Camp Organizational Plan for 1999

This document is the organizational plan for The Artists' Republic of Fremont (ARF), our proposed theme camp for Burning Man 1999. It provides information regarding:

• camp contact, camp population and other related statistics;
• our past record;
• our general objectives for 1999;
• the organizational infrastructure of the camp;
• projects and installations that will define the camp's presence on the esplanade;
• projects and installations supported by the camp, but requiring location on the playa;
• performances and ensembles supported by the camp;
• our cleanup plan.

Note that some of the information in this plan is for the benefit of camp members and not directly relevant to satisfying Burning Man's requirements for theme camps.

 

Camp Contact

Roger Neate, 1016 NW 83rd St, Seattle, WA 98117
Home Phone: 206-789-8421; Work Phone: 206-543-4120.
E-Mail: slug@ad1440.net

 

Camp Statistics

Our anticipated population is currently 85 people. This may increase between May 14 and June 1, at which time no additional camp members will be accepted due to the requirement that all camp members purchase tickets by June 1.

We estimate that the camp will be bringing 6 to 8 large vehicles, including two large cargo trucks for the transportation of project materials. In addition, the camp will have approximately 20 to 25 personal vehicles. These numbers are based on an estimated occupancy of 4-5 people per RV and 2-3 people per personal vehicle.

 

Summary of Past Record

ARF was first organized for Burning Man 1997 and had a population of approximately 35 people. We were registered as a theme camp and located on the esplanade. Our primary attraction was the passport office, which subjected visitors to an immigration process no less bizarre -- but substantially more imaginative and entertaining -- than that favored by the INS. Having completed the immigration process, visitors were declared citizens of ARF and issued passports. A fundamental attraction of the passports seems to have been our success in persuading other camps to create visa stamps for them. In addition to our interactive presence on the esplanade, the camp provided support for a number of performances including The Feast of Vulcanalia and Naomi Singer's stilt-walking performance during the procession and performance prior to burning the Man.

We grew in 1998, somewhat beyond our expectations, to approximately 100 people. We again set up the passport office and added body painting and the popular Shower Man to the theme camp. We also provided support for a playa installation (the Scapegoat) and a larger number of performances than the previous year, including Cirque de Flambe, the Fire Labrynth, Johnny Burning Man, and the parade of the Seven Deadly Sins. An unexpectedly memorable event created by members of the camp was the Red Lingerie Ensemble that spontaneously evolved into a game of Red Rover in center camp.

 

Camp Objectives for 1999

Planning for the Artists' Republic of Fremont Burning Man theme camp will attempt to satisfy both the objectives listed below, plus all requirements specified by Burning Man for theme camp pre-placement.

Organizational/Logistical

• Full participation by all camp members.
• An equal distribution of work among all camp members throughout preparation, on-site setup, operation and cleanup.
• A reduction in the size of camp organizational meetings.
• Simplified logistics with respect to transportation of supplies and communal meals.
• Provision of good support for performers affiliated with the camp.
• Coordinated camp outreach in the form of ensembles, etc.
• Clearer emphasis on our identity as a community.

Camp Layout

• A single geographic location for the camp with both esplanade frontage for thematic elements and adequate space in the immediately adjacent general camping area for all camp members.
• A clear separation between the theme area on the esplanade (public, loud, fun, crazy) and the camping area (private, quiet).
• Better presentation of a unified aesthetic image in the theme area of the camp.
• Minimal or no camping in the theme area located on the esplanade.
• Adequate space for our fuel dump, located to maximize safety and minimize accessibility to the public, but maintaining convenient access for performers.
• A centralized communication center (bulletin board, etc.)
• Multiple kitchens.
• A shower and dressing area, a communal gathering area, and quiet space located in the private camping area.

 

