Hi yall!

I am wondering if anyone happens to have a camper van of any condition they would be willing to let go of in exchange for work trade or art. I am a 4x burning man Artist and have worked as a farmer, chef in Michelin restaurants, disaster relief and event production. I am selling all my belongings in SF too if you want anything. My goal is to do a road trip across the US and host pop up dinner parties at different farms. I am open to anything and just wanted to see if anyone had any sort of van sitting unused that we could make an equitable exchange. Open to any suggestions as well.

Here is my BM art profile https://www.instagram.com/themonplaya?igsh=YWVxemI2cHh4eXhu

I moved to San Francisco. I got into a relationship. The relationship ended. Suddenly I have no friends. I mean, I have several really good friends I’ve made here, but they aren’t friends with each other. So, it doesn’t feel like a community.

I’m a woman in my thirties. I am very nice. I love to dance. If you have a San Francisco friend group, would you like to adopt me?

This post is the most embarrassing thing ever, but I firmly believe in asking for help when you need it.

If you comment here, I’ll dm you with contact info! Then please, for the love of god, let’s pretend this post never happened.

Love you all!

Given the trajectory of culture in the US, this seems like a perfect time to shed our self-indulgent fashion and get prepared for tomorrow in style. Can you imagine the rituals in red? Handmaids spinning poi in the inner circle? I say bring it. Get with your communities, get on your sewing machines, practice your performances, and get on the right side of history today!

I share this letter not to judge anyone's contributions to Burning Man, but to hopefully spark others to share their experiences and foster an imagination for Burning Man's future. As someone who had the privilege to lead as an artist and theme camp organizer, I noticed not attending for 2024 allowed space for others to step up into leadership roles, and as I see other leaders to the same, some roles previously filled by one person are being filled by teams or co-leaders who were able to lead in different and sometimes more effective ways. 

As I reflect on the future of the Burn, I feel compelled to share my experience as an artist, theme camp leader, and participant who has grown alongside this community. My journey with Burning Man began when I was six years old, and it has been a constant thread throughout my life, shaping who I am as a queer artist and participant in the 9 years I have gone. 

I have been afforded the privilege to lead multiple theme camps, contribute to art projects like the Tree of Tenere and The Night at the Climb In, and have the honor of being the lead artist for two pieces in collaboration with my husband, best friend, and chosen family through THEM 2022, and NOSOTRES 2023. My involvement extends beyond the Playa, participating in the global and virtual Burning Man communities. This community has been a mirror, reflecting back to me my own potential and giving me the space to grow, experiment, fail, and learn through doing challenging things.

I love this community for its audacity to dream big and its ability to attract those who not only dream, but DO! Burning Man has given me families, support networks, great loves,  a best friend, a husband, and a partner in art, but what I love most about Burning Man is its capacity to be a blank canvas for other imaginations. It’s become a template for how cities around the world can foster community and solve huge issues and provides a space to test drive ideas for a better future when so much of our default world stifles such imagination. 

However, as someone deeply invested in this community, I also spend a lot of time considering its future. I want to see it thrive and grow into something even greater, which is why I choose to take a hiatus from contributing art to Burning Man. I don’t know how long this break will last, but I’ve realized that the more I contributed, the more I began to sacrifice my own well-being and see attributes of the event that live in opposition to its principles. 

Burning Man has always been challenging and a space for personal growth. I am immensely grateful for all the gifts it has given me. The more I got involved, I started to feel that other priorities were overshadowing the core principles of Radical Inclusion and Communal Effort. I’ve seen the 10 Principles embodied wholeheartedly in the queer camps I’ve participated in, both on and off Playa in ways that honor them but also go beyond them. 

Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that, for those in positions of authority at Burning Man, there’s a belief that because leadership initiated and produced this event, the principles are not always upheld as strongly by those who impose them. I have experienced this sense of superiority with DPW, HEAT, Artery, FAST, and in Applying for positions in the Org, the lack of transparency between Placement and theme camps, the DMV, and the awkward allocation of resources to art projects. I have heard of many other interactions that have left artists especially powerless, disregarded, underresourced, marginalized, and ignored by the Org. 

