A Farewell to FISM 2018

FISM 2018 has come and gone.

Time flies when it’s the biggest convention in the world. Trust me, nothing in the calendar can surpass it. The next event will be hosted in Quebec, Canada in 2021.

I hope I live long enough to be there.

This convention made its mark in the 1948. It is the body which represents 97 magical societies around the world. My Magic Circle is a part and the chief aim is the ongoing promotion of the craft of magic.

The Convention this week was a glorious celebration of Talent world wide. All of the competitors deserve a big acknowledgement for their participation.

The prize winners deserve to be acknowledgedfor bringing the most stunning and beautiful magic to the world.

As I sat on the jury watching each of the performers in the Close Up category, I was struck by the sheer quality, the standard was very high. I saw some truly astonishing moments of magic. I also experienced how far the technical side has come along with the wide birth of methodology. We have more ingenious idea and thinking at our disposal than ever before, magic as a craft is at an all time high.

FISM, is just like the Athletics Olympic and the FIFA Work Cup, we get to see the new talent.

FISM is the platform to be seen.

Along side this week long extravaganza, is the meeting of old friends, enjoying Lectures, Workshops, live Stage Shows and a stunning Gala featuring the worlds finest sleight of hand artist.

Last Saturday after the Awards Ceremony, we were treated to a farewell Dinner Party which was wonderful. I was sat on a table with my buddy Mondre, Jeff and Tessa Evason, Danny Crauwels, Eric Buss, Danny Cole and their wives. The atmosphere was buzzing and magical. The irony for me was this gala dinner was held in Busan and we were treated to a very European meal. Me and Mondre had a good laugh. Danny introduced me to the fine art of Gastronomy along with the subtle distinctions of Belgium Beer, I am a convert and will be following up on this fascinating subject.

Now that I am home, I am reflecting on this experience of being FISM Jury Member. This privileged position came with a big responsibility. This meant being objective and casting my vote with some clear distinctions in mind:

Has what I have seen been in the best interest of magic and the ideals set out by the FISM Organisation?

Has magic been well served?

Is this Performance, Act FISM STANDARD?

These questions were in my mind at all times. I had no personal feelings or interest in any of the acts because who I saw was new, fresh, exciting, innovative and in many cases, truly OUTSTANDING.

All I can say, is that I feel very proud of my contribution to FISM 2018 and in a small way played a part in the future growth of the prize winners in the category of close up magic.