TRANSFORM YOURSELF,

TRANSFORM THE WORLD.

Experience radical metamorphosis on a journey through the seven stages of Alchemy, in synergy with art curated by our non-profit 501(c)(3) community

origin

As citizens of Black Rock City for several years, we observed how the ingredients of Burning Man caused a transformation in all who experienced it. We noted the correspondence between these Playa experiences and Alchemy itself.

Forged during our departure from Burning Man in 2016, PlayAlchemist was born out of a dream to bring the gift of a campus designed to further deepen this experience. Today, as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our mission is to provide a container for the activation and co-creation of alchemical personal transformation through art that benefits the wider community.

PlayAlchemist contributes to the interactivity of Burning Man through immersive programming day and night, and the Pyramid is a physical representation of this crucible; of alchemy and of higher consciousness. The Grand Pyramid, inspired by the Great Pyramid of Giza, is a gathering place, a learning center and a sanctuary.

Once inside this 71 ft high, 111 ft base pyramid, you are initiated to embark on an internal journey of personal transformation through the seven stages of alchemy; while outside, the seven days of Burning Man unfold.

participate

There are many ways to interact with PlayAlchemist:

Build is at the core of culture; a ritual we hold sacred. See more below.
Apply to join our Build Team here.
Prospective alchemists: request your application to camp with us here.
Want to help guide our community's alchemical journey? For speaker and workshop opportunities, inquire here.
Experienced artist interested in playing at our camp? Submit here.
To weave your visual art into our alchemical space, submit here.
Bringing your art to the Deep Playa and in need of some extra financial support?
Apply here for a grant.

build

PlayAlchemist is a Burning Man camp that strives to be a crucible for personal transformation — alchemy.

Voluntary hardship is a time-tested alchemical recipe, catalyzing personal transformation by purposefully exploring one’s limits through dedicated acts of service. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, our mission is brought to life entirely through this spirit of volunteerism. We are a “build-driven” organization - it is the core of our culture.

Through our non-profit mission, our public gifts to the playa and beyond include:

The Grand Pyramid: A 71-foot-tall structure (historically the largest object on the playa) that serves as a daytime educational space, a nighttime music sanctuary, and a vital navigational beacon for all of Black Rock City.
Immersive Education: 100+ hours of free daytime programming in the form of transformational workshops and classes.
Community Sanctuary: A 60’x40’ public chill tent designed to provide an escape from the harsh desert sun and a welcoming space to enjoy evening performances.
Performance Arts: An expansive on-playa sound stage (introduced in 2022) dedicated to showcasing nighttime musical acts, aerial acrobatics, and fire arts.

APPLY TO JOIN OUR BUILD TEAM

our build is a ritual.

It takes unparalleled commitment for our pyramid to rise out of the dust: heavy machinery, balance, 24/7 work shifts and teamwork collide to bring this stunning beacon of light to life. ‍

heavy machinery: we have it.
our 140 boom lift
build schedule: 24/7, day + night.
it all begins with a patch of playa.
we build like family.

art

If build is the bones of PlayAlchemist, art is our beating heart.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our most monumental gift of public art to the Burning Man community is the Grand Pyramid - a 71-foot-tall structure with a 110-by-110-foot base. Far more than a breathtaking architectural feat, it is a multi-use community sanctuary. By day, it functions as a public educational space hosting transformative workshops. By night, it evolves into a dynamic platform for both renowned and emerging musical and performance artists. Around the clock, it serves as a vital playa-wide navigation beacon and a welcoming refuge during dust storms for all citizens of Black Rock City.

As a monumental, interactive canvas, the Pyramid is purposely designed to elevate the visual arts on a massive scale. It serves as a showcase for mind-boggling projection mapping, bringing to life the visions of creatives from across the globe. By transforming the structure's exterior into a radiant canvas of light, we facilitate a collaborative, community-focused art piece that immerses thousands in a shared alchemical experience directly on the open playa.

In alignment with our charitable mission to support, fund, and elevate creators, we actively invite the community to co-create this experience with us.

ART AT PLAYALCHEMIST

Real Community, Real Impact.

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Real Community, Real Impact. 〰️

At the core of PlayAlchemist’s 501(c)(3) mission is a deep commitment to public benefit and community contribution. Driven entirely by selfless volunteer service, our camp is designed as a gift to all of Black Rock City. By providing the Grand Pyramid as a public sanctuary, hosting hundreds of hours of free educational workshops, and offering expansive shaded refuge, our inclusive campus ensures that all our art, music, and knowledge are freely accessible to elevate the collective consciousness of the playa.

Donate