For Families
Children of every culture learn through stories of humanlike animals, and young people are particularly drawn to “furry” art. For some, it’s a way to develop art skills; for others, it’s a journey of imagination that helps them understand their place in the world.
Some – but not all – furry events and online spaces are open to all ages. (Although a parent or guardian might need to be present for under-18s). For example, “furwalks” often are: These are events where fursuiters and non-suited escorts walk through a town, taking pictures and entertaining locals.
While few European furry conventions are open to under-18s, similar conventions, such as Heroes Dutch Comic Con, sometimes are. Furries will often make plans to hang out together at such events.
If an event’s website doesn’t specify an age limit, feel free to contact the organisers.
Moms of Furries is a US-based organisation that hosts “youth chill spaces” at furry conventions and also advises on furry family issues. You can also contact us with any questions or concerns.
Artists & Performers
The furry community is an arts community before anything else. There is no “furry” without artists to help express our imagined creatures, whether through drawing, writing, costuming, or any other medium. Furry art inspires young people to learn to draw… and it’s how countless artists make their living. Performers, too, have space to practice, grow, and exhibit their skills in the furry fandom.
But furries too often think the road ends there.
Stichting Otterdam strives to encourage, nurture, and enable furry artists to go beyond the fandom. At the same time, we encourage the larger arts community to incorporate furry arts and culture into their programs. We believe there’s a lot to be gained by exposing furry artists and performers to a wider audience – and for nonfurry artists and performers to learn about opportunities within the furry community.
Are you an artist or performer who wants to expand your reach? Let’s talk about ways we work together;
Contact us to get started.
Producers & Venues
Furries fill spaces. Every month, tens of thousands attend events, the largest of which last several days and draw over 15,000 people. Small venues, too, regularly fill with enthusiastic furry fans… and they’re always looking for new spaces and new events.
If you’d like to include (and encourage) a furry presence, some specific things are needed – notably, a guarded space to “suit up” and store things.
Stichting Otterdam can advise you on how to do this, and possibly get you the needed equipment, and promote your event throughout the community.
Take a look at our ideas for collaboration and available resources and contact us to get started.
The Curious
Perhaps you’ve seen furry art or heard about furry conventions, but couldn’t find a way in. That’s understandable: Furries don’t usually promote or proselytize their community. There’s no official organisation. Instead, it’s a loose collection of artists and enthusiasts celebrating their own ideas of humanity.
But there are ways to learn, watch, and casually explore. Stichting Otterdam seeks ways to expand these through productions, collaborations, and resources.
The two-day Otterdam Furry Arts Festival was an expression of this. Held at major arts institution Nieuwe Instituut, it brought together artists, furries, academics, and families – many of whom had no previous involvement with the furry fandom. (30 percent of tickets went to people who provided no furry name.)
Do you want to find out more, or suggest ways to do outreach?
Contact us to get started.
“Party animals”
Parties, clubs, and conventions have been part of the furry community for decades. DJs, dancing, and celebration give us ways to show off the animals we are!
The people who run Stichting Otterdam is active at these events. However, many of them are only open to people age 18 and over. The organisation is dedicated to welcoming families, and so we’ll only be involved in events that can welcome everybody [LINK TO “TERMS” SECTION ON THE COLLABORATIONS PAGE]age 13 and up[/LINK].
If you know of such an event that would benefit from a furry presence – or you’re planning one – [LINK TO CONTACT PAGE]Contact us[/LINK TO CONTACT PAGE] to get started.