Will Chase, former Minister of Propaganda for Burning Man, shares his insights on maintaining the festival's relevance. He discusses the transformative journey to Burning Man and the serendipity that often arises. Will reflects on Larry Harvey's lasting influence and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in community engagement. He also explores how to instill a festival mindset in everyday life and advocates for inclusivity and sustainability to enhance the festival's core values beyond the desert.
Burning Man's evolution reveals a shift from organic participation to structured roles, impacting emotional engagement for new attendees.
Initiatives like Fireside Storytelling and We Are From Dust illustrate how Burning Man's principles extend into community-focused art and storytelling.
Embracing serendipity and vulnerability in everyday life fosters creative engagement, mirroring the festival spirit of exploration and connection.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Burning Man Participation
A shift in the nature of participation at Burning Man is noted, especially for newer generations of attendees who encounter a more structured system. This system includes specific checklists that define roles such as theme camps and mutant vehicles, leading to less emotional engagement for those simply conforming to meet the requirements. This contrasts starkly with earlier experiences where participation was more organic and spontaneous, fostering a deeper connection to the event. However, despite these changes, attendees are still experiencing the core principles that challenge their perceptions and encourage a sense of limitless possibilities.
Cultural Impact Beyond the Playa
The impact of Burning Man extends far beyond the desert, influencing various community-focused arts and storytelling initiatives. The guest discusses several projects he has been involved with, like Fireside Storytelling and We Are From Dust, which promote participatory art in public spaces. These endeavors aim to share the spirit of community and creativity cultivated at Burning Man with a broader audience, thus allowing more people to engage with its ideals. Such initiatives demonstrate how the principles of radical inclusion and communal effort can be integrated into everyday life.
Creating Serendipity and Playa Magic
The concept of serendipity plays a crucial role in the unique experiences at Burning Man, where spontaneous and meaningful connections often occur. Many stories illustrate how unexpected encounters or events lead to profound realizations or assistance, creating a distinct atmosphere of magic. This openness to new experiences allows individuals to step outside their everyday lives and explore possibilities they never considered. Reinforcing this idea, the importance of engaging with the community at Burning Man is highlighted as a way to foster these extraordinary moments.
Navigating Change and Cultural Shifts
Concerns surrounding the apparent decline of Burning Man's magic amidst changing demographics and structures are acknowledged, yet a reassuring perspective is offered. While many long-time participants express nostalgia for past experiences, newcomers are infusing fresh energy and enthusiasm into the community. The discussion emphasizes the need for adaptation by encouraging engagement that aligns with Burning Man's original principles, rather than adhering strictly to bureaucratic processes. This flexibility could help create an environment that revitalizes participation and community connection.
Actionable Steps for an Engaging Life
For those seeking to incorporate festival-like elements into their everyday lives, surrounding oneself with inspiring people and embracing vulnerability is advised. By saying yes to new opportunities and experiences, individuals can cultivate a sense of adventure and authenticity that mirrors the essence of festival life. Learning from mistakes and remaining open to what others contribute can lead to discovering personal paths that resonate deeply. This proactive approach to life promotes creative engagement and allows individuals to share in the journey of self-discovery and community building.
How does Burning Man stay relevant for a new generation and beyond the Black Rock Desert?
The dust has settled from Burning Man, and the photo dumps have all been dumped but today we're diving into a deeper conversation about the relevance of the event itself. My guest, Will Chase was Burning Man’s Minister of Propaganda until 2016. He’s done more than most to bring the open-hearted play of Burning Man to the default world (ie make life like a festival).
In our conversation, we explore Burning Man as a pilgrimage, the magic of serendipity, and the lasting influence of Larry Harvey. Will shares personal stories and thoughtful insights as we explore the magic of Burning Man and what this community should focus on now.
Will Chase was a key figure in Burning Man from 2003 to 2016. He co-founded Fireside Storytelling in San Francisco and is the president of We Are From Dust, which places interactive art globally. He also hosts "Pants Optional" on Shady Pines Radio and co-founded Peak, an immersive experience design company.
Timestamps
(11:30) Will Chase doesn’t like making things about himself
(15:45) Larry Harvey had the right ego to crawl with worms
(19:30) Getting to Burning Man is itself a rite of passage
(26:30) In Search of Serendipity
(30:30) No the magic hasn’t changed…
(39:45) … but we are at a cultural inflection point
(47:45) The Minister of Propaganda’s medicine is storytelling
