Your opinion: "private" events on-playa, OK or not?

[andy]

In looking at fundraising options one thought I had is that donors (even at the lowest levels) would receive a nice medallion, and that some periods of time are set aside on-playa for wearers of the medallion to have exclusive access to the art installation, maybe a one-time private party, maybe one hour per day, something like that. Ideally I prefer the art to be available equally to everyone, but the need for fundraising is a practical consideration.

Any thoughts on whether this is a good idea or too non-burny?

[theCryptofishist]

It's likely to be contentious...
I really hate how that damn crowd sourcing thing that goes through Amazon.com (yeah! I've forgotten the name!) puts you in the position of having ot offer schwag. I think that really takes something away.

[oneeyeddick]

I saw one of the kickstarters where the "prizes" were hugs.

$5 donation = 5 hugs

$20 level = 20 hugs.

etc.....

[stinkyfoot]

I think one the fun things about the playa is that it's very social, even more social than kicking it around the city. The total lack of any geographical features means you can't help but be drawn to whatever you see out there which might be some art or it might be a fellow traveler. I would say that isolating yourself from random encounters is actively detracting from the value of the playa experience.

So when you choose incentives to donate to some piece of art, be careful about considering what is and isn't actually valuable out there. Exclusive access is very meaningful in a city because of the high population density, but not so much when you have no space limit for participants.

The question is not whether having private events is ok, BRC is an event guided by the fact that you have the autonomy to build and do things that you wouldn't normally have the autonomy to do in the default world. You could have a 'private' event on the playa, no one will stop you. But my question to you is, is that really the most valuable thing you could offer to people for donating their money to your project? I think the answer to that is not.

Start thinking about what you can offer during the event and even outside of the event that would be meaningful to someone who cares about donating to artists.

Edit: Some ideas off the top of my head.

Medallions, because everyone likes medallions. And it's obviously a good way to mark out your victims... ahem, contributors.

Bigger gifts for big contributors. Make some hats or blinky things or costume pieces, or mini figurines of your artwork.

Take people out to dinner, off playa, or on playa.

Take people on art tours ending at your piece. Access to you as the artist is extremely valuable.

A playa picnic. You can do this without being specifically exclusive no randoms are going to be butthurt if you didn't cart enough food out there for everyone. Bonus points for a theme picnic.

Hand out refreshments by your piece to people who find your work. Champagne for donators and candy and a card to your website for non-donators. Get yourself some market penetration while you're at it.

Make finding your artwork an interactive game and give donators clues to get to your piece. That could be really fun.

Make donators a part of your artwork and get a photographer out there to record that stuff. Give them props, costumes, help them interact with passerby. Maybe produce a little video for them afterwards to post on facebook.

Hugs, kisses, genitalia.

And more.

[Nipple]

Maybe a public party where anyone that wanders up gets to learn how these people really helped you out.

[chiefdanfox]

Also, Think Playa time. Not everyone is free at the same time. As far as Kickstarter goes, my project is offering swag that we are making, and in one case, it is ceramics that will be fired in the burn, so folks have a take-home from something that was a part of this year's burn. I don't think that takes anything away from the art, but rather enhances it. Art from the builders and artists. I did my own silk screening for tee shirts we offered at our fundraiser. Never did it before, took some time out to learn a new "skill". Same goes for casting some of the swag and the ceramics. New to me, will learn it, and the swag is actually part of the art project. I suppose I could learn to weave the tees, but that is just over the top.

[trilobyte]

I think restricting public access at an art installation, particularly a piece of placed art, would be frowned upon. It's great that you want to thank supporters, but by positioning it that way you're essentially marketing VIP access to would be donors. Perhaps invite them to share a meal with the crew/artists back at your camp sometime? That way your prospective donors get something nice, and you don't have to start playing velvet rope games.

[Dr. Pyro]

Isn't the ePlaya Meet & Greet techinically a private event? Sure, we are the invitees and it's a private party for "us". No one seems too perturbed about that.

