International Fanworks Day

International Fanworks Day is February 15th

International Fanworks Day, observed every February 14, spotlights the imaginative and unique fan-created content. These works, be they fanfiction, fanvids, fanart, or podfic, are creative outlets that allow fan-creators to play with their favorite fictional characters inside a fantasy world of their own making.

History of International Fanworks Day

In 2014, the Organization for Transformative Works (OTW) created International Fanworks Day in celebration of the one-millionth fanwork posted to their collection forum, Archive Of Our Own. Founded in 2007, the OTW is a nonprofit organization whose work is to preserve and protect fanworks and the history of fan cultures. The organization consists of about 400 fans internationally. The OTW believes that fanworks are creative and transformative. One of their goals to ensure that fan-creators can create noncommercial fanworks without fear of legal prosecution from producers or publishing agencies. Funded solely by donations, the OTW aims to highlight the talent, skills, and passion of fans from any and every corner of the fandom community.

More on Fanworks

A fanwork is a creative work produced by a fan, based on a movie, book, television show, musical group, manga, etc. A fanwork can be text, audio, multimedia, physical, or digital pieces. Examples of types of fanworks include, but are not limited to:

• Fanart
• Fanfiction
• Podfics
• Gifs
• Films/Short videos

How To Observe International Fanworks Day

The OTW typically puts a few celebratory guidelines or challenges for fan-creators to work with on International Fanworks Day. You can advocate to legislators or participate in campaigns centered on fanworks rights. You can create yourself, piece together your own story, short film, or piece of art! Visit fanwork sites or forums and seek out a cool creator or artist whose work speaks to you. Share their work with the world so everyone can get the opportunity to bask in their work!