Ukrainian Burners Non-Profit: A Community of Creativity, Modernity, and Tradition
War Torn, Yet Unbroken
Kurenivka Camp at Black Rock City: Showcasing the Spirit of Ukraine
Amidst challenging times, Kurenivka Camp returns to Burning Man after a three-year hiatus, serving as a vital bridge between Ukraine and the global community. With many of our friends and community members unable to join due to their ongoing defense of Ukraine amidst Russia's military aggression, our camp unites those outside of Ukraine to amplify the voice of our nation.
The Hedgehog Temple: An Esteemed Honoraria Artwork at Burning Man 2023
The Hedgehog Temple is an inspiring piece that stands as a testament to the power of hope, unity, and resilience in the face of adversity. This emotionally evocative installation pays tribute to the fallen friends from the war in Ukraine, highlighting their stories and sacrifices.
The Diverse Projects of the Kurenivka Community
Bringing Fun to Those in Need: The Kurenivka Kids Project Brings Joy to Children Affected by War
The Kurenivka Kids Camp Project is a unique initiative that offers a free, creative camp experience for children aged 4-16 affected by war. Inspired by the principles of Burning Man, this camp in Zakarpattia, Ukraine, provides various activities, including art therapy, dance, water adventures, and eco-awareness, to help children overcome psychological trauma and create lasting memories. Run by dedicated volunteers and funded by donors worldwide, the Kurenivka Kids Project brings love, warmth, and smiles to the lives of these young participants.
Connecting Communities: The Ukrainian Refugee Support Initiative Brings Burners and Ukrainian Refugees Together for Mutual Aid and Support
The Ukrainian Burners NGO, led by Yaroslav Korets in the first days of the war, has launched the Ukrainian Refugee Support Initiative to help connect the global Burning Man community with Ukrainian refugees in need. By providing food, shelter, clothing, medicine, legal advice, and financial assistance, this initiative strengthens the bonds between Burners and refugees, exemplifying the values of solidarity and support at the heart of the Burning Man community during these challenging times.
Kurenivka at Kyiv River Rave
In times of uncertainty and shifting norms, Kurenivka Camp embraces the present moment and cherishes the connections formed through shared experiences. In 2021, Kurenivka organized a stage at the Kyiv River Rave, creating an immersive and lively atmosphere along the Dnipro River. This creative community of Ukrainian Burners, united in their passion for self-expression and togetherness, gathered to honor the traditional Burning Man Effigy ritual, celebrating their unique culture and spirit.
Renegade Burn Ukraine
In 2021, when the official Burning Man event was canceled for the second time, thousands of passionate Burners gathered in the Black Rock Desert for an unofficial gathering called Renegade Burn, or Plan B. This event was a return to the roots of Burning Man, focusing on the 10 guiding principles and emphasizing radical self-reliance.
Renegade Burn Ukraine embraced the spirit of self-organization and followed the same principles. With no tickets, organizers, infrastructure, or services, this non-festival event brought together the Burner family for a camping experience where everyone was responsible for their own needs and sharing with others.
Virtual Burning Man: Multiverse, Kurenivka Camp
During the challenging times of 2020, Kurenivka Camp embraced the Multiverse theme and gathered at the Kyiv River Rave, creating a unique Burning Man experience. The community came together, despite COVID-19 restrictions, to participate in the ritual burning of the Effigy, connecting with Burners across virtual universes. With a focus on togetherness and creativity, Kurenivka celebrated the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian Burner community.
Decompression Rocket (official regional Burning Man event)
In October 2019, the Ukrainian Burning Man community hosted Decompression - Rocket, an ambitious and vibrant space-themed event. Participants gathered to launch the Palace of Culture "Kurenivka" spaceship to explore new realms and share their creativity. Embracing a gift economy, the event featured colorful attire, free-flowing libations, and a supportive environment for artistic expression. Despite the uncertainty of the mission, Decompression - Rocket brought together a community committed to celebrating and embracing the unknown with enthusiasm and joy.
Precompression Kyiv: Housewarming (official regional Burning Man event
In Spring 2019, the Ukrainian Burning Man community celebrated their new permanent home at the Palace of Culture "Kurenivka" with a 24-hour Precompression event themed "Housewarming." On May 11th, attendees gathered to fill the vast 1,200 m² space with life, art, performances, music, and gifts. Guests transformed the empty building into a lively hub of creativity and connection, encouraging radical self-expression. In line with Burning Man principles, the event featured a gift economy, with free food and drinks available for all. Ticket sales supported renovations for the shared Palace, with attendees encouraged to contribute as much as they felt appropriate. The Housewarming event at Kurenivka was a joyful celebration of the community's growth and a testament to their commitment to fostering creativity and connection.
Kurenivka Stage at Atlas Weekend
We had an incredible time at Atlas Weekend, Eastern Europe's largest festival, where Kurenivka Stage brought an unforgettable experience to all attendees. With a diverse lineup of 30+ artists, DJs, and performers, Kurenivka Stage showcased a stunning array of talent and creativity. Guests enjoyed live art installations, mesmerizing performances, and electrifying music that ignited the atmosphere. Located conveniently between the main and night stages, Kurenivka Stage was an unmissable highlight of Atlas Weekend. Thank you for joining us and making it a fantastic event!
Kurenivka Camp at Burning Man 2018
Originating from Ukraine, Kurenivka brings a unique Eastern European flair to the event, showcasing their rich cultural heritage through art installations, performances, and interactive experiences.
AI.TLants is an innovative project that combines artificial intelligence with artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of what technology and creativity can achieve together. The project involves using AI to create or enhance art, resulting in pieces that are a fusion of human imagination and machine learning capabilities. At Burning Man, AI.TLants often presents interactive installations where participants can engage with AI-generated art, exploring the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence. This project exemplifies the futuristic and experimental ethos of Burning Man, offering a glimpse into the potential of AI in the realm of artistic creation.
Kurenivka Camp at Burning Man 2017
In 2017, Ukraine’s first official camp at Burning Man was established by artists including Vячеслав Гуденок. The camp featured a significant fire sculpture symbolizing Ukraine's transition into a new era. This initiative fostered a blend of Ukrainian culture with the festival’s ethos, showcasing creativity and national identity on an international stage.
Femail Ritual Art:
Femail Ritual Art is a project that uses physical mail as a medium for artistic expression. Participants exchange handcrafted letters containing art, poetry, and personal reflections, transforming the act of sending and receiving mail into a meaningful and creative ritual.
Kurenivka DJs:
A Symphony of Diversity and Energy
At Kurenivka, our diverse roster of talented DJs sets us apart. Each Kurenivka DJ brings their unique style to the decks, resulting in a vibrant fusion of genres that keeps the party going. From the infectious grooves of disco to the hypnotic beats of trance, and from the soulful rhythms of house to the pulsating intensity of techno, our music transcends boundaries and unites people on the dance floor. Every Kurenivka DJ performance guarantees an electrifying, energetic, and beautiful experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend. Join us at Kurenivka and immerse yourself in a world where individuality thrives and the music never disappoints.
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