BitF 2020 Cancelled due to COVID-19

Dearest Burner Community,

With heavy hearts, we must announce that Burn in the Forest 2020 has been cancelled.

The GVIAS Board and the BitF Production Team have come to the decision that holding the event this year is not possible without significant risk to the community and to GVIAS as a society.

You have entrusted us with the management of something we all hold dear, and it is our responsibility and our obligation to act in the best interests of each and every member of GVIAS and the greater burner community who attends our events. As responsible stewards of our community, we must prioritize the health and safety of our participants and families.

WHAT ABOUT NEXT YEAR?

We are in discussions with the landowner of Snug Lake and look forward to burning brightly together with everyone again in July 2021. We are so thankful for the strength of our community and we encourage you to hold onto your dreams, plans, art projects and theme camp ideas for BitF 2021! Next year will truly be better! 

WHAT HAPPENS TO GRANTS?

Unfortunately, GVIAS will also not be able to proceed with the awarding of grants at this time, as we would face a significant deficit, endangering our ability to hold future events. Look for more information on grants as we see how the year unfolds. If you have volunteer hours logged, rest assured, they will be carried forward to next year. 

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

We all need something to inspire us right now, and we can view this as an opportunity to plan for even greater things in the future. We encourage you all to continue living the 10 Principles, and act as ambassadors in your daily lives.
We have already seen amazing efforts by burners from our community, stepping up to lead important projects, such as Vancouver Makers for Emergency Response & Support and Housing for Healthcare Workers, to support our health care system. Our community’s creativity, resilience, resourcefulness and generosity will help us all to endure, overcome and thrive, together.

In addition, we invite you to see the wonderful efforts of Burners Without Borders, and how you can participate: BWB Response to COVID-19.

WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?

During this time of isolation and fear, many of us may be struggling with our mental health. You may find comfort and helpful information through conversations with other burners around this subject via the Vancouver Burners Mental Health Support Group

Also, here is a link to mental health services that can be accessed online.

WHAT DO WE DO IN THE MEANTIME?

GVIAS invites ideas for community-building events to bring us together online this summer, in lieu of Burn in the Forest. We have a Zoom account which can be utilized for burner events. Please submit your proposals to: [email protected]. We also welcome your feedback and questions to the same email address.

WHAT NEXT?
  • Now is a time to be compassionate, and to take care of yourself and each other. Your community needs support!
  • Now is the time to embrace physical distancing, burner style. Wash your hands often and monitor your health.
  • Now is a time to make art. We need it now more than ever!
  • Now is a time to think of how our world might look after this has passed, and how each of us can shape it for the better. Our culture is ready for this; we’re so good at working collaboratively. We’re badasses!
  • Now is a time to stay connected and burn together… separately.


Once we’ve all had a chance to take a breath, we would love to engage you on how we can stay connected, and keep burning together in the lead up to Burn in the Forest 2021.

Warmly, 

The GVIAS Board, the 2020 BitF Production Team, and Burning Man Vancouver Regional Contacts

Adrian, Skuirrel, Corey, Monica, Jennie, Brianna, Tyler, Deb;
Joel, Steve, Diana, Kelly, David, Blue, Hillary, Ell Kay, Julika, and Adeline;
squishelle, Benson, Jaia and Simon

Membership Is Free

But Some Assembly Required

We are guided by the 10 principles of Burning Man. These principles guide our interactions with one another and the environment and have a strong ethos of participation. As such, our events and the society are entirely dependent upon community participation.

Membership isn't required to participate, but members enjoy a number of perks including access to a community of doers and dreamers.

GVIAS Mailing List

Never miss a GVIAS Event, signup today!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA.
The Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Copyright © 2024 Greater Vancouver Interactive Art Society.
All rights reserved.