From the CEO’s Desk: From the Beach to Black Rock City and the World

In days, there will be a gathering of people in the Black Rock Desert celebrating and putting into practice a culture of creativity, innovation and connection. The Burning Man Project has been supporting and encouraging this Burning Man cultural movement since 1986. Burning Man migrated from the beach in San Francisco, to the Nevada desert and then out into the world.

In 2023, 74,000 people came together in Black Rock City, and incredibly, an additional 95,000 people participated in official Burning Man Regional Events around the world.

Specific to Black Rock City this year, we can’t wait for the Curiouser & Curiouser convening. We expect the metropolis to bring together nearly 70,000 participants including similar levels of first-time Burners on playa as in the past. Those who are new will discover as they acculturate with the Survival Guide what community—at Burning Man events and in the world—is truly all about: storytelling, celebration and laughter, informality and care of others, generosity, kindness, and collective effort. Let’s remember, we were all newbies once, and with that wide-eyed expression caught up in awe and joy we went on to do more and bigger things. 

From building a wilderness camping experience in Black Rock City as an experiment in civics, to achieving our nonprofit goals, no one said it would be easy. And, the goal remains the same–to make the world better. The key to our collective success is the long-term survival of the Burning Man culture and our continued ability to inspire participation—in Northern Nevada and globally.

In this moment of societal division, isolation, and a decline in people connecting, the antidote is more togetherness, mental well-being, and creativity.

Burning Man culture is more relevant than ever—this is exactly what it offers through art, music, learning, leadership and civic engagement.

In the early years, annual ticket revenue was sufficient, but it alone does not fund Black Rock City and all the other ways the nonprofit brings Burning Man culture to the world. Since becoming a nonprofit in 2011, philanthropic support has been increasingly vital. It is even more important today given lower ticket sales to this year’s event. 

It is easy to hypothesize about why we’re in this moment, but let’s not forget that while the movement is vibrant, any culture is impacted by what is happening in broader society. Moods and societal values change, economic forecasts and consumer confidence fluctuates, local, state and federal laws shift, the weather patterns become unpredictable, and costs rise, but one thing remains: Our passion and commitment to bringing more Burning Man culture to the world is steadfast.

Judging by the outpouring of community response to our extended ticket sales—including the return of in-person sales at beloved locations in San Francisco and Reno—and the invitation to share music line-ups earlier than usual, it’s clear you care deeply about what we are doing to safeguard the future, and how you can be involved in it.

When ticket sales slowed for this year’s gathering, we leaned into radical inclusion. We helped more people discover that this could be their year to make it to Black Rock City. Because we are deeply committed to managing ticket prices in a way that facilitates a citizenry from diverse economic backgrounds, we re-opened the Ticket-Aid program for low-income $225 tickets, while at the same time kept $575 and $1,500 tickets available for purchase. Is this the year that a friend of yours can finally come to the desert?

Burning Man culture must continue to be dynamic, organic and evolving in order to be in service to a more thriving world, a world that today needs more and more of what we do.

As an organization, we are looking for ways to say “yes,” while sticking to our shared values. We are also seeking more ways for engagement with participants to co-create and shape the future of community. We welcome your input, and we’re listening.

To the Burning Man Project, the future includes prototyping the community and regenerative practices of tomorrow, particularly in Northern Nevada; acting as an effective steward with the global network to increase and expand upon the relevancy and meaning of Burning Man culture; and creating more lower barrier opportunities to engage with the community and the culture while, across all we do, leaning into the bleeding edge of collaboration and co-creation that will enable the handoff to the next generation.

Burning Man isn’t easy. It is a badge of pride to get out of your bubble and convene, create and innovate with people of different interests, backgrounds and beliefs, but it sure is worth taking the risk. The reward is personal growth and communal benefit—oh, and a hell of a lot of fun. 

Join in understanding the opportunity for more Burning Man in the world, in exploring how you can play a part, and how you can support the movement beyond Black Rock City. Communities are built on the recognition of the unique abilities of every member, and I thank you for being a part of Burning Man! 

Hope to see you out in the world,
Marian Goodell
August 18, 2024


Cover image of “Glotus” by Gidget at sunrise in Black Rock City, 2009 (Photo by Ales Prikryl)

About the author: Marian Goodell

Marian Goodell

Marian serves as Burning Man Project’s first Chief Executive Officer. She first attended Burning Man in 1995, met Larry and the other organizers in the fall of 1996, and in 1997 helped found the contemporary Burning Man organization. In previous roles, she was the Director of Business and Communications, briefly oversaw the Black Rock City Department of Public Works, and steered the development of the Burning Man Regional Network, which is now on six continents, with more than 300 representatives in 37 countries. Marian is currently leading the organization’s efforts to facilitate and extend the Burning Man ethos globally.

