One of the cornerstones Afrika Burns is that it is participant created.
Most of the art at Burning Man is interactive; you can climb it, add to it, take off of it, be it…and of course burn it. In the same vein, we want you to know that Afrika Burns is YOUR event. Everything that you experience at Afrika Burns will be created by you and your fellow burners. That is why we call people that come to Afrika Burns participants. Simply because that is what we want them to do. We want every single person who comes to Afrika Burns to participate in some way; to gift something to the community, to create a piece of art, to offer a service. Many people use the idea of the “do-ocracy” at Burning Man, i.e. if you see something that you think should be there, ask your self why you aren’t doing it?
 There are many ways that you can participate in Afrika Burns. Remember, there is no judgment or elitism here. Anything goes. Afrika Burns it is not just about creating art or performing, it is about creating community and connectivity through these things.
See a list of 2007 proposals.
As a guide here are some ideas of how to participate
- Devise your own form of participation...
- Create an art installation...
- Construct a theme camp with your mates...
- Offer a service
- Dress up your body
- Paint your body
- Put on a performance or build a stage...
- Create an art car
- Volunteer your time
- Design an event...
- Facilitate a workshop...
- Share your culinary expertise...
- Bring gifts, any gifts to give to others...
- Donate your unwanted items to the event...
PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES
Participants at Afrika Burns must bring everything they need for survival to the Karoo: food, shelter, water, fuel, and basic first aid supplies. Please remember that you are responsible for yourself at all times.
Please also ensure our collective survival by following very basic rules relating to public safety and community well being. Please abide by these standards, community membership is a privilege. Be civically minded.
 CARS: Our village is for pedestrians and bicycles only. No cars, motorbikes, large motor-scooters or golf carts are allowed to drive in our village or on the open areas around it. The only exception is art cars or mobile art (i.e. a car dressed up to look like something other than a car, see art cars). Please observe the speed limit (10km/h) when you get to Afrika Burns and within the village. Pedestrians and bicycles always have the right of way over all cars…and art cars.
TOILETS: Portable toilets will be provided, and will be emptied regularly. If it wasn't made by your body, don't put it in the porta-loo. Use these facilities only for their intended purpose - not for dumping rubbish or your personal toilet bags. Putting anything but human waste and one-ply toilet paper (2-ply is a BIG no-no) into the portable toilets makes pumping nearly impossible. This includes tampons, rubbish, and wet-wipes. Here it is again: NO TAMPONS, TRASH OR WET
WIPES in the portable toilets. Put the lid down when you're done - it helps keep odours under control. Do not dump grey water or bags from your personal camping toilet in the portables rented for participant use: doing so will fill them up much faster than normal and result in nasty toilets for all. Clean toilets are a good thing from a public health standpoint. Follow the guidelines above and you'll find the toilets cleaned frequently and efficiently. Please do not defecate anywhere other than in the porta-loos; it can be an unpleasant mess for everyone.
LEAVE NO TRACE: No rubbish bins will be provided. Please do not litter, take everything you bring to the event, back home with you. You are responsible for the condition of your campsite and nearby public areas. Clean up as you go!
COMMERCE: This is a gift economy; you cannot buy or sell anything. Afrika Burns will be a place of sharing and free exchange. Give without expecting anything in return. You may not sell anything at this event.
BOUNDARIES: We will demarcate the areas that are for camping, there is good reason for this (to protect rare plant species and limiting crushing plant under foot unnecessarily) so please do not try to set up camp in un-demarcated areas. The open area fronting our village is reserved for works of art. Do not drive or camp here.
FIRE GUIDELINES: Safety is essential. All structures should be approximately 10 meters from fire pits or barrels. Do not burn fires in the camping areas in high wind, tent fabric is highly combustible. Do not burn anything but wood (no superwood or anything painted with toxic paint) and cardboard in these barrels; burning plastic and rubbish releases toxic fumes. Please monitor what you burn so it does not fall out. You must remove the ash from anything burned. Aerial flares, rockets, explosives, and fireworks are not allowed. If artwork is to be burned, ONLY the artist who created it may ignite it.
SOUND: Please feel free to bring your sound rigs. But, at the same time, please be thoughtful of your neighbours in designated camping areas. If a problem with persistently/unacceptably loud sound levels in public camping areas continues; and after you’ve been given sufficient warning, the device or system will be disabled.
DOGS: Afrika Burns is a no dog event. If you arrive with your dog, do not expect to be admitted to the event. This restriction is for the well-being and safety of participants and their four-legged friends.
TICKETS: Violation of these rules, or violent or anti-social behaviour, can result in us revoking your ticket and ejection from the event without refund. Our admission Gate will be open at 9a.m. on Thursday, 19 October, 2008. No one under 18 will be admitted without a parent or guardian. Tickets sold at the gate will be R350 each. PAYMENT FOR TICKETS WILL BE STRICTLY CASH ONLY WE DO NOT HAVE THE FACILITIES FOR CREDIT CARDS AND WILL NOT ACCCEPT CHEQUES.
LAWS: Afrika Burns does not promote or condone the use of illegal drugs.
The use of such drugs in a physically challenging and hazardous environment can create a serious health risk. Underage drinking is forbidden by law. Sex acts are prohibited in public space and in unrestricted public environments. Afrika Burns also supports your right to privacy as a resident of our community.
FIREARMS: The possession of firearms including BB guns, air rifles, or paint ball guns is prohibited. Neither our event nor the greater area is suitable for recreational shooting.
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