Cosplay Museum
Showcase the hard work behind your handmade costumes!
Every year our attendees wow us with their amazing cosplays at OffKai Expo. This year, we’re introducing a new way to highlight the love and care that goes into creating incredible costumes.
The Cosplay Museum is a showcase of self-made costumes highlighting cosplay makers from the OffKai community. Your costume will be on display the entire weekend for fellow attendees to admire your workmanship.
There is a limited number of Cosplay Museum spaces available, so if you’d like to shine a spotlight on your creation, apply early! Accepted participants will receive a free full weekend badge.
Ready to apply? Check out the full rules and conditions below.
Sign ups open on March 27th 9:00AM PT
Rules
- This is a cosplay museum highlighting handmade costumes on mannequin displays. Participants agree to temporarily loan their costumes to OffKai Expo for public display.
- Costumes are to remain on display for the entirety of the OffKai Expo show hours.
- Only the maker of the costume may apply. Entirely commissioned costumes are not permitted.
- Costumes must be at least 50% handmade.
- Costumes must be of or inspired by a VTuber.
- Costumes must be fully completed at the time of application submission.
- Participants may submit more than one costume. Please submit one application per costume.
- A maximum of one costume per participant may be accepted to allow others the opportunity to participate in the museum.
- Costumes do not have to be 1:1 recreations of official designs. Original designs, inspired fashions, and artistic liberty are welcome. As long as your costume is self-made, it is eligible for the Cosplay Museum.
- Participants are responsible for setting up and taking down their own costumes including the transportation of said costumes.
- Set up hours: Day 0 Thursday (12pm to 10pm) or Day 1 Friday (8am to 10:30am)
- Break down hours: Day 3 Sunday (4pm to 7pm)
- A mannequin will be provided for display. Participants may bring additional display items so long as they do not extend beyond their allotted area. Items such as QR codes, promotional material, official or fanmade merchandise, etc. are prohibited.
- For their time, participants will be honored with an Exhibitor badge (free full weekend badge).
- OffKai Expo is not liable or responsible for any damage, wear, loss, misplacement, or other of costumes provided to the Cosplay Museum.
- All cosplays and participants must adhere to the Attendee Code of Conduct, especially the COSPLAY & CONSENT and WEAPONS & PROPS policies.
- Costumes must be able to fit within a standard doorway and cannot exceed 6ft in width, length, or height.
- Failure to follow the Cosplay Museum rules may result in being blacklisted from future OffKai Expo Cosplay Museums or Code of Conduct violations. OffKai Expo reserves the right to carry out such actions at their sole discretion.
- Participants acknowledge that they may have their costume, images, or likeness appear in photographs or videos from the Cosplay Museum and that OffKai Expo may use them in promotional media.
FAQ
Where is the Cosplay Museum located?
The Cosplay Museum will be on display in the Artist Alley. The Hall will be locked overnight, as well as secured by security. No one will have access outside of hall operating hours. Only people with a valid Exhibitor Badge will be allowed inside during setup and break down.
Will the Cosplay Museum be guarded?
There will not be a dedicated staff member stationed at the Cosplay Museum. OffKai Expo is not responsible for any damages or loss incurred to costumes. A staff member may periodically check on the Cosplay Museum throughout the weekend.
How much of the cosplay must be handmade in order to apply?
At least 50% of the cosplay must be handmade. Please disclose any commissioned or store-bought pieces in your application.
Will staff be available to help me set up or break down my costume?
Staff or volunteers cannot assist with hands-on set up or breakdown. Participants are solely responsible for setting up and taking down their own costumes including the transportation of said costumes.
What if I can’t make the set up or break down hours?
You must be the one to set up or break down your costume. If you do not claim your costume by the end of Day 3, you are responsible for covering any costs accrued in order to ship your costume back to you. Please do not apply if you know you will be unable to set up or break down your costume.
Am I allowed to use a cart, wagon, or luggage to transport my costume?
All wagons and handcarts are prohibited inside the SJCC. Small luggage with wheels are allowed but must be pushed or pulled by yourself.
What’s the difference between the Cosplay Museum and the Cosplay Contest?
The Cosplay Museum is an opportunity to display your costume on a mannequin in a dedicated space during the entire convention weekend. The Cosplay Contest is a competition with judging, prizes, and a stage portion. Unlike the Cosplay Contest, you are not required to wear your costume for the Cosplay Museum.
How are costumes chosen to be in the Cosplay Museum?
Costumes are chosen for variety across different designs, crafting techniques, materials, and communities or talents represented. Priority will be given to costumes with a higher percentage of parts being handmade. Costumes will not be chosen based on participant size, race, gender, skill level, or other non-craftsmanship related reasons.
What info do I need in order to sign up?
You’ll need: the name, a description, and 2 photos of your costume.
How many costumes can I submit?
You may submit as many costumes as you’d like as long as they meet the above requirements. Please submit one application per costume. Only one costume maximum can be accepted per participant.
What do I do if I have an accessibility need?
Please notify us ASAP if you have any accessibility concerns or required accommodations.
More questions? Please contact our Cosplay Contest department