Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques

The International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM) (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques) was founded in 1948 and is one of the most respected organizations in the magic community. It is an international body coordinating dozens of national and international clubs and federations around the world. Together these clubs represent approximately 50,000 magicians from 50 countries as of 2015.^[1] The organization hosts a self-named "FISM" conference every three years, where magicians compete for "Best of" categories. The most recent FISM was in 2015, held in Rimini, Italy. The next is planned for the 9th-14th of July 2018, in Busan, South Korea.^[2] Founded in 1948, it is one of the most recognized magic organizations in the magic circle. Currently, there are more than 80 member organizations and about 50,000 members from 50 countries and regions, including Taiwan’s Black Hat Magic Association and the Taiwan Magic Development Association (TMA). Another 808 magic item shop is also in the process Apply for membership. The FISM organizes a worldwide magic convention every three years. The member organizations fight for the right to host. Top magicians from all over the world will compete for the title of “World Magic Champion”. Prior to this, various regions will hold regional selections. FISM Europe, FISM Asia, FISM North America, FISM Latin America, FISM Africa, FISM Oceania, and member organizations have the quotas recommended by their regional selection committees.

History

The roots of the FISM began in Paris, France, in 1937, at a meeting of the 34-year-old ASAP, Association Syndicale des Artistes Prestidigitateurs (Association of prestidigitation artists), which had a monthly magazine Le Journal de la Prestidigitation. The group's vice-president, Dr. Jules Dhotel, wanted the ASAP to produce an international convention in Paris in October 1939, and then proceed to have the convention in a different country each year. Plans proceeded, but when the Nazis invaded Poland in September 1939, the convention was cancelled. After World War II, progress resumed. In 1946, a hotel in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, hosted an International Congress of Magicians, with over 300 registrants from around Europe. There were lectures, exhibits of antique books and apparatus, tours of Amsterdam, a public show, and a contest in which 20 magicians took part. There were no categories, so only one set of awards. First prize went to amateur French magician Jean Valton, for an exceptional routine of card juggling and manipulation; second went to Scotland's amateur magician John Ramsay, and third to a professional husband-wife duo, De Flezkis, who combined magic and dance.

The 1947 "Congrès Magique International" brought in 500 attendees from 18 countries, and 70 participants in the competition. Meetings at that convention were held to discuss the creation of a formal international organization, and that was where the FISM title was proposed. While details were worked out, the "Congrès" conventions continued annually.

Mission

FISM's stated aim is to create a centralized "voice" for the magic world and to help develop, elevate, and promote the art of magic. It coordinates activities of member societies and encourages communication between them, as well as the exchange of services. It has a corporate identity and a team of professional marketers. It also serves a capacity in the realm of intellectual property, fighting against the copying or inappropriate release of magical inventions or routines.

Convention

The FISM is probably best known for conducting one of the premier magic conventions in the world, the triennial "World Championship of Magic". Fred Kaps is the only three-time winner of the grand prize (1950, 1955, 1961).^[3]

The 2006 convention was held in Stockholm, Sweden, where the Grand-Prix award in close-up magic was won by Rick Merrill from the USA, and the Grand Prix award in the stage magic division was won by Pilou from France.^[4]

The 2009 convention was held in Beijing, China, where the Grand-Prix award in close-up magic was won by Shawn Farquhar from Canada, and the Grand Prix award in the stage magic division was won by Soma from Hungary.^[4]

FISM 2012 was held in Blackpool, England^[5] FISM 2015 was held in Rimini, Italy, where the Grand Prix award in Stage was won by Hector Mancha

Member organizations

• Canadian Association of Magicians
• Magicians Association of Korea
• French Federation of Conjurers (FFAP)
• The Magic Circle

References

External links

• Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM)
• "A history of FISM", by Max Maven
• Vienna 2009 Candidate City for the 24th FISM World Championships of Magic
• Granada 2009 Candidate City for the 24th FISM World Championships of Magic
• List of FISM World Championship winners
• FISM 2009 World Championships of Magic
• FISM 2009 World Championships of Magic Results