[graidawg]

we dont close the doors and turn away strangers though doc, and it was much debated

[theCryptofishist]

If it happens in the "private" shade--if the camp has public and private shade--then we really can't do much. There are all sorts of parties with all sorts of levels of privacy out there. At an art piece, yeah, that's trying to cut off some of the playa that is accessible for all, but camp really isn't really for everyone. Even public theme camps on the Esplanade have "back rooms".

[ygmir]

a few years ago, I got turned away at the top of the temple, because there was a "private wedding" taking place.

[BBadger]

I don't care either way. I would not attend regardless.

Nothing is better than observing someone appreciate your work without them knowing it is your handiwork.

[moonrise]

Unreal. Our team would never consider limitations to the large scale art we put together, Why would we do that? The funds are there, off playa.

Arrrrg!...I'll leave the pitchforks and torches alone, for now.

[knowmad]

all I know;
I'm never advertising an all ages-all-sexes gang-bang in the Who What When Why Where!
Next year is strictly invite only!!

[Dr. Pyro]

a few years ago, I got turned away at the top of the temple, because there was a "private wedding" taking place.

No, you were turned away once they saw it was you. Duh!

[Bay Bridge Sue]

Prolly friends of the bride, so she wouldn't flee her intended when she saw Yg standing there...

[Dr. Pyro]

And is there any wonder BBS why I love you so?

[RevDusty]

Nothing is better than observing someone appreciate your work without them knowing it is your handiwork.

Bingo! So much fun!

[Bay Bridge Sue]

And is there any wonder BBS why I love you so?

Not a bit, mon cher, not a bit!!!

[ygmir]

And is there any wonder BBS why I love you so?

Not a bit, mon cher, not a bit!!!

((((((((((((group hug))))))))))))))))

[percussivepaul]

There is nothing particularly wrong with private events. For example, I wouldn't expect a wedding to be public (though it could be). I think people who set up big camps, vehicles, and installations should be allowed a bit of time to enjoy what they've created. If I went to explore an art installation and was told 'the artist is having a private celebration, would you mind coming back in an hour', I would be totally cool with that. Though I would appreciate being asked to come back rather than told, as I feel public art is there for the public by default.

I am not cool with what you're proposing, though, because you're not having a private event so much as a VIP event, and the only thing these people have in common is that they've paid, and you're framing this as a transaction where money grants you access. This is commerce, and stratification into a VIP class who has paid and regular class who has not. And now we have the velvet ropes-and-bouncer scenario that I already railed against in the 'plug and play mutant vehicle' thread. It may sound harmless, but if everyone did it and suddenly you couldn't climb anything at sunset without having first paid for the privilege off-playa, then we're fucked.

Can I suggest you host a reception for your donors on the playa instead? You can toast some champagne at sunset and everyone will be able to enjoy the thing they've helped contribute to, but without the need for commerce.

[5280MeV]

Perhaps invite them to share a meal with the crew/artists back at your camp sometime? That way your prospective donors get something nice, and you don't have to start playing velvet rope games.

Ideally, I don't like any of this, but I really like Trilo's idea as a better alternative. People like "backstage passes". Blur the line between patrons and crew - make people feel more a part of the project.

[Minxy]

I'd say not ok, in principle. As others have already stated, there should be lots of other ways to reward folks for contributing without creating a VIP party. I personally really dislike those in BRC.

Last year my husband, daughter and I were out exploring the playa and rode by a very large, cool art car/boat. They had a loudspeaker announcing that there was about to be cocktails and food served and to please queue up and join the party. We went and got in line (as it was very loud, very open and there was no exclusivity made apparent at this point). Sadly, after waiting in line, we were told we weren't welcome as it was only for certain people who had contributed to a particular art project and we were turned away. The loud announcements never made that clear and there appeared to be quite a few disappointed and disgruntled people turned away.

It seemed to cause hurt feelings, anger, resentment and IMO was definitely not very "burner friendly" feeling. It made me bummed out a bit.

[andy]

Thanks to all of you who replied - and especially for the fact that there was reasonable discussion and good ideas.

