By creating, in 2021, an International Prize for Initiative in the field of puppetry, the Member Cities of the AVIAMA wanted to reward on an international scale those who, through innovative action, contribute to highlighting the puppetry arts, to defending their development and to encouraging their recognition by a wide audience.
AVIAMA wishes to draw the attention of the public, professionals and local governments to innovative and successful initiatives that encourage dialogue, respect and the moral values of humanity, beyond differences and cultures.
Awarded every two years, this International Prize is intended to highlight a city or local government whose commitment to puppet theatre helps to advance the recognition of this discipline, to share it with as many people as possible, or simply to put a special spotlight on this art form that unites all AVIAMA members…
The 2024 Winner: the City of TOLOSA (Spain) and TOPIC (Tolosa Puppet International Center)
Renowned for its multi-purpose infrastructure, including the Museum, the Theatre (Auditorium), the Documentation Centre, the Workshops and the Centre for Resident Creators, TOPIC also organises the international TITIRIJAI festival, as well as a major puppet theatre programme throughout the year with the Titerescena programme.
TOPIC, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, has also organised a number of international conferences, training courses for puppeteers, numerous meetings between puppeteers and various creators, and workshops for schools and families.
International recognition
The AVIAMA International Initiative Award Trophy was specially designed and created by Mylène Leboeuf-Gagné, a puppeteer from Saguenay (Quebec – Canada), an AVIAMA member city. It was presented on Saturday 23 November to Ms Goiuri EZEIZA, TOLOSA’s cultural councillor, and to Ms Estitxu ZALDUA and Mr Juanjo HERRERO, TOPIC’s directors, at the 42nd TITIRIJAI Festival in Tolosa.
It was awarded by a 5-member International Jury, chaired in 2024 by Mr YOOK DONG HAN, Mayor of Chuncheon (South Korea).
