Stichting Otterdam

Stichting Otterdam (otterdam.org) concerns anthropomorphic arts and entertainment, commonly known as "furry". Through furry arts, people find new ways to see themselves and others by mixing self-image with animal archetypes. The result is nuanced ideas of incarnation informed by culture, history, and individual aspirations. The organisation has two purposes. First, to produce furry-centred activities, including the furry club night Otterdance (otterdance.club). In this sense it's like other furry nonprofits, such as those that run conventions. Its second purpose, however, is unique: It seeks out opportunities to expand interaction between furry arts and entertainment, and those of the larger world. It sees furry as an aesthetic rather than a culture — one that should be open to a broader audience, and that the wider world hungers to appreciate. To serve this goal, Stichting Otterdam engages with arts institutions, academics, event producers, and other collaborators with an appreciation for the aesthetic.