Diversicon

Diversicon
Diversicon
Status Active
Genre Speculative fiction
Venue Best Western Bandana Square
Location Saint Paul, Minnesota
Country United States
First held 1992
Organizer SF Minnesota
Filing status Non-profit
Official website http://www.diversicon.org

Diversicon is an annual speculative fiction (science fiction and fantasy, or SF) convention held the first weekend of August in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota, area. Diversicon provides programming and social opportunities to encourage the multicultural, multimedia exploration and celebration of SF by those within and outside of the traditional SF community. Diversicon includes both live and posthumous guests. It is sponsored by SF Minnesota.

Contents

Programming

Diversicon's programming—typically three simultaneous tracks—focuses on literature but also includes items related to film, TV, comics, art, science, and other subjects. Science fiction, fantasy, horror, and slipstream/magic realism genres are all represented. [2]

Programming topics are solicited from preregistered attendees.[3] Programming items often focus on authors and/or fictional characters from underrepresented groups; how work deals with themes of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, dis/ability, and other definitions of "difference"; and how contemporary issues around diversity influence the reading and writing of SF. [2]

Most programming items are panel discussions. In addition, guests of honor are interviewed and participate in Q&A with the audience. Other formats include roundtable discussions, film screenings, informational presentations/workshops, and concerts. [2]

The convention includes an Art Show; displaying artists are encouraged to attend and be available to discuss their work with attendees. It also includes a Dealers' Room where various jewelry, books, magazines, clothing/accessories, and other items are for sale. The ConSuite is a room with comfortable, informal seating and light food and drink. Parties are held each evening. [4]

In addition, there is an auction of speculative fiction books, collectibles, and other items to raise money for SF Minnesota. [2]

History [5]

Diversicon is sponsored by SF Minnesota, a nonprofit organization. SF Minnesota was founded in February 1992 by a group that wanted to create a Twin Cities speculative fiction convention with a different tone and focus from what already existed. They decided that Diversicon would celebrate and explore the connections between speculative fiction (SF) and diversity, particularly in three areas:

  • Cultural diversity. Slightly more than two thirds of Diversicon's guest professionals have been women. A number of guests have been persons of color. A number of guests have been openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual and/or have written SF that explores issues of alternate sexuality.
  • Diversity of fan groups. Diversicon would be openly welcoming, friendly, and respectful to the wide range of SF-related organizations in the area, ranging from book clubs to writing groups, Star Trek and anime clubs, creative anachronists and futurist organizations, and anyone else who shared an interest in diversity and the imagination.
  • Diversity in media. Recognizing that different people come to SF through different paths, Diversicon would be inclusive of all media. In addition to a strong core of literary programming—including items for both writers and readers—the convention also includes a rich sampling of panels and discussions related to SF in film, TV, graphic arts, and other media as well as speculative science.

Diversicon 1 premiered in June 1993 and subsequently settled on August as its regular month. The convention hosted the James Tiptree, Jr. Award in 2000.

Guest authors, artists, editors, and fans [6]

Diversicon 19 (2011)


Diversicon 18 (2010)

Diversicon 17 (2009)

Diversicon 16 (2008)

Diversicon 15 (2007)

Diversicon 14 (2006)

Diversicon 13 (2005)

Diversicon 12 (2004)

Diversicon 11 (2003)

Diversicon 10 (2002)

  • Steven Barnes—African-American bestselling novelist and TV writer, martial artist, and Lifewriting teacher
  • Tananarive Due—African-American novelist and teacher; musician and a member of Stephen King's author band; winner of the American Book Award and New Voice in Literature Award among other honors

Diversicon 9 (2001)

Diversicon 8 (2000)

Diversicon 7 (1999)

Diversicon 6 (1998)

Diversicon 5 (1997)

Diversicon 4 (1996)

Diversicon 3 (1995)

  • L. A. Taylor, aka Laurie Aylama Taylor Sparer (September 3, 1939-May 29, 1996)[7]—Canadian author and world traveler
  • Joan Slonczewski—author and professor of biology
  • Earl C. Joseph—technical computing expert, coiner of terms computer architecture and smart machines, holder of three patents, and professional futurist

Diversicon 2 (1994)

Diversicon 1 (1993)

References

  1. ^ Diversicon Web Site: Home "Diversicon: Home." Retrieved March 27, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d Diversicon Program Books, #1-16. 1993-2008.
  3. ^ Diversicon 16 Media Guide. 2008. "Profile: Diversicon and SF Minnesota co-founder, past convention chair, and Diversicon 16 programming chair Eric M. Heideman." p. 4.
  4. ^ Diversicon 15 Media Guide. 2008. "Diversicon 16: A preview." p. 6.
  5. ^ Diversicon 16 Media Guide. 2008. "Diversicon: A brief history." p. 2.
  6. ^ Diversicon 16 Media Guide. 2008. "Guest authors, artists, editors, and fans." p. 3.
  7. ^ a b Social Security Death Index

See also

External links


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