Burning Man + Black Burner Project
Rewriting the narrative of presence, representation, and belonging at Burning Man
Burning Man needed a cultural reset—an intentional effort to increase BIPOC presence, shift perception, and create meaningful access. Erin responded by launching the Black Burner Project, a grassroots storytelling initiative turned global movement.
Creative Strategy · Cultural Storytelling · Community Engagement
Black Burner Project
The Gap
How do we increase Black and Brown representation at Burning Man and reshape a narrative that historically excluded them?
Burning Man lacked diversity—both in attendance and in the artists represented. The community needed more than just outreach—it needed powerful, identity-centered storytelling, visual representation, and cultural connection to inspire real, lasting change.
Approach
Erin created & launched the Black Burner Project in 2018, a portrait-driven storytelling initiative turned cultural movement to celebrate and amplify the presence of Black and Brown Burners. Through documentary photography, personal interviews, content strategy, and intentional activations at the event.
This built visibility, trust, and inspiration—helping to shift both perception and participation. BBP became both a visual archive and cultural catalyst—sparking new attendance, and redefining what representation, inclusion & healing could look like in radically expressive spaces.
Over the years, Erin has consulted with Burning Man’s communications and diversity teams, sharing strategy around BIPOC ticket access, cultural programming, and narrative storytelling to help shape a more inclusive future for the event.
BBP evolved into a movement that influenced organizational strategy, increased attendance, and laid the groundwork for new BIPOC art leadership at the event.
The work
Project type
Creative Strategy · Photography · Community Engagement · Visual Storytelling · Content Direction · Culture Advocacy · Brand Consulting
Services Included:
Portrait & Documentary Photography
Story Gathering & Interviews
Brand Strategy & Audience Growth
On-site Community Activation
Concept Development & Visual Direction
Cultural Consulting & DEI Storytelling
Key Questions to Solve
How do we create a safe space for Black and Brown Burners to feel seen and celebrated?
How do we build trust in a historically exclusive space?
How do we prepare new Black Burners for their first burn experience—emotionally, logistically, and culturally?
How to acquire tickets and funding to reduce the financial barrier for first-time BIPOC Burners?
How do we tell real, nuanced stories that reflect identity and humanity—beyond the spectacle?
How to serve as a bridge between grassroots community and institutional change?
What does and what can black joy and healing look like in this space?
Impact
📸 1,000+ portraits & 100+ interviews – The largest visual archive of Black & Brown Burners
🎟️ $135K+ in ticket revenue from 500+ new BIPOC attendees
🌍 500%+ increase in Black and Brown participation since BBP’s launch
🧠 Consulted directly with Burning Man Org to develop ticket access pathways, DEI storytelling, and more inclusive communications
🎨 5 new BIPOC artists inspired to create Burning Man art (2 became honorarium recipients)
🗞️ 10+ major press features including Artsy, Essence, and Sotheby’s
🎉 10+ events curated, including at Soho House, Audacity Fest, and The Battery
🧠 Led cultural conversation shifts within the org and community
Results
The Black Burner Project initiative didn’t just document— it activated. It became a trusted cultural space, helped shift the internal strategies of one of the world’s most iconic creative communities, and opened the gates—literally and figuratively—for new voices, new faces, and new leaders to enter