Burning Man can be a pathway to freedom from our current oppressive structures, a space to dream of living differently. Yet, I’ve had too many moments where I’ve seen a small group dictate rules for an event that should be about collective liberation. 

A fraction of many other moments stand out to me, but I’ll share these: My first year as a lead artist on Playa, I witnessed an org staff member disregard the accessibility needs of an artist in the Artery, dismissing their concerns of an artist who was asked to park his golf cart a block away from the Artery. This Director Level Org staff member who I have met before looked to me to chime in on the conflict, with a “Can you believe this guy?” to which I responded, “Yes I can, He has one leg and should be accommodated.” which caused them to storm away in anger without discussing a solution. 

I also watched as one frustrated artist over multiple days asked for heavy equipment and was told their project wasn't a priority and that they were unlikely to get a boom for their project when we all could see multiple booms sitting unused just yards away. We chatted and ended up being able to help them by bribing HEAT with beer to visit them after helping us a few days later. 

As someone who has worked on art projects that were backed or led by people or companies who had made large donations to the org, I noticed a stark contrast to the allocation of resources and support from the org compared to projects led by low-income artists whose fundraising efforts off playa create a more diverse and tight-knit communities of playa. 

In response to this, I have produced an annual event as a way to provide a last-minute boost of funds to non-honorarium projects. In trying to get support in getting the word out about these events through multiple channels and was met with silence. 

Over the 6 years of producing fundraisers for queer camps, the only communications from the org about our events were about rules we had to follow in how we got the word out and what was allowed at the events that if not followed would affect our standing with Placement. 

From us having to fight for earlier access to build the tallest climbable art structure funded by 500+ donations from almost every queer camp at Burning Man to not being able to have insight into how projects receive burn approval and being denied feedback as to why we were not approved. I started to notice, through talking with other artists that it can sometimes be about who you know in the org and less about the impact of a project on the community on and off Playa. 

These few of many more personal experiences, observations, and similar stories from other artists build an unspoken inequitable system that has made me question my future contributions to this event until there are significant efforts towards supporting, mentoring, and the aftercare of artists. 

These experiences are just part of many much larger and more complex conversations—one that’s both huge and scary, with no easy answers. So, what do we do?

First I think acknowledgement of the inequity must come first, then I believe it could be time for an intentional reimagining. Maybe it’s the creation of a diverse community-led council, community meetings, a town hall, or experimental democratic systems —there are countless formats to pull from. My intuition tells me we need to learn and possibly prioritize consultation from the native communities around BRC.  

If we truly want this event to continue and be something our ancestors would be proud of, and can be a place for inspiration for solving global problems, we must ask some hard questions. Are we respecting the land and the indigenous communities we impact? Is decommodification possible when places like Walmart, Uhaul, and Amazon receive millions from burners each year? How do gift each other more learning, history, and inspiration? 

Could we prioritize low-income and historically marginalized artists through projects like the Temple and the Burning Man Design? How do we create transparency and equitable access to resources for artists? Would it help to only do Burning Man every other year to prevent burnout for contributors? What responsibility does the whole Burning Man community have towards other community members who develop substance use issues, mental health issues, or financial insecurity as a result of this event? 

I have many ideas about how we can create stability, connectivity, and intentionality in this community. I also want to acknowledge that I am a queer white non-binary artist who also has a lot of learning to do, and with privileges that I sometimes fail to recognize. So if you’re reading this and want to share your ideas or perspectives on what Burning Man, could be, I’m here to listen. Let’s approach this with the humility to acknowledge the perspectives of those most impacted by our ideas and actions. If that’s too challenging, it might be a sign that we need to address more fundamental issues first.

Ideas for the future: 

1. A community-based council selected by lottery or some other creative method that can help facilitate transparency and equity
2. Full transparency into BM event and BM Project funding including its LLCs
3. Year-round investment in the Paiute community in whatever way they need. 
4. A semi-permanent art garden for artists to showcase their pieces that also generates income for the local communities and or artists to recover financially if needed post-burn. 
5. Artist mentorship program where experienced burner artists funnel resources and learnings to artists who don't have the resources to make art on Playa. 
6. Burning Man Art School
7. Hosting the main event every other year to make space for recovery and lower environmental impact. 
8. Evolution of the Principles (Dream Bigger)
9. Grants for art projects that are awarded after Burning Man.

