Tanja Eloranta has been chosen as the new executive director of the Aura of Puppets and started her new job over the summer. She holds a masters degree from dance and joins the puppetry network with extensive and diverse experience in the performing arts and a strong commitment to developing independent theatre.

Puppetry is a beloved art form for Eloranta. Her personal relationship with puppet theater dates back to her studies at the Turku Arts Academy. Eloranta describes puppet theater as having accompanied her throughout her career and sees a deep expressive power in the close relationship between mask theater and object theater in particular. Eloranta has also been involved in the activities of Teatteri Metamorfoosi since its inception, which has been doing pioneering work in mask and object theater for 20 years.

As the executive director, Eloranta’s responsibilities include coordinating the network’s activities and projects, arranging funding, administration, and serving as supervisor to the staff. She also acts as an active advocate for puppet theater locally, nationally, and internationally.

The board of Aura of Puppets describes Eloranta as follows:
“Eloranta exudes sincere enthusiasm and love for the art of puppetry, as well as deep respect for the artists in the network. She brings with her a combination of practicality, strategic thinking, and boldness. Tanja won us over with her authenticity, her listening skills, and her ability to act consistently even in demanding situations.”

Eloranta has been involved in founding and governing several cultural associations and has worked in previous positions with funding applications, payroll, and strategy work, among other things. She recognises Aura of Puppets’ core mission as being the voice of the entire puppet theatre field and approaches her new role with motivation and enthusiasm.

We warmly welcome Tanja to our team at Aura of Puppets!