Changes afoot at the Puppet Centre

You may have noticed the Puppet Centre website has had a bit of a makeover. We’re celebrating our 40th anniversary this year and have taken the opportunity to refresh our vision. We have recently completed an organisational review and consulted widely, investigating what’s needed to help puppetry thrive now. We are now developing an exciting new plan to champion the sector.

Building on the organisation’s recent work, going forward the Puppet Centre will focus more strongly on advocacy, provision of artistic and career development, and opportunities to network and connect. We will be stepping up to empower the sector and we are now raising funds to make this plan a reality.

After four years of exceptional leadership at Puppet Centre, Linda Lewis stepped down as Director in March but we are delighted that she has agreed to stay on as a Project Manager for large scale events. Kate Anderson, previously Executive Director/Joint CEO of The Nuffield Theatre is standing in as Interim Director to lead the company’s developments. A new permanent Director will be appointed later in the year.

"Having been involved in Puppet Centre’s recent review and sector consultation, I was struck by the consistency of the message I was hearing – we need a voice, unity, and a strategic approach for the sector", says Kate.

"Despite high profile successes such as 'War Horse' on stage, Greenpeace’s Aurora on the streets, and many other examples of extraordinary work engaging large audiences, the sector remains disjointed and lacking in recognition and resources. Over its forty year history, Puppet Centre has been very good at identifying the differing needs of the sector and developing strategies to help puppetry grow.

"Over the next few months we will focus on fundraising and internal developments and we hope to be in a position to make announcements about our future programme in the autumn. In the meantime do please have a look at some of our new plans in the ‘Work’ section of the website, and of course keep in touch via our ‘Connect’ section which includes Animation Online and our monthly newsletters."

In other news, we’re delighted to announce that Louise Alexander, Puppet Centre's Administrator, is expecting a baby in the summer. Louise will return in early spring 2015 after her maternity leave.

Credits

Quotes

"Having been involved in Puppet Centre’s recent review and sector consultation, I was struck by the consistency of the message I was hearing – we need a voice, unity, and a strategic approach for the sector" – Kate Anderson

Additional Info

Have a look at some of our new plans in the ‘Work’ section of the Puppet Centre website, and keep in touch via our ‘Connect’ section.

Links

www.puppetcentre.org.uk