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Much More Than Marionettes!

The Center for Puppetry Arts' mission is to touch lives through the art of puppetry.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique cultural treasure - a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops and the hands-on Museum, as well as Distance Learning and Outreach Programs.


OUR VALUES          
1)  We believe puppetry is awe-inspiring and magical. 
If we didn’t think that, then we wouldn’t exist.  Puppetry is a wonderful, creative, expansive art form.   It engages and entertains, bringing a sense of wonder and theatricality to a story.     

2) We believe in providing awesome artistic experiences.
We continually strive for artistic excellence in everything we do - because the artistic experience is key to who we are and what we do.  Puppetry is an art form that requires human interaction.   It is the exchange between the artist, your fellow audience members, and you that makes each experience unique and special.  Big or small, we hope a visit with us brings a great experience, and opens your mind to new possibilities. 
  
3) We believe in unlocking imagination.
From audiences experiencing the performances, education and museum experiences we offer, to the artists creating the work - we nurture the imagination.  Every day is an exploration – bringing new innovations to advance the art form, and introducing new people to our passion.    We educate and provide creative experiences through our programming - Doing things like using puppetry in innovative ways to help people explore other topics - such as butterflies, the rainforest, and even nanotechnology.  What will we think of next?
    
4) We believe in inspiring every generation.
The Center is committed to providing something for everyone.  Whether you’re a college student, parent, toddler, or senior citizen, we strive to provide you with access to and understanding of the art form.  That’s why we offer so many different activities.  Once you’ve visited us, we hope you’ll understand that puppetry is not just for kids.  It's for everyone.
   
5) We believe in the people behind the puppets.
Our staff, our supporters, our community.  Success is not obtained without passion and commitment.  Our work continues to flourish and grow - presenting the past, and exploring the future of the art form with their support and expertise.

OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the premier puppetry center in the world.  That’s right, you got it, the world.  See our 4 year strategic plan here.  

UNIMA-USA
The Center serves as headquarters of UNIMA-USA, the American branch of the international puppetry organization Union International de la Marionnette, the oldest theater organization in the world.

Affiliate Organizations
American Association of Museums
Americans for the Arts
Atlanta Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (ACVB)
Atlanta Performs
Atlantic Station
C4 Atlanta
Fulton County Arts Council (FCAC)
Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries (GAMG)
Georgia Center for Non-Profits
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA)
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Georgia Professional Ticketing Association (GAPTA)
Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB)
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
International Ticketing Association (INTIX)
Junior League of Atlanta
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Metropolitan Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition (MAACC)
Midtown Alliance
National Charity League
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA)
Puppeteers of America
Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC)
Theatre Communications Group
United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)

An international puppetry exhibit is installed in the international terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport; a Woody Willow & Friends exhibit is at WSB-TV in Atlanta; and a puppetry exhibit is installed at AtlanTIX’s Underground Atlanta location.

The Jim Henson Museum at Center for Puppetry Arts
In 2007, the family of Jim Henson named us as the proposed repository for much of the master puppeteer’s collection. The Henson gift is contingent on the Center’s ability to raise the funds to house the Collection. Right now, the Center is in the process of understanding what the financial support might be for such a project.  Therefore, the Center is doing all it can to maximize the potential both in Atlanta and nationally. Once the Center has finalized plans, we will announce them and any campaign details.