Constellation Burn, in partnership with FirePony Creative Society, offers Art Grants to participants to bring interactive and creative projects to Constellation 2025.
The Art Grant Form is now open through July 12, 2025.
What is Interactive Art?
An artistic object, installation, performance, or experience which inspires the participation of others in the art piece or performance itself.
What type of grants are available?
Constellation offers five categories of art grants. Neither the number of projects nor the amounts granted to each are limited, but the total amount of funds we have available will impact the final results.
1. New Art Grants
For new small and large interactive art created for Constellation.
2. Refurbishment/Re-Use & Burner Exchange Art Grants
For existing art projects or art projects to be used at multiple festivals/civic events such as FIGMENT, etc. Covers repair and maintenance of existing art projects or maintenance and transportation to our event for art that has previously appeared at other Regional Burns or Burning Man.
3. Theme Camp Art
Art grants for artistic projects in making the theme camp awesome and interactive. Cannot be used for providing food or drink of any kind. May be applied for as a full theme camp or individual.
4. City Art Grants
Art grants for artistic projects in helping to make the city of Constellation safe and beautiful. This can include things such as city infrastructure, with an emphasis on city lightning and signage. Examples could be bus and shuttle stop benches, neighborhood/area signage, street signs, acculturation signage i.e. anything to improve the city for everyone.
5. Art Car/Mutant Vehicle Grants
Mutant Vehicles must be registered and have approval before a grant will be awarded.
If you’re considering requesting a grant for an Art Car or Mutant Vehicle, please reach out to artgrants@constellationburn.org for the latest policies.
What is funded by the grant?
Art grants can be used for materials, operational costs, and transportation for projects. This includes, but is not limited to the following types of items:
- Raw materials necessary to the construction or exhibition of the art including, but not limited to: wood, metal, fabric, glass, lighting, electronics, nails, screws, bolts, nuts, washers, adhesives, paint, wire, cable, tubing, stakes, decorative items, etc.
- Consumable items that are depleted during the construction or exhibition of the art including, but not limited to: sandpaper, saw blades, drill bits, glue, paint brushes, propane for fire art used at the event, fuel for generators used at the event
- Transportation expenses such as vehicle/trailer/equipment rental and fuel used to bring your project to and from Constellation. The size of the art must justify the transportation expense requested.
Some items that may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and be partially funded include:
- Fixed Assets (e.g. tools, structures, electronics) may be submitted, but should be specialized, essential to the functionality of the project, and should be a relatively small portion of the expense. (i.e. a $50 Arduino in an $800 project is reasonable. Budgeting a $800 band saw for a $50 wood sculpture is not.)
- Note: Fixed assets which include generators, sound equipment, lighting equipment and stages may be available for low-cost rent from a rental agency. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be partially funded. We encourage artists to borrow equipment from community members where possible, and recommend community participation and involvement with art projects.
- Food and Beverages (not including alcohol) intended for distribution to everyone as part of an interactive artistic performance. The food or beverages must not be for personal consumption.
- Rental spaces, for example studio, makerspaces, and warehousing for a limited time-frame and fabricating services.
“Over Four Flaming Knights, Two Queens Topple Unconsented Kings” by Julie. Photo © Patty Simonton
What does not get funded and are there any restrictions on what I can create?
There are very few restrictions. We try hard to be hands off on the creative process and expression of artists.
Constellation does not fund:
- Grants do not cover labor expenses or wages including the individual artists’ time or performance fees
- Free or discounted tickets
- Obviously commercially-based projects
- Promotional material
- Purchase of sound equipment for Sound or Theme Camps
- Infrastructure such as generators, domes, pavilions, furniture, any pre-built durable items intended to build out a camp.
- Alcohol
- Anything Illegal
- Income tax
- Anything deemed to present a safety risk to participants
- Projects with applications that are not complete and received by the deadline – i.e. fully itemized budget, thoroughly thought out safety plans, detailed physical descriptions, etc.
In addition:
- Fireworks are NOT PERMITTED, with the possible exception of small ground fireworks for Effigy or Temple teams to promote burning, if pre-approved by the Fire Safety Team. No unscheduled or aerial fireworks are allowed!!
- Anything that consists of an incitement to hatred primarily against a group of people defined in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, or sexual orientation will not be permitted.
- We also do not allow art that might be considered “obscene” in areas where it could be viewed by minors.
- Anything deemed an unreasonable safety hazard (fire or otherwise) will not allowed.
- Art can not be over 18 ft high if it is going to be burned.
Note that these guidelines apply to all art at Constellation, not just granted projects.
What is the selection criteria?
We want to say YES and fully fund everyone! Unfortunately, the application totals are always more than the budget and most artists only get partial funding. The committee evaluates proposals on the following criteria, but not necessarily in this order.
