Is the Burning Man Webcast free to watch?

Yes! The live broadcast is 100% free and open to anyone anywhere in the world. There are no paywalls, ticket requirements, or forced subscriptions.

How does real-time facial privacy blurring work?

We are testing real-time computer vision software that dynamically blurs faces when zooming into art and crowd scenes, honoring participant privacy and consent on the Playa.

What is OC-11 and why does it need support?

OC-11 is our 25-year-old shipping container studio on the Playa (originally Larry Harvey's first office). Funds directly support structural rust mitigation, dust-proofing, equipment racks, and climate control to protect broadcast servers.

Can I donate non-monetary gear or tools?

Yes! In-kind gifts of equipment, ruggedized audio gear, Starlink terminals, tools, and materials are gratefully welcomed.

Support the Webcast | Axis Mundi

Bandwidth savings mean your support directly funds hardware repairs, structural refurbishment of our 25-year-old container studio, and streaming enhancements. $30,000 is our lean, fully accounted estimate to sustain the container studio and equip the broadcast for years to come. Here is how funds are deployed:

Consent & Privacy Tooling

Respect for participant consent and privacy is paramount. This year, we are testing automated real-time face blurring when zooming in on art installations. Running high-throughput computer vision anonymization alongside high-definition live feeds demands dedicated on-site edge compute hardware.

Studio Maintenance (OC-11)

Container OC-11 is our 25-year-old on-playa studio—originally Larry Harvey’s first office—and requires urgent restoration. We need to strip rust, seal against invasive alkaline dust, install proper equipment racks, and add a quiet climate control unit so servers (and operators) do not overheat.

Upgraded Audio and Video Gear

Hearing the heartbeat of the Playa is just as powerful as watching animated Mutant Vehicles and fires. Clean sound brings the desert to life. Your help provides ruggedized field microphones, outdoor mixers and alternative live cameras hosted on independent channels.

The Ask

$30,000 is our lean estimate for everything we need to accomplish in 2026,
but support is NOT limited to dollars—there are many meaningful ways to participate.

IN-KIND GIFTS (GEAR, MATERIALS AND TOOLS)

Gear contributions are gratefully welcomed. Starlink terminals, 10G switches, ruggedized microphones, quiet air conditioning units, and structural sealing materials directly offset our cash requirements.

BENEFACTORS AND PREFERENTIAL GIVING

For foundations, major benefactors, or sponsors who require 501(c)(3) tax deductions or want to underwrite specific infrastructure components, please contact us directly via Signal or email.

A NOTE ON YOUTUBE

Why not rely on YouTube ad revenue? YouTube automatically monetizes streams with unskippable ads that interrupt the art, and triggers ContentID silences whenever mutant vehicles drive by playing music. We believe the Playa should be shared free of commercial interruptions. We host independent audio feeds to keep the sound of the desert playing continuously.

Support the Burning Man Webcast

A Note from Motorbikematt