Movement Series #2: Burning Man Enclaves of Tomorrow
The SFGate ran this article in 2005 which looks largely at the notion of enclaves or regional burns as an evolution of Burning Man and as a logical extension of its community and DIY creativity ideals:
With attendance topping 40,000, it’s hard not to see Burning Man needing to evolve into something else and perhaps smaller in scope, more manageable. Moreover, once a year is just not enough to keep the fun alive!
More importantly, however, is the idea of community and greater outreach embodied by separate regional burns. Burning Man has always been about communal ideals: “Watching out for others is more important than getting ahead. And if people work together, the world can be a better place.” Regional burns seem to be an ideal way to maintain the focus of burner community in smaller numbers tailored to the local scene or group interests in that area.
Again, it allows for more burns throughout the year as well! More events in the year eventually reaches more people, thereby advancing the movement to more people in more places.
Larry Harvey is quoted in the article:
“We’re trying with our regional movement to ultimately change the world itself so people can live in a community full-time that affirms their identity,” said Larry Harvey, the 57-year-old who started it all. “We want them to start conceiving how to do something on Main Street. … That is the heart of what we have been preaching all along.”
While I’m not sure “Main Street” America is ready for burners nor that it’s necessary to court the powers that be there for permission to create, I believe there’s a place for it. If it enhances the region and forwards the open creativity and help-your-neighbor spirit of Burning Man in civic, business, and personal ways, then I’m all for it.
