The Temple process is changing shape.
The Temple is a part of AfrikaBurn’s physical and emotional landscape as a space of contemplation and reflection. It’s a tool for catharsis, for development and legacy; and the building of a Temple is a deeply intentional process.
The idea of building a Temple is inspiring to many people, but the building of an inspiring temple is not within reach of many people, at least not within current structures and timelines. So, this year, we’re changing the process to focus not only on ‘building the temple’ but on ’building the temple builders’.
What does this mean?
We’re developing a new Temple process that aspires to build future capacity through continuity between Temple development cycles. This means creating a structure with longer timelines, designed to support mentorship, strengthen future proposals, and enable meaningful building processes.
This year, it means that discussions are underway with an experienced candidate team for 2027, in order to establish the foundations that will shape the pathway of builders for years to come.
But what does it actually mean?
It means that submitting a Temple proposal continues to be an open process – Everyone is invited to submit a proposal.
It means that the process is shifting from being one annual application moment to becoming a longer pathway. A proposal may be ready to move forward, or it may need more time to grow. Some ideas may be developed, strengthened, and revisited in future cycles. It means that not now does not mean ‘not ever’.
For aspiring Temple builders, this creates more space to learn, join future Temple teams, receive feedback, build experience, and grow into the role over time.
Why?
We want a Temple process that grows builders, shares knowledge, creates pathways into big builds, and keeps the door open for new voices to emerge and grow, not just once a year, but all year round.