23 Comments on “From the CEO’s Desk: From the Beach to Black Rock City and the World

  • Wavy,Robert lizanetz says:

    Maid Marion you have done in excellent job all these years

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  • Peejay says:

    Sending you thanks for all of the love, energy and time you and the entire BM project team have committed to sustaining and expanding the culture. The evolution continues…. thanks to all of those doing the work. I wish all the best for safe and transformative experiences in BRC this year.

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  • Nancy Jo Pucci says:

    Thank you for your dedication!

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  • Frank Posluszny says:

    Marian keep. The Spirit Alive , I am a 72 year old industrial designer and have had a good life creating many new things , products etc. and although I never went I always love seeing what takes place at Burning Man and I still hope to be ther maybe next year ,! My one suggestion is maybe encourage solar powered creative vehicles to avoid gas fumes and this is said by a guys who loves gas spewing Mad Max Vehicles ! Best to you all this year hope the weather is good. Frank Posluszny -Cos Cob , Ct.

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  • Charlie Frazier says:

    Does Vermont have a regional “chapter” ?

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  • Kilian says:

    Thanks for sharing this. ♥️ Let’s make it a wonderful year and beyond.,

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  • Scott Williams says:

    I have been attending since 2010 and what keeps me going back is the community, creativity and building new friendships. Starting in 2022 my focus shifted to documenting and supporting the sustainability initiatives that are really taking off at Black Rock City. To me all the efforts that are slowly making Burning Man more sustainable is the most exciting recent achievement the community can deliver to the planet. Since I camp alone some more room would be fine. I also would certainly welcome fewer EDM dance parties!

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  • Nati says:

    “Burning Man culture must continue to be dynamic, organic and evolving in order to be in service to a more thriving world, a world that today needs more and more of what we do.”
    Saluting your efforts—keep shining! Sending love and peace your way

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  • Brandi Young says:

    I love you all!

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  • MoSunshine Barriga says:

    Thank you, all BM founders, organizers & volunteers! My first burn was 2011 for a dear friend’s 40th birthday- he had spoken fondly of the BM experience & culture like one would have a dear, special & unique friend; he said it was life-changing & like “coming home.” HE WAS SO RIGHT. ;) I have gone 5 times now with my husband & every time replenishes my soul. The Playa always gives me just what I needed that year, filled with brilliance, surprises, new friendships, amazing art & self-discovery. THANK YOU, my Burning Man Family. MoSunshine

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  • Cheshire says:

    I can’t think help but think that this year’s reduced sales & theme camp participation is the long-term result of a focus on ‘cultural relevancy’ and over participant experience.

    I appreciate the positivity (you have a hard job) and look forward to hearing more on co-creation

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    • Michael Soriano says:

      Agreed.

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    • Sandra Vanteeff says:

      I agree as well. Sometimes I worry about getting confused by the crowd of people focused on DJ lineups rather than on nurturing the playa magic that feeds our souls. However, the presence of smaller camps does encourage contribution and communal effort, which is evident in our community. Keep that up, we shall make the difference :-).

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  • Ragdoll says:

    Thanks Marian.
    Can you talk to us more about the change in guidance re: DJ lineups?

    I’m pretty indifferent to the sound camp situation specifically, but I was quite surprised to see the org change course on one of its cultural guidelines in hopes of squeezing out just a few extra ticket sales. It makes me concerned about what parts of our culture might be on the chopping block next time this happens.

    What can you do to reassure us our culture will remain intact even as the age of ticket scarcity ends?

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  • Manuel Ruiz Martinez says:

    I will be a newbie in 2025, can’t wait for the ticket information come out so that me and a couple of friends can attend and enjoy life…

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  • Gerald Fleischmann, says:

    Dear Maid Marian,
    I certainly hope that you’ll be able to improve adherence to speed limits, especially for Electric bikes In the coming year. Seems, due to my continuing rib and back aching that it’s a serious problem on Playa. One big issue has to do with hit and run and enforcement thereto.
    Depending on you and your forces!
    ,
    Camper with Pepperland Theme Camp

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