The Wallonia-Brussels Federation Puppet Center is a unique venue dedicated to the promotion and development of the puppetry arts. Located in Tournai, it also houses the Museum of Puppetry Arts. The Center offers a stimulating environment for creativity, open to interdisciplinary collaboration and boasting an exceptional heritage.
Each season, a call for residency applications is issued to artists, companies, and researchers whose work falls within the field of puppetry, object theater, and related arts.
Call Schedule
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for proposals opens | May 20, 2026 |
| Submission deadline | June 8, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. |
| Response to applicants | Within 3 weeks of the closing |
| Residency period | 2026–2027 Season (September 2026 to June 2027) |
What kinds of projects do we accept?
We welcome projects that explore the richness and diversity of puppetry forms: string puppets, glove puppets, bunraku, shadow puppets, object theater… Given the inherently interdisciplinary nature of puppetry, we also welcome productions that engage with other art forms: circus, street arts, dance, music, and digital arts.
These may include both creative residencies and basic research residencies. Creative residencies can take place at various stages of the process:
- Research and writing: laying the groundwork for a project, exploring a subject.
- Production and workshop: presenting the work-in-progress to an outside perspective, or even to an initial audience.
What the Puppet Center Offers
1. Workspace
- Availability of the Center's performance hall (see the technical specifications on our website).
- Visitors may consult the resource center specializing in puppetry and the performing arts.
- Use of the kitchen and an office, if needed.
- Troubleshooting toolkit (basic tools) available for self-service use.
2. Financial assistance
The Center offers two options, which the company can choose from based on its needs and administrative status:
| Formula | Profile | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Option A: Direct Coverage | For companies that prefer a turnkey solution. | Accommodation provided (up to 4 people). Meal allowance: $24 per person per day (up to 4 people). Contribution toward artistic expenses in the event of a public performance. |
| Option B: Co-production Contribution | For companies wishing to highlight the support they receive from their funders. | Total value of the co-production grant (including lodging, meals, and artistic support). The company is free to allocate the funds according to its priorities. |
Important note: Transportation costs are not covered. We encourage you to take this into account when planning your living expenses.
3. Support
- Meet with the team (technical and creative) upon arrival to discuss your project, finalize the arrangements, and identify any specific needs.
- Technical support from our stage manager: details on how to request assistance (schedules, availability) will be clearly communicated to you upon your arrival.
- An outside perspective and artistic advice, upon request, from a team member.
- Administrative consulting (structuring, funding applications) available upon request.
- Access to the collections of the Museum of Puppetry Arts.
Duration of the residency
The duration of the residency is flexible and will be determined in consultation with you, based on the progress of your project, your needs, and our availability. Please specify your preferred format and duration in the application form; these details can be refined during our preliminary discussions.
- Short-term residency (5 to 7 days): Monday through Friday or Friday through Friday—exploration, initial steps, research phase
- Long-term Residency – FWB Artist (10 days): Monday through Wednesday: production, testing, and advanced staging. Intended for projects nearing completion that require significant time on stage (set-up, technical adjustments). The awarding of a long-term residency is subject to a strict annual quota and requires a public outreach activity in addition to a public residency showcase.
Cultural Activities and Outreach
The Puppet Center encourages the sharing of creative processes. We believe that the interaction between the artist and the audience is a key moment in the development of a project.
1. Work-in-Progress Presentations (Required for all residencies):
Each resident company agrees to organize a session to meet with the Center’s team and present its work in progress. This presentation may take various forms depending on the project’s stage of development (table read, stage presentation). The exact format and target audience will be determined in consultation with the Center’s team during the planning of your residency.
2. Additional cultural activities (Required for long-term residencies):
In addition to this presentation time, more specific cultural activities can be planned based on your preferences and the needs of your project:
- Art workshops (for children, adults, or specific groups).
- Thematic meetings with other professionals in the sector.
- Mediation projects related to the Tournai region.
The format of these additional activities will be developed collaboratively. If you already have specific suggestions or preferences, please let us know in the request form.
What we expect from you
In exchange for the accommodation, the company agrees to:
- Include a reference to the support provided by the FWB Puppet Center on all project-related communication materials (either as a logo or a text reference).
- Keep a shared logbook: 2 to 3 posts during the residency (photos, short texts), via the platform of your choice (Facebook, Instagram) or by sending them directly to the Center, which will handle the posting.
- Help the Center’s team produce short videos (organization and filming will be coordinated with your work schedule).
- Customize a display globe: Once completed, it will be displayed at the Museum of Puppetry Arts. This creation is a work of art in its own right (allow about 1 to 2 hours to complete).
- Notify the Center of the project’s progress and development following the residency, including performance dates.
Selection criteria and process
A selection committee composed of at least two invited professionals and two members of the Center’s staff will review the applications received. The criteria are as follows:
- Artistic quality of the proposal and the project’s alignment with the puppetry arts and related disciplines.
- Technical feasibility and compatibility with our spaces and equipment.
- Professional artists or those in the process of becoming professional artists.
- Number of guests (maximum capacity: 4 people).
- Program balance: diversity in techniques, experiences, and backgrounds, and gender parity in teams.
How do I apply?
To submit your project, you must complete the online form available at the address below. This form also includes the submission of your application materials via email.
Your application must include the following:
- A project overview: artistic intentions, progress to date, and the goals of the residency.
- A brief introduction to the company / artist.
- The desired duration and period of residence, as well as the preferred arrangement (direct funding or co-production).
- The number of people involved in the residency.
- Your willingness to participate in mediation (optional).
- Any additional materials deemed useful: artistic portfolio, performance recordings, visuals, press clippings].
