Art Grant Applications Now Open
We're accepting applications for art installation grants. Up to $50,000 available for large-scale projects.
CULPE
Black Rock Desert, Nevada
A Transformative Week of Community, Art & Radical Self-Expression
When
August 25 - September 1, 2025
7 Days of Transformation
Where
Black Rock Desert
Nevada's Vast Playa
Community
50,000+ Culpers
Building Together
What is Culpe?
Culpe is more than an event—it's a temporary society built on principles of community, creativity, and radical self-reliance in Nevada's Black Rock Desert.
The Temporary City
For one week each year, the Black Rock Desert transforms into a bustling metropolis of art, music, and human connection. Culpers arrive with everything they need to survive and contribute, creating a self-sustaining community that appears and disappears like a mirage.
The city is organized in a radial pattern, with themed camps, art installations, and community spaces creating neighborhoods of creativity and collaboration. No money changes hands—instead, participants operate on a gift economy based on generosity and mutual support.
Desert Transformation
The harsh beauty of the Black Rock Desert provides the perfect backdrop for personal and collective transformation. Extreme temperatures, dust storms, and the vast emptiness of the playa strip away pretense and create space for authentic human connection.
Participants often describe Culpe as life-changing, a place where they discover new aspects of themselves and form deep connections with fellow Culpers. The combination of artistic inspiration, physical challenge, and community support creates an environment unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Radical Community
Tens of thousands of Culpers come together to build a temporary city based on mutual aid, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Artistic Expression
The desert becomes a canvas for large-scale art installations, performances, and creative experiments that push boundaries.
Self-Reliance
Participants must be prepared to survive and thrive in harsh desert conditions while contributing to the collective experience.
Radical Self-Expression
Culpe encourages authentic self-expression free from judgment, creating space for personal transformation and growth.
The Black Rock Desert
120 miles north of Reno, Nevada lies one of the flattest places on Earth— a prehistoric lakebed that becomes our temporary home.
The Playa
The Black Rock Desert's playa is a 400-square-mile expanse of alkaline hardpan that transforms into our canvas. This ancient lakebed provides a blank slate where art installations can be seen for miles and the city layout becomes a work of art itself.
The playa's unique properties—perfectly flat, naturally occurring, and temporarily accessible—make it the ideal location for our experiment in temporary community building. When we leave, nature reclaims the space, leaving no permanent trace of our presence.
Getting There
Address: Black Rock Desert, Gerlach, NV 89412
Nearest Airport: Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)
Drive Time: 2 hours from Reno via Highway 447
Survival Conditions
The desert environment is both beautiful and unforgiving. Proper preparation is essential for not just comfort, but survival. These conditions are part of what makes the Culpe experience so transformative.
Extreme Temperatures
Days can reach 100°F+ while nights drop to 40°F. Prepare for dramatic temperature swings.
Dust Storms
Sudden whiteout conditions with winds up to 70mph. Dust masks and goggles are essential.
Intense Sun
No shade exists on the playa. UV protection and hydration are critical for survival.
Interactive Map
Interactive map of Black Rock City layout
Coming soon: Explore camps, art installations, and services
Art & Expression
The desert becomes a gallery without walls, where artists create experiences that challenge, inspire, and transform.
Large-Scale Installations
Monumental sculptures and structures that transform the desert landscape
The Temple
The Observatory
Desert Bloom
Performance Art
Live music, dance, theater, and interactive experiences
Sound Camps
Fire Performances
Immersive Theater
Interactive Art
Participatory installations that engage and transform visitors
Community Murals
Collaborative Sculptures
Digital Art
Ephemeral Art
Temporary works that exist only during the event
Sand Paintings
Light Projections
Performance Rituals
Submit Your Art
Ready to contribute to the desert canvas? We welcome artists of all mediums to propose installations, performances, and interactive experiences.
1
Propose
Submit your art proposal with detailed plans and safety considerations
2
Review
Our art committee reviews proposals for safety, impact, and feasibility
3
Create
Approved artists receive placement and support to bring their vision to life
Featured Installations
Art Installation 1
A transformative piece that challenges perception and invites interaction.
Art Installation 2
A transformative piece that challenges perception and invites interaction.
Art Installation 3
A transformative piece that challenges perception and invites interaction.
Join the Community
Secure your place in this year's transformative gathering. All tickets include full access to the temporary city and its experiences.