- Thoughtfulness: how well thought out and clear is the project application? A good application will clearly show that the artist(s) have thought through every aspect of their project. So please take your time to be comprehensive in your responses on the application.
- Creativity: how original and awe-inspiring is your project?
- Project Interactivity: How interactive is your project?
- Feasibility: Can you deliver the project you’re proposing in the time frame stated?
- Budget: Your budget is clear and well thought out, contains sufficient detail to evaluate the project based on thoroughly researched material, transportation and miscellaneous costs, and does not attempt to inflate the costs of the project in order to increase the % grant coverage. Use the art grant budgeting tool.
For more information on Art Grants and to get involved, please contact artgrants@constellationburn.org.
How much of the projected cost of a project will generally be funded? Will I get all of the funding I asked for?
There is no hard and fast rule. We will do all that we can to fully fund as many projects as possible. As we balance our available resources with the number of art grant applications, we may fund only 50% – $75% of most projects.
We encourage you to provide additional funding options in your application; giving the Art Grant team options is beneficial. If the art committee has some flexibility, like giving you less money for a smaller version, etc. you are more likely to receive funding than if you are less flexible. Artists are expected to bring their skills and resources and grants are offered to help cover the gap.
How are grants paid?
Artists that receive a grant enter into a contractual agreement with Playa del Fuego Inc., which must be signed and returned prior to fund disbursement. Generally, projects receive 50% of the awarded funds prior to the event, and 50% is paid after the artist submits proof (pictures) that they delivered their project to the event as described in their application. Smaller grants may be paid in full. Grant monies may be paid by check or by PayPal.
What about taxes? Are grant funds taxable?
A 1099 tax form will be provided to you as required by law for any grant recipient that receives $600 or more in grant funds from Playa del Fuego, Inc. (this includes funds from PDF and Constellation combined) in a calendar year. In this case you must submit a W-9 form to us to supply us with your Taxpayer ID Number. The W-9 form is available at: IRS W9.
You will not have to submit receipts to Playa del Fuego, Inc. for your grant but you may want to retain them to help offset any tax liability. We cannot give specific legal or tax advice, but encourage you to consult with a tax specialist if needed.
Who is Playa del Fuego Inc? Isn’t this Constellation?
Playa del Fuego Inc. is the legal name for FirePony Creative Society, the 501(c) nonprofit that produces both Playa del Fuego and Constellation.
If I receive a grant, what are the requirements to fulfill my end of the bargain if I’m funded. What happens if I do not complete my art project?
One of the main requirements is to Finish your Art as described in your grant application. You must take a picture of your art installed at Constellation at the event and submit it to artgrants@constellationburn.org to receive the balance of your funds.
Artists that fail to deliver their project to the event will not receive the balance of their grant and risk denial for future funding requests. In addition, we may request that any grant monies issued be returned. If circumstances in your life render you unable to complete your project as planned and bring it to Constellation, please contact the Art Grant Team ASAP.
Our expectation is that you should have your art set-up at the event by Friday afternoon of the event at the latest. Ideally, your art will be set-up by Thursday evening (NOTE: Artists and build teams can apply for early entry passes for works that require significant setup. Early arrival is required for entry before the gate opens on Thursday).
What is the total amount of funds available for Constellation art grants?
The total grant budget is a minimum of 20% of ticket sales.
My project will be burned or have flame effects. How does that make it different? What do I need to do?
The Fire Team will sign off on all projects involving fire or flames of any kind. There will be at least one Fire Team member on the Art Grants Committee so that you can have a dialog in advance about any fire related concerns. You may have to provide additional information about safety concerns. For the burnable art, you will need to be in contact with the Fire Team for on-site scheduling and a safety plan.
Do the artists get free or reduced price tickets?
No. Each grant recipient will receive up to two reserved tickets. Additional reserved tickets may be allocated at the discretion of the art committee. Everyone buys a ticket to attend, including the BOD, Constellation leadership team, and all volunteers. It’s an important ethos of our shared event, and also how we fund so much art! If you would like to request Ticket Aid for yourself or have essential crew members make a request, please fill out a Ticket Aid Application.
Is my name removed from the application before being reviewed by the Art Committee?
No. We absolutely LOVE new artists – and we also consider the past commitment and performance of our returning artists.
Are minors allowed to apply for an art grant?
Yes, but only with the permission and signature of a parent or guardian. Minors are not allowed to enter into contracts with FirePony Creative Society. A parent or guardian must act on behalf of the minor for all legal and financial matters.
I got approved for a large project. Can I arrive early to set it up?
Artists and build teams can apply for early entry passes for works that require significant setup. Early arrival is required for entry before the gate opens on Thursday.
NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO ARRIVE EARLY WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL.