CEMUS is collaborating with a local artist, Åsa Norling, on an art project extending over 2026-2027 called “Oceans of Light” and the project is now organizing a master class in large-scale and luminous puppet making facilitated by Alison Duddle. The course invites professional artists and craftspersons connected to Uppsala.
When: August 10-20
Where: Uppsala, place to be announced
How: Free 10 day course, max 12 people
Application: Email application with short personal letter and CV to asanorling@yahoo.com no later than May 31. Pedagogical experience and interest in continued engagement in community projects are welcome, but not a requirement.
The art project Oceans of Light invites artists and crafters to a:
Masterclass in Puppet Making
with Alison Duddle (UK)
Uppsala, August 10–20, 2026
In August, British puppet and mask maker Alison Duddle will visit Uppsala for a masterclass in large-scale, luminous puppet making.
The tradition of creating paper lanterns from willow branches originally comes from Japan and was introduced to the British art scene in the 1980s by pioneers of “celebratory arts” – an accessible, spectacular, and socially engaged form of performing arts designed for public space.
Course Structure
During the 10 days of the course, participants will work together to create a giant luminous puppet with moving parts for the community project Oceans of Light, as well as several smaller individual puppets or lanterns. The materials are shoots of local willow and salix, Japanese tissue paper, and glue. The course covers the entire process from sketching, construction, and sculpting with willow, to the design of 12V lighting, paper skinning, decoration, painting, and carrying structures.
The Masterclass in August 2026 is aimed at professional artists and craftspeople with a local connection to the Uppsala area and is carried out in collaboration with IASPIS, the Swedish Arts Grants Committee’s international program for Visual and Applied Arts, and Kulturlyftet in Uppsala Municipality.
Alison Duddle
Alison Duddle is an artist, director, and puppet and mask designer based in West Yorkshire, UK. Alison has worked for over 30 years across theatre, film, and outdoor events. She is the Artistic Director of A Bird in the Hand Theatre and works, whenever possible, with sustainable, natural materials and processes. Her work ranges from small hand-carved puppets to papier-mâché giants standing over 3 meters tall. She has taught puppet and mask making in locations including Iraq, China, and Madeira.
https://www.instagram.com/alison_duddle/
Oceans of Light (2026–27)
Oceans of Light is a participatory art project situated at the intersection of performing arts, crafts, and sculpture. Local artists and Uppsala residents of all ages will create lanterns, puppets, and sculptures using sustainable materials. While the project culminates in a festive public event celebrating biodiversity in the autumn of 2027, the heart of the project lies in the long, collaborative creation process.
https://www.asanorling.se/projects/oceaner and https://www.instagram.com/oceaneravljus/