Life happens. Art happens with life. The arts are a big impact area of Burning Man culture. 

Burning Man Project funds artists each year through our Global Arts Grants and BRC Honoraria. The pandemic put a pause on 2020 grants. Now with no Black Rock City for a second year, we feared the arts grants would also be a no. 

However, thanks to generous philanthropy, Burning Man Project is funding a million dollars to 59 art installations from eight countries and 14 US States, for placement wherever is clever. Bringing the art to the people!

Stuart and Andie talk with “Weapons Grade” aka Gloria Beck, senior project manager of Burning Man’s Art Support Services. 

They also speak with 4 of the recipients of this year’s Global Arts Grants: 

• Jen Lewin, Cosmos (New York, NY) jenlewinstudio.com
• Jules Nelson-Gal, Unbound (San Francisco, CA) unboundarts.org
• Antwane Lee, The Solar Shrine (Chicago, IL) solarshrine.org
• Leeroy New, (Manilla, Philippines) leeroynew.com

They tell tales of getting things done when things are tough to do. They talk out how the pandemic pivot affects the artistic process. They share about creating art from kitchens and bedrooms, to TikTok and virtual reality - and the magic born from people exploring interactive art in public spaces. 

“I'm just fascinated by how diverse the world is and how diverse people are in their abilities. This is highlighting human ability.” Jules Nelson-Gal

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