I think you're right, exclusive access times are not the way to go. Our fundraising plan already includes a private off-playa party at the build space for donors, private dinners with the team, and a variety of swag. The only on-playa perks are a champagne reception one night at the artwork, a dinner with the team in camp, and a personal tour of the installation with the inventor. There is also the ability to define one of the puzzles (it's a large interactive puzzle) although that is done off-playa and videotaped for the donor in case they can't attend.

Maybe we can arm the crew with mints and they'll just hand one to anyone who shows up with a medallion.

Thanks again for all the great advice.

[Bob]

I'd say not ok, in principle. As others have already stated, there should be lots of other ways to reward folks for contributing without creating a VIP party. I personally really dislike those in BRC.

Last year my husband, daughter and I were out exploring the playa and rode by a very large, cool art car/boat. They had a loudspeaker announcing that there was about to be cocktails and food served and to please queue up and join the party. We went and got in line (as it was very loud, very open and there was no exclusivity made apparent at this point). Sadly, after waiting in line, we were told we weren't welcome as it was only for certain people who had contributed to a particular art project and we were turned away. The loud announcements never made that clear and there appeared to be quite a few disappointed and disgruntled people turned away.

It seemed to cause hurt feelings, anger, resentment and IMO was definitely not very "burner friendly" feeling. It made me bummed out a bit.

The good news is that those feelings eventually turn to pity, then mercy.

Broken lines, broken strings
Broken threads, broken springs
Broken idols, broken heads
People sleeping in broken beds
Ain’t no use jiving
Ain’t no use joking
Everything is broken

Broken bottles, broken plates
Broken switches, broken gates
Broken dishes, broken parts
Streets are filled with broken hearts
Broken words never meant to be spoken
Everything is broken

Seem like every time you stop and turn around
Something else just hit the ground

Broken cutters, broken saws
Broken buckles, broken laws
Broken bodies, broken bones
Broken voices on broken phones
Take a deep breath, feel like you’re chokin'
Everything is broken

Every time you leave and go off someplace
Things fall to pieces in my face

Broken hands on broken ploughs
Broken treaties, broken vows
Broken pipes, broken tools
People bending broken rules
Hound dog howling, bullfrog croaking
Everything is broken

[carefactornil]

You had me at "large interactive puzzle"!

Care to share some more details on that? Just curious 'cos I'm building a huge maze which is kind of a "large interactive puzzle" too.

[gaminwench]

a few years ago, I got turned away at the top of the temple, because there was a "private wedding" taking place.

Damn, there was a height/ viking restriction...

[Simon of the Playa]

I think you're right, exclusive access times are not the way to go. Our fundraising plan already includes a private off-playa party at the build space for donors, private dinners with the team, and a variety of swag. The only on-playa perks are a champagne reception one night at the artwork, a dinner with the team in camp, and a personal tour of the installation with the inventor. There is also the ability to define one of the puzzles (it's a large interactive puzzle) although that is done off-playa and videotaped for the donor in case they can't attend.

im not sure whether to laugh or to cry....

[ygmir]

a few years ago, I got turned away at the top of the temple, because there was a "private wedding" taking place.

Damn, there was a height/ viking restriction...

had to be..........I had pants on and everything................

[Bay Bridge Sue]

There is it is there, komrade, you had pants on. Did you not to see sign saying "Shirtcockers only beyond this point"???

Public Spaces - I think is matter of respect. If someone is holding wedding, is respectful to allow couple to enjoy a rare moment of blissful memory before arguments start! I mean, there are NOT that many weddings on playa to where people will be keeping people away from top of manbase / temple / etc. for that long... In BRC I am not that much in hurry where I have to tell someone else "I wanna see THAT right NOW damnit!!!"...

As to private spaces - what goes on in a camps backstage is by nature, private. If a camp decides to open a "private reception area" in their camping area, then that is well within their means.

We (Apokiliptika) have always had a backstage private chill space for members and their guests only, and it provides a chill space to decompress from work of being "on stage". We are formalizing and expanding it a little this year to actual diplomatic status (tentatively "The 2 Erichs Pub") - but still, is members and their guests only. Think of the Sandunovskayi Banya in Downtown Moskva during height of glorious Soviet Era - the place to take your VIP for good Soviet relaxation!

(Idea for 2013 - Banya on Playa. That would roq!)