2026 Theme: The Art of Becoming
Art is, at its core, transformation. As a culture of creative alchemy, Burning Man embraces and offers the potential for transformation. As community organizers and changemakers, we inspire positive social transformation, human connection, and a reimagination of society.
After 40 years of Burning Man culture embracing change as creative practice, this ELS’s theme “The Art of Becoming” invites you to ask: Where do we want to go from here? How can we amplify our impact through collective becoming?
Participation-First Approach
The ELS is practicing the art of becoming itself. This year, we are seeking to evolve the ELS into its most participatory iteration yet, a laboratory for collective transformation, where European leaders actively participate in reimagining what the Burning Man network can become.
As you consider offering something, ask yourself: How can this session be shaped by the people who participate in it? What are the pathways for engagement that I would like to offer?
Content Tracks: Four Journeys of Becoming
- Personal Becoming: Individual leadership and skills development
- Local Becoming: Regional events & projects, organizational development and community building
- Network Becoming: Working together across the global Burning Man community
- Societal Becoming: Burning Man culture’s impact on the wider world
Ways to Contribute
- Interactive Sessions: Facilitate participatory workshops, panels, and experiences
- Deep Dive Working Sessions: Multi-day collaborative problem-solving intensives
- Play & Connection: Mind & movement labs, creative workshops, networking activities
- Evening Magic: Performances, cultural exchanges, social experiments
- Installation Art: Visual art to be on display during the gathering
Ready to Co-create?
- Visit the ELS 2026 Call for Interactivity Guide for more information.
- Preview session and art questions here: Web version | Google Document
- Submit session and art proposals here by 15 December 2025. Multiple entries are welcome—please complete one form per idea. All submissions will be reviewed by 2 February 2026.