Kōwhai Fan Fest: Celebrating Nerd Culture and Cosplay in Christchurch

Kōwhai Fan Fest: Celebrating Nerd Culture And Cosplay In Christchurch

Project 2020-07-01 18:44:01 +1200

A Christchurch based, home-grown event for cosplayers and artists celebrating nerd culture!

Cosplay is a rapidly growing industry worldwide, made up of entertainers, makers, crafters and influencers who appreciate the increasingly popular nerd culture industry - from anime to gaming, Idol Culture to K-pop, and everything in between. Here in Christchurch we have an incredibly diverse community of performers, photographers, artists, crafters and straight up legends! Our event will provide the opportunity for local talent and small businesses to showcase their awesome skills, products and services to the community and general public.

The following are our overarching goals for the event:

• Promote local talent, businesses and beautiful Christchurch City
• Champion inclusivity, represent the diversity in our community and maintain low barriers to entry
• Grow our community, inspire our attendees, and help fans from all walks of life make real connections

At the event we aim to offer:

• Photo areas to snap pro photos for the gram, or something fun to remember the day by
• A range of stage performances. Improv, skits, dance, song - you name it!
• Panels on a range of topics from people working in the industry
• Workshops on essential cosplay skills, like foamsmithing, wig styling, makeup and more!
• Local artists, makers, creators, and businesses showing off their incredible nerdy products.

Our incredible, central city venue

Tūranga is situtated in the heart of Christchurch. A few minutes walk from a number of hotels and backpackers, the central Christchurch bus exchange and EntX opposite, beautiful New Regent Street, Margaret Mahy Playground, and a vast number of restuarants, bars and cafes to choose from. 

The team at Tūranga, Christchurch Central Library, have helped us to secure the TSB Space/Tautoru and adjacent space, Ngā Purapura. There is ample room to space out and divide activities, a number of small lockers which attendees can use, a stage and the technical equipment we need to run it. There are two separate outdoor belconies that connect to the space, for those that may need fresh air or a breather, plus a rooftop garden. There are also other rooms we can expand to if our schedule requires it. 

This is a fantastic space and perfect for the Kōwhai Fan Fest we invision.

Campaign Stretch Goals

We like to dream big... so here's what we plan to do with a little more!

Stretch Station One | $1615

A whole lot more!

• Run an 8 hour Programme
• Rent another room for activities
• Decorations and photowall props
• Better marketing and signage

Stretch Station Two | $2415

Photowall deluxe!

• More backdrops
• More decor
• More Props
• Better lighting

Stretch Station Three | $3000

Activities Galore!

Ideas include:

• Post it debate wall
• Art supplies for workshops
• Origami supplies
• Dancefloor and JustDance
• Decorations

How will your donation be spent?

Our minimum goal is $1075

This will enable us to:

• Run a 6 hour programme
• Cover Insurance
• Organise signage and marketing materials

Our community - that's you!

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We are on the hunt for the following!

• Cosplayers to attend - obviously!
• A team of volunteers to help plan and co-ordinate the event on the day
• Photographers and videographers to capture every moment
• Passionate speakers, panelists and workshop leaders in the industry (design, arts, gaming, photography)
• Performers of any kind
• Artists, makers, and creators of nerdy goods to table in our mini artist alley
• Local businesses who want to showcase at the event
• And your ideas!

If you're interested in participating in any of the above, please reach out to us over on our Instagram @kowhaifanfest

This event wouldn't be possible without our incredible team!

Bridget Vendor Coordinator

Bridget is an admin of Canterbury cosplay and loves helping nerds come together, make friends and goof off. A research analyst by day, she also brings project management experience and drive to get stuff over the line. she is no stranger to toiling endlessly in pursuit of her goals, which also actually lends itself to gathering kilometres of chiffon ruffle by hand. 

Noeme Compliance and Audit⁠

Noeme is the Executive Director of Nova Orbis Legal and has an extensive background working for conventions in Australia, such as Smash as Director of People. A lawyer by day and idol by night, her legal expertise are pivotal to the team's success, and her insider knowledge of convention planning is priceless.⁠

Daisy ⁠Stage Coordinator

Daisy-May co-runs TLC, a group that entertains children by bringing their favourite characters to life. She is currently studying to become a teacher. Daisy has grown up on the stage, tap dancing and competing for seven years as well as being involved in school musical productions. Her love for costumes has stemmed from these years of performing on stage. Daisy would love to see more support for our local talent and creative people.

Emily Design and Marketing

Emily is an all-round creative. She has years of experience working as a Graphic Designer in NZ and Japan, with a particular focus on working on Youth projects and events. She is eager to show off our incredibly creative local talent, and give more opportunities for cosplayers to have fun and meet one another.⁠

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