Mission | Midwest Animation Promotion Society

Our Mission

The purpose of the Midwest Animation Promotion Society is to promote the development of the animation industry in North America and to further the appreciation of anime and manga as valid art forms.

The secondary purpose of the Midwest Animation Promotion Society is to educate people about Asian culture and traditions.
Each year, the Midwest Animation Promotion Society sponsors a number of events and gatherings devoted to anime, manga, and Asian culture. Our primary annual event, Anime Central, is held annually for all our members. Anyone who purchases a membership badge for M.A.P.S. is invited to attend Anime Central as a member of the organization.

Anime Central provides a place for fans of Asian and associated American media to gather and celebrate the culture and fandom. With the goal of creating a safe, unique, and family‐friendly environment for all ages and backgrounds, Anime Central uses mediums such as anime, manga, games, music, and cultural exploration as educational tools to expose our members to this fandom while adapting to their ever‐changing culture.

M.A.P.S Values

About Us

M.A.P.S. Values Statement
Midwest Animation Promotion Society’s has compiled a list of six core values that reflect our organization. Each value reflects what is truly important to us: our mission and our membership. We believe in Accountability, Communication, Community, Diversity, Education, and Integrity as the six value pillars of our organization.

Click here for our full value statement

Become a Member

How to Register!

Register for a M.A.P.S. Membership and recieve entry to our annual event Anime Central!

Anime Central (ACen) is the largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention in Chicago and the Midwest. As part of its mission, ACen brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and US sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture personalities. The event includes a huge exhibit hall, a massive video game room, concerts, dances, educational panels and workshops, premiere screenings, autograph sessions, 24-hour video rooms, tabletop gaming and much, much more!

Join our Team

Volunteer to help out!

Join our volunteer staff! All of our events are supported by our volunteer staff. Want to be a part of the magic and help shape our events? We've got plenty of great oppourtunities in many different areas to volunteer. Volunteering can be used to fullfill credit hours in courses, learn new skills, and provide great networking and advancement oppourtunities!