Submit your proposal for the 2026 Temple from October 1 through October 31, 2025!
If you’d like to apply for the Temple grant, you must have been to Black Rock City at least once and have participated in building something while there, preferably a relatively large or complex project. We also encourage you to read about the Temple History and Meaning and then check out the program overview and FAQ, as well as What to Expect If You Receive a Temple Grant.
How Does this Work?
In the spirit of streamlining and giving artists more time to plan and build, we are experimenting with a simplified application process. For the 2026 Temple, you are invited to email us your proposal starting on October 1, 2025. There is no longer an application form, and we’ve streamlined the amount of information we request. Please submit your proposal as a PDF via email to templegrant@burningman.org. Submissions will be accepted through October 31, 2025.
Information to Include in Your Proposal
- Lead Artist. Tell us about yourself (and co-lead artist, if applicable).
- Contact info (address, phone, email)
- Relevant experience on and off playa (experience building art, leading teams/volunteers, experience with fundraising, number of years you’ve been to BRC)
- Motivation/inspiration for wanting to build the Burning Man Temple
- Collaborators. Tell us about who you’ll be working with.
- Any team leads or other crew you’ve identified
- External collaborators you’ve talked with (e.g., Temple Builders Guild, previous Temple artists, Temple Guardians, etc.)
- Provide two professional references with contact info
- Temple Concept and Design. Tell us about the project.
- Name of the Temple
- Overview of the concept
- Physical description, including dimensions, build materials, and details on the features (e.g. entrances, gathering spaces, alcoves, etc.)
- Philosophy behind the design
- Share how volunteers with limited build skills can participate meaningfully in the build process
- Pre-BRC build location
- Images
- Submit 5 images of your proposed design. We recommend showing the interior, exterior, day view, and night view. Any type of image is acceptable, provided it offers the committee a good understanding of your proposed design. Images may be pasted into your written proposal, attached separately, or shared via an online album.
- (optional) Anything else you think we should know?
Aim to have your total written proposal (not including images) in the range of 5-7 pages.
Submission Instructions
- Create your proposal, making sure to include the information listed above (#1-4)
- Save your document as a PDF
- Email your PDF to templegrant@burningman.org
2026 Temple Grant Program Timeline
- October 1, 2025, 10:00 – 11:30am PDT; virtual Q&A session with Burning Man Art Department staff and other Temple stakeholders (RSVP here to participate)
- October 1 – October 31, 2025: submission period for 2026 Temple Grant proposals (submit via email)
- November/December 2025: The Temple Committee may ask for additional information from applicants and/or check references
- Mid- to Late December: notifications sent to all applicants
Maquettes: Due to a geographically dispersed grant committee, we aren’t able to accept maquettes or small models via mail or hand delivery. If you build a maquette, you may submit an image or video of it as part of your proposal.
Please note that the only way to submit a 2026 Temple proposal is via email to templegrant@burningman.org. Late or incomplete proposals cannot be accepted.
We look forward to seeing your creative visions!