We are preparing the international art project for the biggest Art & Music Festival in USA.
Burning Man 2026. The project is called HOPE.
https://donate.stripe.com/5kQ5kCdsQec0deweqrew804
Project Summary
HOPE is a metal lotus flower rising from the desert dust, illuminated by night and symbolizing resilience, awakening, and rebirth. It offers a sacred space for meditation at sunrise and reflection at sunset — a place of peace, unity, and shared human connection.
Lead Artist Name: Mojca Pačnik – MJ ( Ljubljana, Slovenia )
Mojca Pacnik is a multidisciplinary artist, performer and producer working across theatre, movement, storytelling and large-scale experiential art. Her background spans dance, acting, playwriting, directing and event creation. In the nearness of the capital city Ljubljana, in the beautiful mountain village Cerklje na Gorenjskem she founded and produces the independent theatre&performance festival that she dedicated to the first professional slovenian actor, Ignacij Borstnik founder of the slovenian modern theatre, that she named “Borstnikovanje”, now in its 4th year. She writes and performs her own work. Recently presenting her cabaret and storytelling show Stories, Songs and Suitcases at Kazina Jazz Club in LjubljanaHer work bridges theatrical storytelling,embodied performance and participatory environments,creating spaces where imagination,emotion and community meet.She has performed in BRC last year @ArtCarCamp as Lady LaLaLa.
Build Location
Ljubljana, San Francisco.
Starting Ljubljana, Slovenia where the main structure with decorated first two circles of the petals will be done. Mechanisem and ligtning. The finishing part of outside petals will be artistically adorned with different mixed-metal materials in San Francisco, CA at Box Shop.
Physical Description
HOPE is a metal lotus flower. Emerging from underneath a large green lotus shaped leaf invites visitors to sit,meditate and connect.The flower is crafted from repurposed stainless-steel barrels.There will also be a medley of recycled objects and materials embedded throughout. Each petal is decorated with different recycled metal, mirror, or glass fragments creating individual touch.At night the carpel, stamen and the petals are Illuminated. HOPE glows softly at night, its light reflecting off the mirrored surfaces and creating stillness.
Physical Dimensions
The lotus flower stands 5 feet tall and 10 feet in diameter,composed of three circular layers of petals.Emerging from beneath the flower is 10×10 feet a large green lotus shaped leaf from yoga mat material.
Interactivity
At sunrise HOPE awakens to a gentle soundscape of inspiring music and guided meditation. The Lotus may host gong or yoga sessions. As night falls, its lights glow—first the heart, then each petal in rhythm with the sunset—creating a serene space for reflection, breath, and connection under the desert sky.
Each day at sunrise, HOPE awakens.Through a custom-built mechanism,the lotus slowly opens its petals, accompanied by a gentle soundscape of inspiring music and guided meditation.For up to one hour, the sculpture becomes a daily ritual of renewal, offering a new emotional tone and a shared moment of beginning. The prerecorded music will be different each day. Throughout the day, the lotus may host yoga, gong baths, live music and/or quiet gatherings, transforming the artwork into a living sanctuary for presence and connection.As evening falls, its heart begins to glow, followed by each ring of petals lighting in sequence with the sunset, creating a serene environment for reflection beneath the desert sky.At midnight, the lotus gently closes,accompanied by recorded meditative and motivational words, inviting participants to release what has passed and welcome what is yet to come.
Philosophy
Mojca Pacnik MJ: “Art for me means (self) expression, message, creativity, freedom, food for the soul, connection, bridge, necessity for the humankind.”
HOPE rises as a luminous point of orientation — a reminder to turn inward, to breathe, and to rediscover what truly matters. In a world full of noise, this piece invites stillness and reflection, guiding us toward our inner divine, where peace and resilience live. Inspired by the lotus and the Axis Mundi, it symbolizes connection between sky, earth, and the unseen — a bridge across realms and souls. HOPE celebrates the beauty of transformation and rebirth, and the power of collaboration across borders. Created by many hands — friends and artists from different countries — each petal carries a piece of their spirit. Together, they form a radiant whole, expressing our shared journey toward enlightenment, unity, and the infinite potential that blooms when we connect with ourselves, each other, and the universe.
Fundrising
We submitted HOPE to Black Rock City Honoraria Program and from 600 proposals of art projects, our project was one of app. 150 invited to the second round to fill out the full proposal, which we submited successfuli by 15th January 2026. If awarded the honorarium we will need to fundraise for the remainder of costs through a combination of community-based crowdfunding,private donations and in-kind support. A public crowdfunding campaign will be launched on different platforms. We are also seeking for individual patrons, artist supporters, and small sponsors in contributions such as materials, fabrication services, transportation.
Timeline
We will begin our full activities at the beginning of March when will be known if the project HOPE will be partialy funded by Burning Man organisation.
We will be informing you about the work and steps of the HOPE.
We appreciate your attention and your support.
https://donate.stripe.com/5kQ5kCdsQec0deweqrew804