Wicked Burn 2026 Art Grant – Request for Proposals

RFP Release Date: January 29, 2026
Proposal Deadline: February 14, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
Notification of Awards: February 28, 2026
Email for Submission / Inquiries: artgrants@wickedburn.social

Wicked Burn is a participant-driven community event held in the woods of Sebago, Maine, inspired by the Burning Man Principles—including Radical Inclusion, Radical Self-Expression, Gifting, Participation, and Leaving No Trace—which shape all aspects of our culture, art, and shared experience.

Wicked Burn 2026 will be our second annual event, with an expected attendance of approximately 150 participants. The intentionally small scale fosters close interaction between artists and the community, allowing art to be experienced in a more intimate and participatory way.

The theme for Wicked Burn 2026 is “Nocturnal Bloom”—a celebration of glowing installations, emergent forms, and creative expressions that unfurl through woodland shadows and night firelight. While artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the theme, there is no requirement that funded art directly reflect it.

We invite artists and creative teams to propose art installations, interactive pieces, or environmental integrations to be included in Wicked Burn 2026.

Grant Funding Availability

We anticipate awarding 5–8 art grants, with a total budget of approximately $1,000.

Grants are typically disbursed as reimbursements after the event, once the artwork has been brought to and installed at Wicked Burn. Applicants may request partial pre-event funding if there is a compelling need to purchase essential materials in advance. If so, please explain this clearly in your application.

Eligibility

All artists and collectives are welcome to apply. There are no strict restrictions on project subject matter; however, proposed works should align with Wicked Burn’s community culture, principles, and expectations around participation, safety, and Leave No Trace.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Your application must include the following:

1. Project Title & Lead Artist Contact

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Social media or portfolio links (optional)

2. Art Project Description

• Project concept
• How it aligns with Nocturnal Bloom and/or Wicked Burn’s values
• How participants will engage or interact with the piece

3. Installation Plan

• Rough sketch, rendering, or photos (if available)
• Approximate dimensions and placement considerations
• Materials list

4. Budget

• Cost estimate with brief rationale
• Amount requested from the Wicked Burn art grant

5. Experience / Team

• Brief bio of the artist(s) or collective
• Past builds, relevant experience, or similar projects

6. Special Funding Considerations

• If you must receive any portion of the grant before the event, explain the need and amount requested here.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Creativity & Vision — Artistic quality, originality, and concept
• Feasibility & Safety — Realistic scope and a clear plan for safe installation
• Alignment with Community Values — Embodiment of Radical Self-Expression, Participation, and Leave No Trace
• Clarity & Completeness — Thoughtful, complete responses to all application elements

Grant Terms

• Payment Structure: Art grants are generally reimbursed after the event, once the artwork is present at Wicked Burn. Limited pre-event funding exceptions may be considered if justified in the application.
• Tickets & Access: Artists selected by February 28, 2026 will be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase event tickets.
• Event ticket: $55 per person
• Parking pass: $15 per vehicle
  Artists are responsible for purchasing their own tickets and parking passes. Wicked Burn sold out last year, so guaranteed access applies only to artists selected by the grant decision date.
• Installation Requirements: Artists are responsible for transporting, installing, maintaining, and removing their artwork. All projects must adhere to Leave No Trace expectations.
• Fire & Special Effects: Any fire, flame, or special effects elements must comply with all Wicked Burn fire safety policies and receive approval from the art lead and fire safety team, as applicable.

Timeline Milestone                 Date

RFP Released                               January 12, 2026

Proposal Deadline                     February 14, 2026

Grant Decisions Announced   February 28, 2026

Set Up Day                                   May 21, 2026

Event Dates                                May 22–25, 2026

How to Apply

Submit your complete proposal via email to artgrants@wickedburn.social.
You may include attachments or share links (Google Drive, etc.) for images, sketches, or supporting materials.