, theater, art, and world cultures. Participants range from the 85 year old life-long member leading community workshops on sustainable puppetry in Brazil; to the established scholar conducting Fulbright fieldwork in Japan; to the young student seeking mentorship with a Czech master craftsman; to the professional performer seeking to inspire and be inspired on a world stage. These artistic interests often have limited resources available, particularly for those seeking to connect with the global puppetry community. UNIMA-USA also benefits academic researchers in the field of puppetry by providing opportunities for peer-reviewed publication and channels for the dissemination of such research through university libraries and academic communities. PI and PIR also foster the work of young scholars and serve as a crucial step on their career path. UNIMA-USA’s foundational members, including Jim Henson, created the U.S. Center of UNIMA because this union of puppeteers from such a vast array of cultures and traditions inspired them. It opened up a world of possibilities and connections. The decades since its founding have brought new tools for communication, and UNIMA-USA is committed to harnessing all modes of communication to further the mission and reach even more individuals who may have interest in the global world of puppetry but may have limited travel opportunities due to economic factors or disability. At its core, UNIMA-USA serves United States citizens through cultural diplomacy, bringing together people through a shared love of art.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Like Best: The Center for Puppetry Arts!
Like Least: Atlanta’s public arts funding averages $1.96 per capita – less than half the national average and totally eclipsed by other major metro areas with thriving arts scenes.
Pricing:
- Membership (starting at $35 annually)
- Puppetry International Magazine (Free to members, $5.95 per issue)
- Puppetry International Research (Free online)
- UNIMA-USA Merch (ranges from $2-$30)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://unima-usa.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unimausa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNIMA.USA/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unima-usa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpOc6EnpdozEPyUHryVxqWw
