Year Zero. You’ve heard that phrase repeated a lot at this burn. Our year zero has been one of learning on the fly, pivoting when we have to, and being grateful for the community of which we are a part. What we just completed is something no other burn has done before. We, as a community, are blazing a trail for others. 

As an organization, we have adopted Consent as our unofficial 11th Principle. During this year’s burn, we started to identify our unofficial 12th Principle — Gratitude.

The Great Lakes Experimental Arts Board of Directors, Event Coordinators, and Leads want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this event possible. From the volunteers, to the land planning team, to every person who showed up and participated, we are thankful for you.

Thank you for trusting the leadership of this organization to try something brand new. This change has allowed us to be more radically self reliant. Having our own land comes with challenges, too. We all appreciate your patience while we figured out the parking situation and your willingness to pivot with us for exodus.

As we learn more and grow as a community, we need your help. Critical shifts have to be covered for the event to be successful. Now that our community has a better lay of the land, we hope to see our volunteer numbers grow. The land development team also plans to have more work weekends, which we would love to see as many people as possible at, both skilled labor and willing people. Sign up for an invite to working weekends.

Gratitude is more than a feeling. We saw it in the actions of every participant. We heard it from new friends and volunteers, even for small things. We made sure to mention it in all our interactions. And we still feel it so deeply for every single participant. 

Thank you for being a part of this community. And remember: Next year was better anyway. 

Scott, Sasha, Dan, Cherish, Chef, Sunshine, Thad

Board of Directors

Great Lakes Experimental Arts, Inc.