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What to Expect If You Receive a Temple Grant

Significant Dates for 2027 Temple Artists

  • Late July/Early August 2026: Temple selected and artists notified
  • Burning Man BRC Build Week through Event Week: 2027 Temple artist attends BRC and shadows key stakeholders
  • October 2026: Temple selection announced publicly
  • Fall 2026: Temple artists fill out Art Installation Questionnaire
  • Fall – Winter 2026: Kick-off meetings with Burning Man Artist Liaison and other major stakeholders including Burning Man’s Fire Art Safety Team (FAST), Communications Department, Temple Guardians, and Temple Builders Guild, etc.
  • Fall – Winter 2026: Contract signed and first payment issued
  • December 2026 – June 2027: Monthly calls with Burning Man Artist Liaison, engineering review with Art Support Services (ASS), burn meeting with FAST
  • June 1, 2027: Art Support Services (ASS) resource request due
  • July 1, 2027: Dates and quantities for Setup Access Passes (SAPs) finalized and submitted
  • July – August, 2027: Weekly calls with Burning Man Artist Liaison
  • Wednesday, August 11, 2027: Work access to site for survey, no on-site overnight camping
  • Thursday, August 12, 2027: Work access to set up camp, overnight camping commences
  • Friday, August 13, 2027: First day of delivery of construction materials and scheduled heavy equipment support and resources become available
  • Thursday, August 26, 2027: Relocation of worksite camp to city camp
  • Burning Man BRC Build Week through Event Week 2027: 2027 Temple artist supports the mentorship of the 2028 Temple artist
  • Sunday of event opening, sunrise: Temple is fully installed and turned over to participants and Temple Guardians
  • Sunday of event opening, 6pm: Burning Man event officially begins
  • Sunday before Labor Day: Temple is turned over to the burn crew and Temple Guardians as early as 7am
  • Sunday before Labor Day: Temple burns at 8pm
  • Monday, Labor Day: Burning Man event officially ends, Temple crew begins Leave No Trace (LNT)
  • Thursday after Labor Day: Temple crew completes LNT of the Temple burn site
  • October 1, 2027: Final report (Artist Feedback Form) and high-resolution images due
  • November 15, 2027: On-playa services and resources accounted for and remaining performance deposit issued

Questionnaires and Contract

  • Temple artists enter into a written agreement (i.e., a contract) with Burning Man Project that outlines the terms for managing and executing the project, from early concept through installation, deinstallation, and cleanup. The agreement also describes the support services and coordination provided by Burning Man.
  • As part of the grant process, Burning Man reports Temple grant payments to the IRS using form 1099-MISC. The receiving individual or entity may wish to consider the tax and financial implications of these funds. Some Temple projects choose to form an LLC or other organization. While Burning Man Project cannot provide specific legal or tax advice, we encourage artists to consult with a professional as needed.
  • Temple artists complete a standard Art Installation Questionnaire and align with Art Department requirements for playa art. Each Temple project is supported by an Artist Liaison, who serves as the main point of contact for the project lead throughout the build process, with additional coordination provided by Art Department staff.
  • Temple artists submit a Placement Questionnaire to request an Art Support Camp to establish a placed camp in Black Rock City.

On-Playa Resources

Burning Man Project offers a range of on-playa resources to support Temple artists. These items are requested pre-event, coordinated by Art Support Services (ASS), and delivered on playa.

Available resources may include heavy equipment, decomposed granite (DG), potable water, firewood, fuel (dyed diesel, clear diesel, gasoline, propane), dumpster services, and porta-potties at the build site. These resources are partially supported through a supplemental resource grant of $15,000, with remaining costs offset through the Performance Deposit (a predetermined percentage of the Temple grant).

In addition, Temple projects may have access to a large solar shade structure capable of powering a moderate light design. Use of this structure comes with additional considerations, such as abstaining from using fuel-powered generators during the build on playa.

Resource needs and preliminary requests are discussed during kick-off meetings, and a summary of on-playa resource use is shared after the event.

Other Expectations

  • Meetings: Creating the Temple is a significant time investment, including regular meetings with Burning Man Project staff. Artists can expect frequent collaboration and ongoing interaction throughout the project.
  • Fundraising & Project Management: While the artistic vision is central, Temple leads often spend a substantial amount of time fundraising and coordinating large teams of volunteers, all working within a tight schedule and budget.
  • Early Arrival: The Temple is completed by sunrise on the Sunday the event begins. Build crews plan to arrive on playa in advance to meet this milestone, with arrivals typically staggered during the pre-event period. Setup Access Pass (SAP) needs and timing are coordinated with the Artist Liaison.
  • Departure: Following the Temple burn, the site is restored in alignment with Leave No Trace (LNT) requirements from the BLM permit, leaving only decomposed granite (DG). Project teams work toward having the site cleaned and ready for inspection by Playa Restoration’s LNT Lead by the Thursday after Labor Day.
  • Timeline and Communication: Timely communication and responsiveness help keep a project of this scale on track. If timelines shift, we encourage artists to stay in close communication with the Artist Liaison so adjustments can be considered where possible.
  • Significant Changes: Temple projects can evolve as they move from concept to realization. When significant changes arise, artists coordinate with the Art Department to review and align on those updates prior to March 31 (or as soon as possible).
  • Radical Inclusion: Building the Temple is a uniquely community-driven effort. The Temple is a deeply personal space, and participants are motivated by many different reasons to volunteer to build it. The Temple belongs to the community and as such, the build crew includes a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. Also note that designs are ideally developed with accessibility in mind, supporting meaningful access for participants of all abilities.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: The Temple is a collaborative project that connects with long-standing community groups and traditions. Temple artists can expect to engage with stakeholders such as the Temple Guardians and the Temple Builders Guild throughout the process.
  • Rituals and Traditions: As the spiritual center of BRC, the Temple is shaped by a number of meaningful rituals and traditions, including the pre-event Paiute blessing. Artists are invited to thoughtfully incorporate and support these moments as part of the Temple experience.

Key Resources

As you continue planning for your project, the following links may be helpful: