Arisia

Arisia
Status Active
Genre Science fiction
Venue Westin Boston Waterfront (since 2011)
Location(s) Boston, Massachusetts
Country  United States
Inaugurated 1990
Attendance 2017: 4,563 (registered)
4,299 (attended)[1]
Organized by The Arisia Corporation
Filing status Non-profit
Website www.arisia.org

Arisia is a Boston-area, volunteer run science fiction convention, named for a planet in the Lensman novels by E. E. "Doc" Smith. The name was chosen in response to an older Boston-area con, Boskone, which took the typical ending for a convention—con—and then altered the spelling to match the name of an organization in the Lensmen books.[2][3]

Arisia was first held in 1990, and its attendance has grown from 842[1] to over 4000.[4] Arisias 2007–2010 were held at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[1] Starting with Arisia 2011 the convention is at the Westin Boston Waterfront in Boston, MA.

Regular events include one of the largest Masquerades (costume contests) on the East Coast; "Fast Track" programming for children; a demonstration of historical fighting techniques; gaming; film, video, and anime rooms; and a Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat Jewish prayer service.[5] Other events that have been recently included are a blood drive, a drumming circle, Friday and Saturday evening dances, and live radio dramas.[6][7]

The Arisia Corporation is the body that funds and promotes the annual Arisia convention; additional activities include awarding grants to other related organizations. Membership costs $55 per year starting in September, pro-rated for members who join during later months. Corporate positions are elected by the voting body (defined as members who have attended one previous corporate meeting) in September. Meetings are held monthly, held mostly at MIT or at the NESFA Clubhouse in Somerville, and are open to the public.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Arisia Abbreviated History". Arisia, Inc. Retrieved 16 February 2017.
  2. ↑ Davis, William A. (22 January 1994). "Sci-Fi Explores its Outer Limits". The Boston Globe. p. 21 (Living section). Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  3. ↑ "About Arisia". Arisia, Inc. 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  4. ↑ McDonald, Michele (31 January 2015). "Science fiction, fantasy at Arisia Masquerade". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  5. ↑ Schultz Yakovetz, Erica (9 February 2017). "The Jewish Advocate interviews me". Erica Schultz Yakovetz. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  6. ↑ McCarthy, Sean L. (13 January 2006). "seize the weekend". Boston Herald. p. E.02. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  7. ↑ "Scheduled Items (Arisia 2011)". Arisia, Inc. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  8. ↑ "Corporate Dues and Membership". Arisia, Inc. Retrieved 27 October 2011.


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