Frame from ‘Burning Man 2018’ video by Phil of Drones.
Burning Man 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the Burning Man Project team to move from the physical to the digital sphere without assembling over 80.000 people at the end of the summer in the Nevada Desert. In a YouTube message Marian Goodell, Burning Man Project CEO, said “We are scaling back because of the emergency. Burning Man is not just Black Rock City, We are burners without borders, fighting COVID-19.” Goodell highlighted that Burning man is a movement, encompassing over 100 events across 6 continents.
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“After much listening, discussion, and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to build Black Rock City in 2020,” said the organizers. “Yes, we are heartbroken. We know you are too. In 2020 we need human connection and Immediacy more than ever. But public health and the well-being of our participants, staff, and neighbors in Nevada are our highest priorities.”
Burning Man 2017 – Photo by @oliverkoletzki, IG.
However, organizers tweeted that Burning Man”is alive & well, and we look forward to seeing you in the Multivers” – the theme chosen fot the 2020 edition – but only online. But can an immersive experience like Burning Man work on a screen? “We’re not sure how it’s going to come out,” the official announcement admitted. “It will likely be messy and awkward with mistakes. It will also likely be engaging, connective, and fun.”
The Billion Bunnies March @ The Man base, BM2016.
Burning Man 2020 is the latest event to fall victim of Corona virus in the US. So far the iconic Coachella festival, Detroit Motor Show has been cancelled while NYCxDESIGN – New York Design Festival – has been scheduled in October. The United States are the most hit country in the world with almost 700.000 infected people and over 30.000 victims.
Burning Man 2017 shines – Tree of Ténéré – Photo by @mastahnick IG.
- For those who already purchased tickets to Black Rock Desert, the Burning Man team said they were “committed to providing refunds” but noted that the organization must implement “substantial staff layoffs, pay reductions, and other belt-tightening measures” to stay afloat-
“Lord Snort” installation by Bryan Tedriks, BM2016.
