STREET parades and a spectacular outdoor giant puppet performance
in one of India’s largest slums have earned Footscray’s Snuff Puppets
two awards at the inaugural Australian Arts in Asia Awards.
The People’s Puppet Project workshop in Dharavi was the joint
winner of both the Philanthropy and the Small to Medium Organisation
awards for an eight-day season of performances and street parades.
The giant puppets created for the project continue to be used by Dharavi residents for performances at local cultural events.
Snuff Puppets artistic director Andy Freer said last week it was
fantastic to be recognised for the group’s work in Asia.
“Our most
recent experience in Dharavi, Mumbai, typified the deeply rewarding
outcome that results from these unique and diverse engagements of
theatre, art and community.”
The win means Snuff Puppets will join a showcase of projects and
activities promoting cultural engagement with Asia to other Australian
artists.
Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke said he applauded Snuff’s work
building connections and friendships with Asian artists and arts
organisations across the region.
