Black! Asé 2.0: Immersive Art Installation-Burning Man 2024

We are doing it again!!

Embark on this journey of big impact with us- the power of highlighting underrepresented voices and faces through art and community.

We did it in 2022! Yes, it was a huge success.. But we weren't finished. Lead Artist of Black Burner Project, Erin Douglas is planning to bring the next iteration of Black! Asé- her full vision of the project with Black! Asé 2.0 to Burning man 2024 and Beyond with plans to have a presence and impact beyond the gate.

Black! Asé is set to journey back to Burning Man for a second time as the 2.0 rendition focusing on Size, space, sound and light.

this year:

Imagine....

An odyssey transcending visual representation, inviting participants into the inner sanctum of the Black spirit. Designed

to evoke introspection, healing, & celebration. Building upon the visuals of Black Asé, our journey now ventures within—

a profound exploration of self-discovery.

Externally, the cube adorned w/30ft portraits, a testament to our visibility.

Yet, within its walls unfolds a sensory tapestry challenging perceptions & fostering interconnectedness. Mesh screens

line internal walls, revealing a gallery of photographs to guide to a space filled w/ vibrant sounds of African music &

intimate narratives of Black Burners. Monogrammatic lighting elevates the experience, playing with senses & deepening

understanding. Our philosophy- rooted in the transformative power of storytelling—a disruption to challenge & dismantle

barriers. The imagery are living stories meant to be experienced, heard, & felt. A sacred space combines celebration of

identity & communion of stories.

Crowdfunding Goal:

We seek to raise $25,000 (of the total $100,000 needed) through this crowdfunding campaign.

We are also interested in individuals, corporations, and foundations willing to contribute larger amounts (please contact me directly)

Black Burner Project is a 501c3. Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows as

Help Us Create a Unique Experience

Black Burner Project

From inception, Black Burner Project’s raison d'être disrupts life on playa by challenging this core principle of Immediacy and radical inclusion. The documentation of Black Burners (their existence, their experience, their stories) and deliberate exposure of this content were weaponized with grandiose and benevolent intent: to encourage a more diverse future. For five years Black Burner Project has made a significant impact primarily through photography & verbal storytelling. Our aim for BM22 is to present our vision through a large-scale interactive & immersive photographic installation mapped across three sculptures, each offering a unique experience.

Our Inspiration & Impact

Black Burner Project has a mission of transforming communities through the creation of radical diversity, art & awareness of the uniqueness of Black and Brown burners.

We see the project as shifting the paradigm of art experienced on playa by creating a space for residents to engage in the experiences of others. We are designing this space for maximum participation by playing with space, size, sound & sight. This is where burners of color can see themselves and know they are home.

The three large-scale portraits of Black Burners stand 30ft tall on playa and mark their place in histories (past present and future). They are meant to not only be seen, but touched, heard, documented, and remembered.

Come climb...

The structure creates a multi-level adventure behind the walls of these beautiful portraits where scaffolding and a escalating ramp act as an internal exploration within surrounded by the covered mesh walls adorned in portraits and photographs taken by Erin Douglas. A museum of sorts

Explore & Reflect

The installation will offer immersive experiences of sound and light. From dawn to dusk burners can gather away from the sun and wander the installations as ambient audio shares recorded content from “Stories Black Burners” & other conversations. With intention behind every song that plays to take gathers on a journey. Evening invites a unique opportunity of light and sound. This experience encourages viewers to accept and welcome their own complexity, to reflect as they see themselves within each other. As one moves through the structure and ventures to each level, a look inside will rile the senses & encourage reflection.

Interactivity:

The installation offers a multisensory immersive experience. As ambient audio unfolds narratives from Burners of color

and resonates with traditional African music, participants wander within the space surrounded by intentionally draped

portraits of black Burners.

An LED light design strategically placed, creating a

space that holistically includes viewers. The Violet light experience encourages self-reflection, prompting participants to

accept and welcome their own complexity as they see themselves within each other.

Throughout the week, the space comes alive with diverse events—an immersive healing ceremony, live storytelling

night, safe space men's circle, and a live band church service. This interactive design transforms the installation into a

retreat, where participants engage with audio stories, stargaze, explore the mesh photo exhibition, and gather in a

space that resonates with the essence of the black spirit.

Budget Details:

Total Fundraising Goal: $100k

GoFundMe Funding Goal: $20k (or more)

Individual Large Donors: $40k (or more)

What donations will help support

Materials:

Mesh Prints ($20k)

metal framing

scaffold rental ($15k)

Giant prints (9) ($8k)

Wood

lighting ($10k)

decor

sound/audio

safety gear & electrical

hardware, tools,

Transportation ($10k)

Crew Support/Care

to support the build team during build week

camp supplies, food, water, other essentials

Other:

project insurance

Swag

power & electrical source

truck rental

fundraising fees

heavy equipment rental

taxes, misc, the unknown

Engineer & specialty services

MISC

Shipping

We can't do this without you! Here's how you can help:

Donate: Please consider making a donation to support this project. Every amount matters. Thank You!

Share: Please share this campaign and project mission with your friends, family, company and on your social pages. Engage with us on social! blackburnerproject

Connect: Please connect us to anyone in your network who could be interested in supporting this project getting to burning man or partnering with us after for placement or events.

We can't thank you enough, & can't wait to see you in the dust!