General Organizational Plan

1. The camp will be structured as a single, thematically coordinated "neighborhood" of semi-autonomous, project-oriented groups. Thematic coordination does not imply any restriction on the projects that can be undertaken, but simply that consideration will be given to integrating all projects into a camp layout that reinforces the overall camp theme and aesthetic image. Project groups may also be organized around a significant performance or playa installation instead of, or in addition to, a component of the interactive part of camp located on the esplanade. Overall integration will be undertaken by an ARF Organizing Committee made up of representatives from each project group.
2. To be a member of the camp, an individual must first affiliate him or herself with at least one project group. In addition, he/she must specifically identify how he/she will participate in camp preparation, on-site setup, operation and cleanup; purchase a ticket prior to June 1st, 1999 (a requirement for pre-placement of the camp by Burning Man); and pay any camp membership fee decided upon by the ARF Organizing Committee. The ARF Organizing Committee will determine the exact process by which camp members will be registered.
3. Each group must undertake a project of appropriate magnitude relative to the size of the group. The members of each group within the camp will be responsible for independently handling logistics for their own project(s), plus communal meals, transportation of personal belongings, etc. The provision of communal meals, transportation, etc. is at the discression of the members of the group. There will be no communal meals or transportation of personal belongings organized for the camp as a whole. It is up to each group to decide upon any fee for its members (in addition to the general camp fee) to cover logistical costs.
4. Each group will delegate representatives to the ARF Organizing Committee for overall camp planning.
5. Each group will delegate representatives to participate in specific aspects of overall camp preparation prior to departure from Seattle, and on-site setup, operation and cleanup. These activities will be organized by the ARF Organizing Committee as necessary.
6. Any individual volunteering for one of the following major jobs will automatically be a member of the ARF Organizing Committee and will be exempt from the requirements for camp membership listed above other than those for ticket purchase prior to June 1st, 1999, and payment of the overall camp fee.
• Treasurer
• Camp Image Coordinator(s)
• Camp Setup Coordinator(s)
• Camp Operations Coordinator(s)
• Camp Cleanup Coordinator(s)
7. The ARF Organizing Committee will be responsible for determining its own decision-making process.

 

Description of Major Jobs

Note that the following job descriptions are subject to change. In particular, jobs may be subdivided to distribute the load more equitably. In such cases, the people holding these positions will act as a "team coordinator" for the set of people sharing the responsibilities. To volunteer for any of the jobs that are still open, contact Roger Neate (slug@ad1440.net).

Treasurer (Sasha Malinsky)

• Collection and dispursement of general camp funds.
• Coordination and communication with group delegates regarding collection of fees, deadlines, etc.
• Camp membership registration.
• Budgeting.

  Camp Image Coordinators (Dave Hartz, Kirsten Lauzon)

• Design of overall camp layout and thematic image.
• Coordination and placement of group projects.
• Coordination and delegation of camp preparation responsibilities in Seattle prior to departure.

  Camp Setup Coordinators (Curtis Snow, Eric Close)

• Coordination and delegation of communal transportation (no personal belongings).
• Coordination and delegation of camp setup responsibilities (assignments to be made prior to leaving Seattle).
• Must arrive on the site no later than Monday, August 30th, 12 noon.
• Supervision of on-site setup.

  Camp Operations Coordinator(s)

• General problem-solving on-site.
• Coordination and promotion of internal/external communications (Glenn Allen).
• Camp "whip."
• Coordination with groups to ensure their operational responsibilities are being fulfilled.

  Camp Cleanup Coordinator(s) (Roger Neate)

• Setup and maintenance of a camp recycling center.
• Coordination and delegation of trash transportation.
• Coordination with groups to ensure their cleanup responsibilities are being fulfilled.
• General cleanup "whip."
• Will be worshipped and pampered like a God(dess) for taking on such an onerous job.

In addition, Daniel Walsh will act as Fire Safety Coordinator and will be responsible for working with the Camp Setup Coordinators and Camp Operations Coordinators to setup and maintain the camp fuel dump.

 

Projects and Installations (Esplanade Area)

The Passport Office

Once again, ARF will set up its Passport Office and issue passports to camp visitors. The camp's identity as a single thematic entity is primarily embodied by the Passport Office, but this will be supported by an overall aesthetic image that unifies the entire esplanade area and reinforces our image as an independent country within Black Rock City. Construction, operation and cleanup of the Passport Office will be a shared responsibility of all groups within camp, to be coordinated by the ARF Organizational Committee.

The Waterfall (John Mullaly)

The Waterfall is an a shade structure, about 12' wide and 20' deep, open on only one side so that three sides have 'walls' to keep the sun out. Within this shade structure, there will be assortments of northwest cascade mountain plants and "woodsy" effects. There will be some sort of either artificial or natural "turf" between the playa clay and the people. At the rear end of the structure is where the waterfall will reside. The waterfall is about 6' tall with a 8' diameter at the base. The waterfall will be re-circulating water, and the water recepticle will NOT be open to the public for any sort of bathing. The base will be protected by a "natural barrier" of plants; ie. nettles, devil's club, and other northwest plants to keep people out. There will be old rotting logs placed around the structure to provide seating for the public. The vision is to create the effect of sitting and meditating next to a "typical" cascade mountain small creek waterfall.

The Kelp Forest (Lonn Haggerty)

A structure that visitors can walk through, roughly 10' high and 15' square, built to resemble a Pacific coast kelp forest. One wall will be a back-lit projection screen with underwater images playing over it. The top will be covered in cammo netting to provide shade and simulate the top of the kelp forest. Hanging from the ceiling will be mock kelp plants and faux fishes. The base will have rocks with various invertebrates on them.