SOLD OUT
Early Bird
$525
$425
Limited time offer for early planners
- Full week access
- Digital survival guide
- Community forum access
POPULAR
General Admission
$525
Standard ticket for the full Culpe experience
- Full week access
- Digital survival guide
- Community forum access
- Welcome package
Vehicle Pass
$150
Required for each vehicle entering the event
- Vehicle entry permit
- Parking allocation
- Vehicle identification
Low-Income Ticket
$250
Subsidized tickets for those with financial need
- Full week access
- Digital survival guide
- Community forum access
Limited availability - verification required
Complete Your Purchase
Selected Ticket
General Admission
$525
Standard ticket for the full Culpe experience
Important Dates
Event: August 25 - September 1, 2025
Gates Open: August 24, 12:00 PM
Final Entry: August 30, 11:59 PM
Secure payment processing • 256-bit SSL encryption • Refund policy applies
Ticket Information
Refund Policy:
Full refund until July 1st, 50% until August 1st
Full refund until July 1st, 50% until August 1st
Transfer Policy:
Tickets can be transferred through our official platform
Tickets can be transferred through our official platform
Age Requirement:
18+ event. Valid ID required for entry
18+ event. Valid ID required for entry
Desert Survival Guide
The Black Rock Desert is beautiful but unforgiving. Proper preparation is essential for your safety and enjoyment.
Critical Safety Notice
The desert environment poses real dangers including extreme temperatures, dust storms, dehydration, and limited emergency services. This is not a typical festival - you must be completely self-reliant. Inadequate preparation can result in serious injury or death.
Categories
Desert Survival Essentials
Essential Items
Water (1.5 gallons per person per day)
CRITICAL
Dust masks and goggles
CRITICAL
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
CRITICAL
First aid kit
CRITICAL
Flashlight and extra batteries
Portable shade structure
Electrolyte supplements
Pro Tips
The desert environment is unforgiving - preparation saves lives
Bring more water than you think you need
Test all equipment before arriving
Shelter & Camping
Water & Food
Clothing & Protection
Safety & Emergency
Complete Survival Guide
Download our comprehensive 50-page survival guide with detailed checklists, emergency procedures, and veteran tips for desert survival.
Gallery
Experience the magic of past Culpe gatherings through photos, videos, and stories from our incredible community.
2024
Sunrise over the Playa
Culpe 2024 Documentary
Watch the official documentary capturing the transformative journey of last year's gathering, featuring interviews with Culpers and stunning desert cinematography.
"Desert Transformation: Culpe 2024"
Share Your Culpe Memories
Have photos or videos from your Culpe experience? We'd love to feature your content in our community gallery. Share your transformative moments with fellow Culpers.
News & Updates
Stay informed about the latest developments, announcements, and community updates for Culpe 2025.
2025 Ticket Sales Begin March 1st
Early bird tickets will be available starting March 1st. Don't miss your chance to secure your spot at this year's gathering.
Volunteer Coordinator Positions Available
Join our year-round team helping to organize this incredible community gathering. Multiple positions open.
New Safety Protocols for 2025
Enhanced safety measures including improved medical facilities and emergency response protocols.
Desert Restoration Project Update
Our ongoing efforts to preserve and restore the Black Rock Desert ecosystem show promising results.
Get in Touch
Have questions about Culpe? Need support? Want to get involved? We're here to help you on your journey to the desert.
Contact Methods
Email Support
General inquiries and support
hello@culpe.xyz
24-48 hours
Emergency Line
During event only
+1 (775) 555-CULP
Immediate
Mailing Address
Physical correspondence
PO Box 1234, Reno, NV 89501
7-10 days
Join the Community
Send us a Message
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about Culpe
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for Culpe 2025 go on sale March 1st. Early bird pricing will be available for the first 48 hours.
What should I bring to survive in the desert?
Essential items include 1.5+ gallons of water per day, dust protection, sun protection, warm clothing for nights, and all food for the week. Check our complete survival guide for details.
Can I leave and re-enter the event?
Re-entry is allowed with your wristband, but we encourage staying for the full transformative experience. Plan accordingly as the nearest town is 2+ hours away.
Are there age restrictions?
Culpe is an 18+ event. Valid government-issued ID is required for entry. The desert environment and community guidelines are designed for adult participants.
What is the refund policy?
Full refunds are available until July 1st, 50% refunds until August 1st. After August 1st, tickets can only be transferred through our official platform.
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