The International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts (IAFA), founded in 1982, is a nonprofit association of scholars, writers, and publishers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror in literature, film, and the other arts. Its purpose is to promote and recognize achievement in the study of the fantastic.
Its principle activities are (1) the organization of the International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts (ICFA), which was first held in 1980, (2) the organization of the Virtual International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts (VICFA) held first in 2021, (3) the publication of the Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts (JFA), a peer-reviewed journal for scholarship within the field of the fantastic which has been published regularly since 1990, and (4) the production of a news blog and other social media that publish information of interest to the membership.
Membership in the IAFA is open, but almost all members are scholars, teachers, and graduate students in the field of Science fiction studies, Fantasy literature, Horror literature, or are authors.
The Virtual International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts (VICFA)
November 5th-11th, 2023
Theme: AAAA! - AI, Algorithms, Automata and Art
Guests of Honor:
Steven Barnes
Annalee Newitz
Martha Wells
Guest Scholars:
Alec Nevala-Lee
Jennifer Rhee
Wole Talabi
The 45th International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts:
March 13-16, 2024
Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside
Theme: Whimsy
Stay tuned for the Guest of Honor and Guest Scholar reveal!!!
Please visit our sister organization, Gesellschaft für Fantastikforschung.
The Gesellschaft für Fantastikforschung (GFF) [Association for Research in the Fantastic] is the first academic association in the German-speaking world committed to furthering research on the fantastic in art, literature and culture. It strives to broaden scholarly and cultural insight in this area. To that end, the association publishes its membership journal "Zeitschrift für Fantastikforschung" twice a year as well as its own book series "Beiträge zur Fantastikforschung". In addition, an annual conference provides the opportunity for a membership assembly, taking place in different locations each year.
We have received many concerns regarding the safety of our members, the ethical issues of spending organizational and personal funds in Florida, and many other concerns. We fully acknowledge and share your dismay over these developments, as they are antithetical to our organization's values of inclusivity, equality, and justice.
Moreover, we recognize that this situation extends beyond a single event or location. We are committed to using our platform and influence to raise awareness, challenge discriminatory practices, and support organizations and activists who are fighting against systemic inequalities. We will actively seek opportunities to collaborate with local advocates, amplify their voices, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a more just and inclusive society.
We want to emphasize that your feedback and perspectives are invaluable to us. We encourage you to continue sharing your concerns, suggestions, and insights with us as you continue to make considerations in the ever-evolving conditions in Florida. Please be sure to check your emails for forthcoming information, including Board meeting minutes, future calls for feedback, and so much more.