Announcing the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival Anime Marathon Cosplay Contest

On April 3, 2010 at 1:30 PM, the Freer and Sackler Galleries, in partnership with Otakorp, Inc. and the DC Anime Club, will host a cosplay contest as part of our annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Anime Marathon. The contest is open to individuals or groups. Each individual or group will be given a maximum of three minutes to perform before an audience in the 300-seat Meyer Auditorium. A panel of judges will present awards at the end of the event. All costumes and performances must be family-friendly.

To enter, send an email to fsgasiafilms (at si.edu) with your name., the number of people in your group (if applicable), and a brief description and picture of the character(s) you will be performing. The first 20 individuals or groups who respond will be accepted.

For more information on the Freer and Sackler Galleries film programs, please visit www.asia.si.edu/events/films.asp.

We look forward to your participation in what is sure to be a very fun event!

About Freer and Sackler Galleries:
The Freer and Sackler galleries together form the national museum of Asian art. The galleries are dedicated to exhibition, research, and educational programs that enhance awareness and understanding of Asian art and culture.

In addition to an extensive collection of Asian art, the Freer Gallery houses a significant collection of American paintings, including works by James McNeill Whistler. The Sackler's collections include Chinese lacquer and bronzes; Islamic arts of the book; Indian, Japanese, and Korean art; and photography.

About Otakorp:
Otakorp, Inc. is the not-for-profit organization best known for running Otakon, one of the world's premiere gatherings of fandom. It's an educational non-profit that promotes understanding and appreciation of Asian culture, by means of celebrating its popular culture.

About DC Anime Club:
DC Anime Club was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington, DC area about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion of Japanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga).

We also work to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.

DC Anime Club is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions to DC Anime Club are tax deductible to the extent allowable under the law.

DC Anime Club has been featured in many newspapers and publications.

In addition to our meetings, the club holds an Art Show, a Cosplay Party fundraising event, and anime lectures at local schools. Our club works with the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings. Our Marketing Team has helped promote performances for several Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi, Pine am, The Slants, The Captains and Ayabie.

DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (former Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Vice President) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow.