Burning Man organizers announced Friday night that the 2020 festival is canceled because of the pandemic. There will be an online version.
“After much listening, discussion, and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to build Black Rock City in 2020,” said a statement posted to the Burning Man Project website. “Given the painful reality of COVID-19, one of the greatest global challenges of our lifetimes, we believe this is the right thing to do. Yes, we are heartbroken. We know you are too. In 2020 we need human connection and Immediacy more than ever. But public health and the well-being of our participants, staff, and neighbors in Nevada are our highest priorities.”
Burning Man 2020 would have taken place in the Black Rock Desert of northern Nevada from Aug. 30 to Sept. 7. The organization had already stopped selling tickets, but it’s first round of sales had already concluded last month, with 4,000 tickets priced at $1,400 sold.
Related Story
Producer Aaron Kaplan Alleges Extortion Attempt, Triggering Lawsuit By His Late Brother's Widow In Trust Dispute
The organization is offering refunds, but also urged those who have already bought their passes to consider the money as a donation to the Burning Man Foundation
The Burning Man Project said it plans to create a Virtual Black Rock City for 2020 in “The Multiverse.”
“That’s the theme for 2020 so we’re going to lean into it,” the statement says. “Who’d have believed it would come true? We look forward to welcoming you to Virtual Black Rock City 2020. We’re not sure how it’s going to come out; it will likely be messy and awkward with mistakes. It will also likely be engaging, connective, and fun.”
Along with the statement, there’s a video message from Burning Man Project CEO Marian Goodell explaining the decision. Watch it above.
Source: Read Full Article