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The High School of Art and Design in Manhattan recently transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity as hundreds of cosplayers and artists gathered for the annual Fanfaire festival. This two-day event, which rivals the larger New York City Comic Con, focuses on empowering young professionals to express their artistic visions and connect with like-minded individuals.
Empowering young artists
Principal Maximillian Re-Surguira emphasized the importance of arts education, stating, “Our goal here is to make sure that if they have an idea, they can express them with confidence.” The festival serves as a reminder that arts education is not just about skills but also about fostering human connections.
With a rich history of notable alumni, including Tony Bennett and Calvin Klein, the school continues to inspire the next generation of creatives.
A weekend of workshops and creativity
This year’s Fanfaire featured a variety of workshops led by industry professionals, allowing students to learn from the best in their fields.
The event encouraged the 1,400-strong student body to showcase their own creations, from art to fashion and board games, in a bustling cafeteria marketplace. A new internship program in collaboration with Etsy provided students with the opportunity to run their own businesses, further enhancing their entrepreneurial skills.
The highlight: Cosplay contest
The festival’s highlight was undoubtedly the cosplay contest, where participants showcased their creativity through elaborate costumes. Among the competitors was Quinn, a 21-year-old cosplayer who captivated the audience with a unique interpretation of the Grim Reaper.
Their costume, which took 18 hours to create, featured a blue-painted face and a feathery tie, showcasing their dedication and artistic flair.
Quinn’s journey into cosplay began a decade ago, and they have since attended every major convention in New York City.
They expressed their passion for bringing original characters to life, stating, “It’s just very powerful… So bringing original characters from paper to life is always something that I enjoy.” Their victory in the contest was a testament to their originality and hard work, inspiring others to pursue their creative dreams.
As the festival wrapped up, Quinn encouraged fellow artists to keep creating, saying, “Never stop creating. Whether it’s an image or a drawing or just some little thing, just stay on it. Go out there. Bring it to life and make it happen.” This spirit of creativity and collaboration was palpable throughout the Fanfaire festival, leaving attendees inspired to continue their artistic journeys.
