Celebrate International Museum Day!
As places of discovery, Museums have the power to transform and create by building knowledge networks and encouraging innovation in our communities.This event encourages both fandom artists and writers to engage with museum collections and events. We want to celebrate the role that museums play in our community, as well as your niche interests!Have you always wanted to write your OTP busting an illegal artefact collection cartel? Or maybe you have a special interest that you’ve been dying to infodump into a fic or art. This is your opportunity to let loose and have fun!
F.A.Q:
Q: What is International Museum Day?
A: International Museum Day is a worldwide annual event (18th of May) that aims to spread awareness of the important roles that museums play in our community. For more info, visit the IMD website.Q: How do I use a museum collection or event in my fanwork?
A: Museums and galleries often have digital collections that you can look through. A lot of these objects and artefacts can provide you with great inspiration for your next masterpiece. Many of them also hold events such as lectures and seminars, or even parties and functions. A museum event can be a really interesting stage or premise for your fanwork!Q: Can I just write about my OTP going on a museum date?
A: Sure! Museums are great places for dates! That’s definitely a way to celebrate one of their very important functions.Q: You said that I can write about a special interest?
A: That’s right! Museums hold knowledge, and there are lots of museums that focus on very niche topics, such as the Shanghai Eyeglasses Museum or The Carrot Museum in Berlotte, Belgium. You can definitely take this as an opportunity to project onto your favourite characters and make your readers sit through a lecture on parasitic wasps or hats of the 16th century!Q: Does my fanwork have to have anything to do with a real life museum?
A: Not at all! If the museum of your dreams doesn’t exist, feel free to make one up!Q: What content will be accepted for this event?
A: At least 3,000 words for written work and one fully rendered piece for art that fit the theme of the event.Q: Are NSFW works allowed?
A: If you're over 18, sure! Just make sure to tag appropriately please!Q: Are multichapter fics allowed?
A: Yes! We do allow for multichapter fics to be updated on a schedule while the ao3 collection is open, and you may post your works to the collection at any time.Q: When will the Collection be open?
A: The ao3 Collection will open on May 18th and close on August 28th. You may post to the Collection at any time during those dates.Q: I have multiple special interests. May I create more than one piece?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure everything is posted to the Collection before it closes.Q: My special interest is an uncomfortable time in history. May I write about that?
A: As long as you abide by the rules and tag anything that may need a tag (gore, genocide, etc), that is allowed.Q: What else can we do to encourage engagement with museums?
A: Museums need community engagement, so anything that helps with that is welcome. Encouraging readers to participate in specific events online and locally or promoting your local museum on social media are all great ways to do that! Many museums also have volunteer programs, and smaller museums and galleries often run on donations. Contact your local museum or visit their website to find out about the best ways you can help.
Event Dates
Sign-ups Open: February 21st
Sign-ups Close: March 20th
First Check-in: April 15th
Collection Check-in: May 12th
Collection Opens: May 18th
Closing Check-in: July 2nd
Collection Closes: August 28thAll dates are by 11:59pm EST.