Yeah, open your heart, can be anything.

As an architect specializing in bamboo structures, it’s been a dream of mine to create an installation for Burning Man—something sustainable, interactive, and inspiring that truly resonates with the event’s ethos.

I know that many of the iconic structures are the result of collaborations between artists, architects, and patrons, but I’m curious—how do these connections typically happen? Are there specific communities, platforms, or networks that help creators like me find the right teams or sponsors for large-scale installations?

If anyone has experience building or commissioning art for Burning Man, I’d love to hear your advice! And if you’re passionate about creating something magical with bamboo, I’d be thrilled to brainstorm ideas together.

The org is hell bent on taking things away and threatening people until you give them $20 a month forever, starting RIGHT NOW.

Here are just a few of the things that will cease to exist you cheapskate, that does not care at all about preserving the Philosophical Center staff of 20 working hard to take all the Ketamine necessary to come up with pick out the clip art at the top of the next email begging for money.

Cuts coming to BRC 2025:

• The porto closest to you - You know the one you had to run to on Wednesday morning when you wake up and had to GO RIGHT NOW? Yah that porto - gone. They are taking it away because you were cheap.
• The mans arms - Gone. You cheap bastard you crippled him.
• Half the gate staff - Double the wait, double the fun.
• Street signs - You know they only last a few days anyway, going to just stop putting them out at all.
• Burn perimeters - Bringing back HELCO ethos where you could climb a building while it was actively on fire.
• First Camp Filet Friday - Gone. I hope you know the local Reno butcher will be hit hard by your recklessness.
• Weird founder fire ceremonies - You know that weird fucking arm swirling occult thing that Crimson Rose does at the start of the event that is attended by like 20 people? That random fire pit at the keyhole to center camp that is maintained by staff all week but no one knows why its there? Yah that's gone forever now.
• Hand sanitizer near the portos - Just kidding they never actually filled those up, that was just some random guys spit you put on your hands.

You refused to fund the orgs plans for world domination and for spreading to all mankind the 10 sacred principles that Larry came up with in a coffee shop in Mexico after a Ayahuasca binger and now you don't get nice things on your one week of vacation in the desert. And oh also tickets are going to cost $875 next year.

Thanks for being greedy.

Somehow I always get 3 copies of every email from the borg and I deleted all three of them today without reading even one of them, because I feel like I know what’s coming and I’m just tired

What about support an idea that’s all about embracing the "Leave No Trace" principle in a BIG way? a dedicated Recycle Camp

Harness the Power of the Sun and Playa Temperatures!

• Leverage the desert's cool nights for refrigeration or cooling systems to keep drinks cold sustainably.
• Use solar energy during the day to heat water for showers or cooking.

Sustainable Water Management:

Solar-Powered Energy Solutions:

Creative Food Waste Management:

Trash Transformation Initiatives:

Solar Lights for Sustainable Burning:

Artistic Integration:

After the failure that was the threat of “give us $20 or we will have to get corporate sponsorship” replete with a brand soaked email (well done zero commodification), the Borg is back with “give us $20 a month or you get no art”.

This one was a significantly nicer attempt by Crimson Rose sending an email out, but the point remains. The community wants change to financial management, not persistence in poor management that threatens our city.

Realized the other day that listening to all the burners bitch about all the things burners bitch about online is exactly what sports radio sounds like the day after a tough game. Everyone is so incredibly indignant, angry and knows exactly how to make it all work, yet the vast majority couldn't possibly have even a small percentage of the experience or knowledge that the people who are running the Burn and doing the work do. I have had issues with the ORG for years because of lack of transparency and being tonedeaf to the complaints and concerns of the participants. That said, I also realize through lots of experience doing this stuff on a smaller scale that you cannot let the inmates run the asylum and you cannot make everyone happy, let alone a roomful of fucking Burners. FYB is a slogan for a reason. Stop taking it so fucking serious and if you can't, go find something that makes you as happy as Burn used to.

Obviously not the first time somebody has said this about the fundraising push, but there's a ton of other info in here: https://edmidentity.com/2024/11/25/burning-man-project-land-purchases/

This latest email is just another "please give us money because we can't be responsible enough to plan an event."

