Afrika burns:”There is no time. There is no money.”
Feel like something out of this world that involves community participation, arts and pop-up culture? Tired of money money money work work work and bling bling [bling]? Go get amongst the GIFT ECONOMY at Afrika Burns this year and get away from it all. Thanks to Horn for the inspiring words and pics… Afrika Burns was held for the 1st time in Africa from the 22-25 November 2007 in Tankwa town, Karoo. There is actually no town there at all. It is halfway down the most remote road in SA. Tankwa Town is 113 km down the longest road in SA that has no town on it. In the desert This is an art Festival….no ordinary art festival- It is totally participant created. There is nothing there to begin with and each camp creates something , whether it’s an art installation, a camp or just getting involved and volunteering. Afrikaburns….the regional event for the burning man festival- is an experiment in temporary community building. Every thing that is brought in must be taken away. It’s a haven for radical self expression, self reliance and non commercialism. Nothing can be bought or sold, and you have to bring everything that will allow you to survive, encouraging the culture of environmental mindfulness, which is leaving no matter out of place. Afrika burns is probably some of the most amazing 4 days you can have: building, creating, making friends, helping out, making a difference and going on missions. There is no time. There is no money , there are no things to buy or pay for. So what this all means is that you get together with a bunch of friends, colleagues, strangers and you plan and build a camp. There were 28 themed camps this year with each camp having a theme to add to the whole event: – “Camp Vuvuzela”, who were definitely the most organised, they put together a stage and a dance floor, with chill out areas, couches, pillows and all. They put on a myriad of tunes and acts on stage, from percussion to trance, they also had a mobile DJ mutant vehicle in the “vuvu van” (a mutant vehicle that was once a landrover that had decks, amps, speakers, adorned with orange and pink fur who’s sole purpose was to attended other camps events and add some tunes if needed. – Then there was the amazing Burning Mail – they erected a fully functioning post office in the middle of the desert , complete with typewriters, especially designed postcards and delivery anywhere in the world. They also delivered to the next camp (via bicycle) or if...
We will be back!
