Building BRC, Civic Initiatives, Global Programming, Regionals

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

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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.

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