The daily news cycle flashes horror before our eyes constantly. There are truly awful things happening all over the country and the world. It’s a battle to keep speaking truth to power, waking up and doing the same routine to meet our wage requirements, and trying to function as a kind person in a world that seems to only let evil win.
Creative people who are into art, cosplay, anime, and things that require empathy to enjoy are deeply affected by these conditions. Anyone who’s paying attention and actually understanding what’s happening is probably feeling terrified and sad.
Out of this horror came one of the main inspirations for Anime in the Park. What if we just got people together, outside, and practiced experiencing joy? We can engage with reality while feeling incubated in fantasy. We can touch grass while crafting stories and sharing art. We can bring sensitive people together who deserve a few moments to experience freedom and safety.
With a little faith and a lot of hard work, Anime in the Park became a reality. Now we’re coming to Miami in hopes that we can share this little machine of hope with more people.
Participating in these positive environments builds up our armor. These outdoor social experiences protect us from propaganda, hate, and self-doubt. Now more than ever it is essential that we’re watering the sprouts of kindness, creativity, love, and happiness in ourselves and others.
Anime in the Park is a place to have fun, but it’s also an emergency response to the state of the world. We have a lot of work to do, but the good news is, this type of work comes naturally to people who have emotions. All you need to do is show up and be yourself, enjoy being in the moment, and lift each other up. Even if you don’t feel complete, or ready, or perfect, or whatever… you are still vital to this endeavor. There’s enough positivity to go around for everyone. Just show up and be there.
March 28 at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park in Miami, FL. Tickets are available now on our website. We’re also looking for Volunteers to help keep the show running. Everything you need to know about the process is on our website: animeinthepark.com
Hope to see you all there. Stay positive, and keep being you!
-Daniel
