Burundi National Center of the International Puppetry Union
UNIMA Burundi
Puppets in the service of peace, education and the promotion of Burundian cultural heritage
ADHÉSION...
History
The UNIMA Burundi Centre was officially recognized on April 25, 2023, during the UNIMA World Congress held in Bali, Indonesia.
The creation of a national UNIMA Centre in Burundi stems from the initiative of a group of Burundian artists, primarily from the association ABASAMANDARI, who were passionate about discovering puppetry—an art form still new to Burundi.
The Centre began in 2023 with ten motivated and committed members. Thanks to puppet-making and manipulation workshops organized with the support of the French Institute of Burundi and international volunteer artists such as Alessandra Amicarelli from Italy, the number of members grew to over 25 young Burundian artists by 2025.
UNIMA Burundi is active both locally and internationally: it participated in the Roots and Wings International Conference in South Africa (November 2024), formalized its twinning with UNIMA Italy (December 2024), and took part in World Puppetry Day (March 21 in 2023, 2024, and 2025), as well as in the 24th UNIMA World Congress in South Korea (May 2025).
The Centre collaborates with the association Abasamandari, UNIMA South Africa, the Izuba Cultural Centre, the newspaper Shikiriza, and publishes newsletters.
Young but dynamic, the Centre promotes training, research, creation, and the enhancement of Burundian cultural heritage through puppetry.
Mission
Inspired by that of UNIMA International but adapted to local needs, the mission of UNIMA Burundi is to promote the art of puppetry in Burundi as a tool for artistic expression, popular education, social cohesion, and the enhancement of Burundian cultural heritage.
Specific objectives:
-
Provide training and development opportunities for young artists.
-
Encourage contemporary creation and research on traditional forms of puppetry.
-
Promote the circulation of works and artists at national, regional, and international levels.
-
Integrate puppetry into strategies for education, social mediation, and community outreach.
-
Document, protect, and highlight both traditional and contemporary forms of Burundian puppetry heritage.
Core Values
Creativity: Innovating while respecting traditions.
Transmission: Sharing knowledge and skills—with joy.
Peace & Reconciliation: Offering, through puppetry, a space for dialogue and remembrance.
Heritage: Protecting, promoting, and bringing to life the traditional arts and cultures of Burundi.
Community Engagement: Working with and for local communities.
International Solidarity: Acting in synergy with other UNIMA Centres and partners around the world.
POURQUOI ADHÉRER
- Formations et ateliers: apprentissage des techniques de fabrication et de manipulation de marionnettes, animés par des formateurs locaux et internationaux.
- Créations collectives et spectacles: participation à des projets artistiques joués dans divers espaces culturels et quartiers du pays.
- Échanges interculturels: accès à des partenariats avec d’autres centres UNIMA en Afrique et dans le monde, à travers des stages, résidences et projets communs.
- Projets sociaux: contribution à des actions éducatives et culturelles auprès des enfants et des communautés vulnérables ;
- Informations exclusives: réception d’opportunités nationales et internationales (festivals, bourses, appels à projets) via les bulletins et publications de l’UNIMA Burundi.
TYPES D'ADHÉSIONS ET COTISATIONS
Membre actif (Artiste professionnel ou en formation)
Cotisation annuelle : 30 000 BIF
→ Droit de vote à l’Assemblée générale, participation prioritaire aux activités, formations et créations.
Membre sympathisant (Ami de la marionnette, soutien moral et financier)
Cotisation annuelle : 15 000 BIF
→ Participation possible aux événements, informations régulières sur les activités, sans droit de vote.
Membre institutionnel (Écoles, associations, centres culturels)
Cotisation annuelle : 50 000 BIF
→ Possibilité de collaboration directe sur des projets culturels, formations, spectacles ou projets éducatifs.
History
The UNIMA Burundi Centre was officially recognized on April 25, 2023, during the UNIMA World Congress held in Bali, Indonesia.
The creation of a national UNIMA Centre in Burundi stems from the initiative of a group of Burundian artists, primarily from the association ABASAMANDARI, who were passionate about discovering puppetry—an art form still new to Burundi.
The Centre began in 2023 with ten motivated and committed members. Thanks to puppet-making and manipulation workshops organized with the support of the French Institute of Burundi and international volunteer artists such as Alessandra Amicarelli from Italy, the number of members grew to over 25 young Burundian artists by 2025.
UNIMA Burundi is active both locally and internationally: it participated in the Roots and Wings International Conference in South Africa (November 2024), formalized its twinning with UNIMA Italy (December 2024), and took part in World Puppetry Day (March 21 in 2023, 2024, and 2025), as well as in the 24th UNIMA World Congress in South Korea (May 2025).
The Centre collaborates with the association Abasamandari, UNIMA South Africa, the Izuba Cultural Centre, the newspaper Shikiriza, and publishes newsletters.
Young but dynamic, the Centre promotes training, research, creation, and the enhancement of Burundian cultural heritage through puppetry.
Mission
Inspired by that of UNIMA International but adapted to local needs, the mission of UNIMA Burundi is to promote the art of puppetry in Burundi as a tool for artistic expression, popular education, social cohesion, and the enhancement of Burundian cultural heritage.
Specific objectives:
-
Provide training and development opportunities for young artists.
-
Encourage contemporary creation and research on traditional forms of puppetry.
-
Promote the circulation of works and artists at national, regional, and international levels.
-
Integrate puppetry into strategies for education, social mediation, and community outreach.
-
Document, protect, and highlight both traditional and contemporary forms of Burundian puppetry heritage.
Core Values
Creativity: Innovating while respecting traditions.
Transmission: Sharing knowledge and skills—with joy.
Peace & Reconciliation: Offering, through puppetry, a space for dialogue and remembrance.
Heritage: Protecting, promoting, and bringing to life the traditional arts and cultures of Burundi.
Community Engagement: Working with and for local communities.
International Solidarity: Acting in synergy with other UNIMA Centres and partners around the world.