The Vivisected Dog ( Roger Neate)

An interactive, sculptural shade structure. The Vivisected Dog will use architectural forms to convey the abstract image of a dog tied down to the playa and disembowelled, its intestines spilling out onto the ground. Visitors can interact with the sculpture by crawling through the digestive tract from mouth to sphincter. This project is intended as a counterpoint to the Scapegoat of last year. Whereas the Scapegoat encouraged participants to free themselves of their sins by transferring them to the goat, this project is intended to confront individuals with their responsibility for their own personal actions and those of their communities.

Rancho Relaxo ( Eric Close)

A place to prepare for and recover from the madness of the playa, and somewhere you won't mind bringing your date to. Rancho Relaxo will consist primarily of a furnished living room area and bar -- providing a relaxing atmosphere and intimate venue for performances by our camp musicians.

The Interactive Millennium Time Capsule and Oracle of Atonement (Glenn Allen)

The Oracle is a 7' high, 8' by 8' pyramid-type structure with modern hieroglyphics installed into the sides. The main front panel will have 5 millennium time capsules. A video camera, a video projector and 7 two-minute solar powered digital recorders will be installed into the face for confessing and playback of sins.The Isis throne is built into the opposite end of the face of the pyramid structure. This Oracle is one of five variations originally designed for placement in Japan under a different title and subject matter.

Camp Musicians (Sasha Malinsky)

The esplanade area will include a small stage for both scheduled and impromptu performances by our camp musicians.

Sandscape Sculpture (Eric Close)

Large-scale replica of a common novelty item: A rectangular frame with two panes of glass, enclosing colored sand and liquid. The sand flows and forms interesting patterns when the frame is turned upside-down.

The Millennium Jam Box (Glenn Allen)

Glenn is collecting any children's toys that make noise for this half-electronics, half-mechanical jam box consisting of a variety of keyboards, sound machines, drum machines, electric guitar toys, teletubbies, whatever, mounted on a medium-size cart, wagon, or towable trailer. A fun place to go and jam or trip.

Den of Syn (Brian Foley)

Concept under development (Brian is currently in Guatemala).

 

Projects and Installations (Playa)

The Black Rock Outdoor Cinema (Jon Hegeman)

Presented by ARF & OutdoorFilmFestival.com, this dusk-til-dawn, big screen celebration of Burning Man creativity and inventive media culture will showcase an amazing selection of independent film and video short subjects from OutdoorFilmFestival.com, some favorite cult classics and will entertain open screenings of submissions from the Black Rock community at large each night of the event. This is a bring-your-seating/lawn chair etc. happening, open to one and all. Advance submissions are welcome*. Short subjects less that 15 minutes are favored over long ones. Wildcard submissions, on-night-of-screenings will be accepted for a couple hours each night. Strange and unusual Intermission performances will be welcomed if the piece is short (under 5 minutes)and good enuf (i.e., not lame) ** The thirty five feet wide and 25 foot tall screen is erected on five deepset steel poles. The screen's upright frame will double as 5 flag stantions during the day, marking the location of Artisitc Republic of Fremont (ARF) camp. At dusk after the winds die down, the screen will be hoisted for a night of continuous screenings until sun-up. The audience area is 120 feet wide by 200 feet deep facing in towards the ARF encampment. The area should accomdate up to 1500 people or more.

* For any original advance submissions please contact OutdoorFilmFestival.com. All screening subject matter must be submitted on VHS tape, and will hopefully remain property of the Blackrock's Outdoor Film Festival.com archive collection for future viewings. Some direct from camcorder/ hi 8 may also be possible.

** Any truly out-there ideas for performances or multimedia thangs? Contact us.

Safety Issues: The screen can be struck is 30 seconds if wind danger becomes a threat. Poles are rigid thin wall steel tubing coupled together fron 10 foot, lengths 25 tall, embedded 5' deep in the palaya. Tubes will sleeve in and out of plastic casing, so everything can be removed after the event.

Kaleidoscope of Fire (Glenn Allen)

Plans for the 7' Kaleidoscope of Fire are still under development.

The Fire Clock and Fire Fountain (Wally Glenn)

Description not currently available (Wally is a bad boy and didn't get it to me).

 

Performances and Entourages

Cirque de Flambe (Maque Da Vis)

Cirque de Flambe is a circus that breathes fire into the psyche of its players and audience. Feel the heat, and taste the smoke, your eyes will be opened to its delights. From the opening spark, the daring will ignite, the spectacular will flare, the exotic will blaze, and the clowns will burn, as the flames lick your desires for laughter and surprise. From an opening turn, the surreal will prance and preen, the grotesque will mimic and mine, and the clowns will strive and stumble, as Flames lick the desires of laughter and delight. A circus on fire breathes smoke and flames unto the psychic of the players. Feel the heat among the gifts of fire, and then taste the smoke in your smiling face.

