Stratford is now an official member of AVIAMA, an international association of puppet-friendly cities that form a network promoting the artistry of the puppet as a vital cultural form. Stratford is the first English-speaking city to receive the honour of becoming an AVIAMA Member; and only the third city in North America to be recognized on this international scale for Stratford’s significant contribution to the puppetry world. Other member countries include: Poland, Germany, France, South Korea, Luxembourg, Belgium, Japan, Czechia, Spain, Mali, and Taiwan. Our other wonderful Canadian partners run international festivals in Saguenay and Outremont (Montreal), Quebec.

“Puppetry is a living art with a long history and a promising future. Present in almost every culture in the world, puppetry allows us to speak a universal language, accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances or country of origin.” – AVIAMA

This recognition continues to foster the power of the arts in Stratford. Stratford's growth as an international destination for puppetry improves national access to world-renowned performances that have traditionally been much more accessible in Quebec, at the Casteliers International Festival or the Festival des arts de la marionnette á Saguenay. Now, Stratford is proudly considered an international hotspot to celebrate puppetry alongside several other fantastic cities.

"I am so proud of the work and commitment of Eileen Smith, Artistic Producer of SpringWorks, that has resulted in this amazing announcement. It was an honour to represent the City of Stratford, virtually, with the Board of Directors of AVIAMA in Paris, France and then to hear their decision. What a natural fit and extension of the activities and art associated with SpringWorks ~ PuppetWorks!. Another opportunity for Stratford to share in the international stage and welcome people from around the world" - City of Stratford Mayor, Martin Ritsma.

Destination Stratford’s Destination Development Manager, Christina Phillips, adds that, “The motto for our destination is THE ARTS ARE WHAT WE ARE, and inclusion in AVIAMA’s International Puppetry Association represents an exciting cultural growth opportunity for our community!”

This honour comes as a direct result of the World in a Weekend: International Puppet Festival, an initiative of SpringWorks~PuppetWorks! which is now entering its fourth consecutive year. Much like a fringe festival, World in a Weekend is pushing creative boundaries – showcasing puppetry as an art form that is bold, experimental, and above all, for all ages. This year’s World in a Weekend: International Puppetry Festival will be hosted in Stratford from July 31 to Aug. 4 with an eclectic platter of accessible entertainment for all.

“There is a myth, prevalent in North America, that puppets are just for children. In reality, it is one of the most ancient, provocative, and visually complex methods of storytelling for adults across the globe.” - World in a Weekend artistic producer and SWF~PW founder, Eileen Smith

SpringWorks ~ PuppetWorks! is incredibly thankful that AVIAMA invited Stratford as one of their members and looks forward to the continued celebration of puppetry Stratford has to offer. They also want to extend their gratitude to the wonderful community that makes up Stratford for their support and love of puppetry that lead to this successful membership.

By Stratford Today Staff for www.stratfordtoday.ca.

Photo: The 12-foot-tall Waykaru, one of the many special guests at this year's World in a Weekend Festival. © 2025 SpringWorks PuppetWorks.