Good lord, we already bring our own food and water, so what is your problem? You keep blowing our money on stupid "art" like the Zap from 2016 or many of the other shallow, meaningless installations that get placed on playa?

One of the best art pieces I saw at burning man was in the freecamp area, someone made a political diorama with play-doh and barbie dolls. It was fucking gruesome, and it was 100 times more thought-provoking than the pyramids, that were only open for 6 hours before they burned. Reclaimed wood MY ASS, that thing was made of structurally sound building material and it was burned for shits and giggles.

I'm unsubscribing, I can't take this bullshit any longer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E1OmOMQGe0

First burn and boy was i mesmerized by all the fire dancers. Every night i looked forward to hearing good music and being hypnotized by their performances.

Am I nuts? There were printed maps, right?? I have my guidebook but not a map, and I feel like I have a memory of receiving a large printed map in the same mailing.

Edit: This was the print. https://bostonraremaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BRM2870-Burning-Man-Guide-Map-2014_recto_lowres-2312x3000.jpg

Thank you for your support this year as a Black Rock City FOMO ticket holder. 2024 was a truly remarkable Burn, and your patronage helped make it possible.

I’d love to take a few minutes to connect—by phone or Zoom—to thank you personally, share our outlook for 2025, and hear what inspires you most about Burning Man.

Please let me know if you're available for a call: Monday, November 25th between 10am and 1pm ET

If you prefer to book directly, here’s my calendar.

I am here as a resource. As you know, we are at an inflection point as a non-profit and are working to meet our year-end charitable donation target of $20M. You may have seen some of our recent emails and journal posts highlighting the importance of your support. I’m here to answer any questions you may have and explore opportunities for deeper engagement.

Finally, with our 2025 BRC Art Honoraria deadline having just closed with over 500 applications, here’s a review of 2024’s Art Highlights. It’s your participation that helps bring magic to the playa.

Thank you for being the spark that is Burning Man

Ships sail in on dust

Chaos and cacophony 

All is paradox

Dust and wind and fire

Far, sparse and wide yet brimming

While Fairy Shrimp sleep

I hope you get at least a little pleasure from these, I did. I miss you weirdos.

Hi burners! I found a disposable camera at the burn this year. It was black and white with a Keith Haring-esque print on it. I found it on the bar of Camp Horizon (4 & Esplanade) mid-week. We had fun with the remaining film but if this was your camera/these are your friends - I thought you'd like to have a copy of your photos! I also have the prints if you'd like me to mail them to you :)

https://preview.redd.it/f7402ro37c2e1.jpg?width=3016&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6840c1176ffa51bb4eac098db716d7fc1fa085ac

https://preview.redd.it/zvvksqo37c2e1.jpg?width=3016&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63de1daae746de84f19881217c5aafcbeab41f92

https://preview.redd.it/qe2ndqo37c2e1.jpg?width=3016&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d5252c6f885fdd443e8f72627657443d6760bba1

https://preview.redd.it/avjpzqo37c2e1.jpg?width=3016&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8fa2980b79d31cd0d46f81ac5f47eb903d15332

https://preview.redd.it/k2ka6so37c2e1.jpg?width=3016&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7faf117ab07c00829c4052b38efb030288d007b5

https://preview.redd.it/9zs2xqo37c2e1.jpg?width=3016&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=13925c77ef92ca2fabbb787a407736b9878f7784

https://preview.redd.it/mxuz4ro37c2e1.jpg?width=3016&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8633f8f93d1ea5a2af1ef64f7adcb395c398a0e8

https://preview.redd.it/tyq5uqo37c2e1.jpg?width=3016&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a4cfd76ce4ab5df585852d70886d15f381caecc5

I'm intending to buy an e-bike in the Black Friday sales next week. Recommendations based on what's currently on the market? It would be specifically for Burning Man, with perhaps occasional rides at home as a bonus.

(No, I don't want to hear about why I shouldn't be riding an e-bike at Burning Man - I have decided to use my energy in other ways on playa instead of exhausting myself riding home from deep playa in the wee hours.

And yes, I am only shopping for a type 1 e-bike so I can abide by the playa rules.)