Intentions: As circuses go, fire has been one of it's biggest fears (The big tent is on fire??!) to one of it's biggest laughs; the clowns' famous burning house routine (Jump for the net, Mom!!). And yet Fire itself has played through our minds over campfires across eons. Cirque de Flambe is about letting Fire playful in to the circle of life with us, and delighting in the reflections of the fullness from our souls. The Cirque de Flambe is best seen as the sparkling embers dancing in the heat above the celebrational bonfires.

Reality: Performers using fire and special effects pyrotechnics display an amazing array of acts. Ranging from the spectacular to the daring, from the exotic/erotic to the humorous, the performances are all done in a safe manner. A stage for the circus will be errected on the playa briefly for the one and half hour show.

The Red Rover Project (Astrid Larsen)

A repeat of our popular outreach entourage from last year. Camp members will array themselves in their finest red lingerie and parade as a group to Center Camp. Once there, anyone wearing red will be invited to join with them in an anarchic game of Red Rover.

Illumination Entourage (Astrid Larsen)

A new outreach entourage. Camp members will tour Black Rock City at night dressed in whatever illuminated costume springs forth from their twisted psyche.

Johnny Burning Man (Nathan Arnold)

Another popular reprise from last year. The pointy-headed intellectuals of Johnny Jetpack Laboratories once again launch their rocket-propelled dummy in an attempt to slip the surly bonds of Earth.

 

Cleanup Plan

A failure to clearly assign responsibility for cleanup activites to specific individuals appears to be a major potential contributing factor to inadequate cleanup. Each member of ARF will therefore be assigned specific responsibilities for cleanup, in writing, both within his/her project group and for the camp as a whole, prior to leaving Seattle. Camp members leaving Black Rock City before formal cleanup begins must nonetheless contribute to cleanup by taking responsibility for management of the camp recycling facilities, supervising daily cleanup activities, or transportation of significant quantities of garbage, etc.

To ensure that cleanup planning is comprehensive and that all cleanup issues are addressed, a single individual will act as overall Camp Cleanup Coordinator. This individual's sole responsibility with respect to cleanup is to ensure that responsibility is equitably distributed and that all aspects of camp cleanup are planned for. To make this role more manageable, each project group within camp must elect a Group Cleanup Representative who will be responsible for coordinating all cleanup duties within his/her group and ensuring that the group contributes labor for communal cleanup. The Camp Cleanup Coordinator will work with each Group Cleanup Representative rather than having to deal with and supervise individual camp members.

The Camp Cleanup Coordinator will take actions to minimize the amount of cleanup required on Sunday, Sept 5, and Monday, Sept 6. This will include establishing one or more ARF recycling and garbage centers; ensuring daily maintenance of the recycling and garbage centers; and organizing and delegating additional daily cleanup activities. Communal garbage and recycling will not be allowed to accumulate, but will be distributed on a regular basis to those responsible for its ultimate transportation out of Black Rock City.

Priority will be given to the transporation of garbage and recycling, over personal items, on communal camp vehicles. Every personal vehicle leaving ARF must transport garbage, and drivers are expected to reserve sufficient space for this when loading their vehicles prior to leaving Seattle.

 

Siting Request

We request pre-placement on the esplanade, with a location on the quiet side of Black Rock City that is not adjacent to any village. In addition to theme camp space on the esplanade and both sides of Venus, we are requesting that Burning Man consider reserving additional space for us in the adjacent general camping area. This will permit us to: maximize our interactive/artisitic use of the theme camp area (by most or all camping and vehicles out of it); function more coherently as a community; and create a natural transition from our completely public face on the espanade to a private, more community-focused area in the general camping area. A site plan illustrating this proposal accompanies this plan. The total area we are requesting is one rectangle approximately 110' by 200' from Mercury to Venus and a second rectangle 110' by 200' between Venus and Earth.

Please note our special requirement for a location adjacent to a radial street!

A member of our camp, Maque Da Vis, is responsible for supervision of all pyrotechnical performances at Burning Man and is the organizer of Cirque de Flambe which has significant fuel and pyrotechnical requirements. In addition, other performances supported by our camp have requirements for fuel and pyrotechnical storage. Maque has explicitly requested that our fuel dump be located so that it is accessible by road for transport of materials, but also located away from the more public areas of camp for safety reasons.

In addition, two of our interactive projects (The Waterfall and the Kelp Forest) have significant water requirements. These projects have been located so that a large-volume water storage area is immediately adjacent to them and accessible by the water delivery vehicle. This water supply will not be accessible to the public to meet health regulations.

Please contact me if you have questions about our requirements or if you will be unable to accomodate them.

Thank you.

Roger Neate
Artists' Republic of Fremont
Camp Contact