Burning Man began in 1986 as a private summer solstice bonfire party. Over the years, it has grown to become a major gathering dedicated to radical self-expression and contemporary art. The week-long festival culminates in a burning of a large wooden effigy known as “the Man”, hence the name of the event.
The popularity of Burning Man has encouraged enthusiasts all over the world to organize similar gatherings. In Australia, there are two regional Burning Man events, Burning Seed and Blazing Swan. Burning Seed was first held in 2010. It takes place in New South Wales. Originally held about an hour’s drive from Wagga Wagga, it moved to Matong State Forest in 2016. The festival site is named Read Earth City.
Just like other events inspired by Burning Man (they are sometimes collectively referred to as burns), Burning Seed is created by its participants for its participants. Everyone is expected to contribute to the event, using their ideas, skills, resources and imagination to create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. The participants collectively take care of the funding, the city, the entertainment, the day-to-day needs, and the environment.
Blazing Swan is guided by the Ten Principles that were originally written by Larry Harvey of Burning Man. They are: immediacy, participation, leave no trace, civic responsibility, communal effort, radical self-expression, gifting, radical inclusion, decommodification, and radical self-reliance. These principles reflect the values of the Burning Seed community.
Burning Seed includes installations, theme camps, mutant vehicles, gift exchange, performances, and other events and activities organized by its participants. The festival culminates in the burning of the Effigy and the Temple. The Temple is the emotional and spiritual anchor of Burning Seed. It is a wooden art installation filled with photos, letters, mementos, shrines, etc. While the burning of the Effigy is marked with excitement, the burning of the Temple is a time for quiet reflection.
In 2020, the event was held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Photo: burningseed.com
