Innovation in Art: Burning Man at the Renwick Gallery
One of the most iconic works of art in the gallery was this large red stop sign with the word "start" written on it. This piece of art reflects the ideas of both entrepreneurship and innovation. In this day and age, beginning a venture or company on any scale is difficult as it requires much time, capital, and creates a high degree of risk. Nonetheless, a company cannot become successful unless founders are able to take on this risk and let their passion drive their actions. In other words, when all the signs seem to tell them to "stop", they are willing to risk it all in order to "start."
Another work of art that drew our attention was the sign with Burning Man's "10 Guiding Principles." Some of these principles include Civic Responsibility, Communal Effort, and Leaving No Trace. We found this to relate with our theme of innovation and entrepreneurship as every successful corporation is built on a set of guiding values and/or principles that direct how their run their business. Furthermore, companies do actually adopt such principles such as leaving no trace ( ie. environmental consciousness) and communal effort (ie. community involvement and improvement). As our group saw this sign, we immediately drew these parallels to various businesses' principles, leading to an insightful discussion and lasting impression.
Arguably one of the most captivating works of art we saw at Burning Man was the colossal metal dragon located in the first gallery room, known as Flatmo's Dragon. During the actual Burning Man festival, the work of art comes to life as real fire blows out of the dragon's mouth. A true masterpiece of art and technology, Flatmo's Dragon represents how innovation can be not only technologically important but aesthetically pleasing.
Flatmo's Dragon shooting flames during the 2010 Burning Man Festival:
What Makes Burning Man so Effective at Promoting Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Creativity?
Burning Man is truly a one of a kind experience. Invested in the idea that nobody should just "attend Burning Man", Burning Man requires every attendee to either
- create a work or art
- volunteer to help build the city
or
- perform at Burning Man
Because of this requirement, not being innovative and creative is simply not an option. Attendees can take inspiration from anything and everything during the festival, and even possibly meet the designer behind the work. The festival also allows attendees to meet and spark conversations with people vastly different from themselves.
- create a work or art
- volunteer to help build the city
or
- perform at Burning Man
Because of this requirement, not being innovative and creative is simply not an option. Attendees can take inspiration from anything and everything during the festival, and even possibly meet the designer behind the work. The festival also allows attendees to meet and spark conversations with people vastly different from themselves.
How Does the Community Play a Role?
Burning man works closely with the surrounding community in order to educate attendees about the area, including details like environmental and social issues. The organization also facilitates the annual Town Meetings, where Burning Man heightens public awareness beyond the festival's attendees concerning the environment. Additionally, Burning Man takes into account participant and community members' concerns, with full intentions to change their plans for future years if a problem actually exists. Burning Man knows that their festival would not be successful without help and support from their surrounding community, and goes the extra mile to demonstrate how valuable they find it.