DMV Build and Art Crew – Burning Man 2026

Fundraising Support Request

Dear Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) Support Team,

We invite you to be a part of something truly special.

Each year at Burning Man, the Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) serves as a welcoming space for hundreds of spectacular, mind-bending

Mutant Vehicles and the passionate creators who bring them to life.

We are the DMV Build and Art Crew, an independent sub-team of the DMV. We are volunteers who head out to Black Rock City early during Build Week to construct, paint, and decorate the DMV, getting it completely ready for Mutant Vehicles to arrive and get their licenses—and then we stay to deconstruct it all at the end of the event. While the Burning Man Project provides our basic, foundational shade structure and office, our DMV Build & Art Crew wants to go above and beyond to make the DMV space more interactive, engaging, vibrant, and welcoming for everyone on playa—because we firmly believe "Mo’ Art + Mo’ Fun = Mo’ Better!"

Our crew is currently working to evolve the DMV footprint into an even more striking, engaging, and efficient space for 2026. This includes structural improvements, enhanced lighting and safety features, and a cohesive artistic vision featuring custom signage, installations, and interactive elements.

While the DMV Build and Art Crew receives a small stipend from the Burning Man Organization, it isn't enough to bring this full vision to life. In past years, when project costs have exceeded our stipend, we’ve covered the difference out of our own pockets.

Our Goal & Respect for Our MV Community

To bring our vision to life, we are asking for a little help from the community to help fund this year's improvements.

Before we ask for a single dollar, we want to pause and say: we know firsthand the immense amount of time, energy, craftsmanship, and personal financial investment that MV teams pour into building and bringing their incredible mutant vehicless to Black Rock City. We recognize that MV creators receive no subsidies for their participation, and we hold deep gratitude and respect for everything you contribute to the dust.

Because of this, we want to be thoughtful and sensitive in asking for contributions. There is zero expectation or pressure—our goal is simply to offer an opportunity for anyone in the community who wants to chip in toward elevating the DMV experience into a more welcoming art space and hub for participants and crews alike.

That’s where you come in

We are launching a fundraising campaign to support materials, fabrication, art production, and on-playa logistics. Your contribution directly supports the DMV Build and Art Crew and helps us create a functional, beautiful, and unforgettable experience for thousands of participants.

These giving levels are meant to inspire any level of support. Higher giving levels ($$$) may inspire even more exceptional swag!

What Your Support Builds & Improves This Year

Reaching our $5,000 goal will directly fund the material, build, lighting, and art costs required to transform our footprint on playa:

Vibrant New DMV Aesthetic & Mid-Shade Artwork: Repainting and priming our 12 Mid-Shade panels in vivid new colors (Invigorate Orange, Mariner Blue, and Sunspark Yellow) to create a bright, unified look.
Interactive & Informational Exhibits: Installing custom Black Rock City maps, new vinyl art/wraps, historical timeline displays, and dedicated yearbook/volunteer photo areas to celebrate the people and history of the DMV.
Enhanced Lighting & Safety Systems: Adding custom LED flag arrays, RGB LED strip lighting, illuminated barricades/bike barriers, and custom chandelier setups so the DMV remains vibrant, safe, and easily navigable day and night.
Community Amenities & Comfort: Building dedicated solar panel benches around the structure to offer welcoming seating areas for MV crews and visitors while waiting or resting.
Fun & Whimsical Touchups: Restoring on-site artwork, adding themed photo walls (like the "Hottie Wall"), custom signage, and playful details throughout the building.

Giving Levels

• $25 – Supporter

Helps fund essential materials and small build components

• $75 – Builder

Contributes to lighting, signage, and interactive features

• $125 – Visionary

Supports major structural and artistic elements of the DMV experience

Every dollar raised goes directly toward purchasing materials, lumber, paint, LEDs, hardware, and logistical supplies to turn a simple utility structure into a warm, engaging, and memorable home on playa.

If you’re inspired to help us reach our $5,000 goal and upgrade the DMV experience for all of Black Rock City, please consider supporting our fundraiser! If you’re interested in contributing or learning more, please reach out directly—we’re happy to share renderings, plans, and updates as the project progresses!

Please note: TIPS DO NOT go to the DMV Build and Art Crew budget for the building. Tips go directly to the platform, "Give Butter."

Thank you for being part of this journey!

Your License to Thrill Team,

Alpha and Sara Sunshine

DMV Build & Art Team

Sara_Sunshine@live.com

BRC Department of Mutant Vehicles Fundraiser

Help Keep Black Rock City DMV Moving!

Team Members