“Gifting: Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.”
Explore the nature of a true gift in our very transactional society while experiencing Burning Man culture in the heart of Oakland. Gift-o-Matic is an interactive creation experience at the Oakland Museum of California and part of the No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man exhibition. Gift-o-Matic isn’t just about gifts as things. It is also about the gift of an experience.
The experience
Engage directly in Burning Man culture with acts of creation, giving and recieving as you see fit.
Recieving: Turn the handle of the Gift-o-Matic and be surprised, inspired or delighted with a gift from the greater Oakland and Burning Man community. This is not a transaction and you need not give or create to recieve. The only requirement is to take care of your moop and leave the capsule your gift came in in the containers provided.
Giving: Use the capsule provided and place your gift to others in the Gift-o-Matic.
Creating: You will be able to make a variety of gifts with unique locally made supplies at designated Gift-o-Matic creation stations. Pop-up gift making with special guest Gift Creation Guides will be scheduled on alternating weekends as well.
