You're invited to our Dutch Decompression event on 9 November 2024, at Radion in Amsterdam.

Burns are transformative…

They are places where you learn things about yourself, where your inner vision opens, your horizons expand. The Decom is here to celebrate the challenge that comes from change. And to hopefully soften the sometimes-rough landing…

The very basic core of a Burner’s spirit is their passion for adventure. The joy of life that comes from our encounters with new experiences. There is no greater thrill than to discover a changed horizon, to have a different sun for each new day.

Using these learnings and new horizons, we encourage you to contribute to this year’s philosophy. Create an artwork, performance or decoration that forecasts your future. Imagine alternative pasts which, branching off from what we know, create alternative realities. The horizon leans forward, offering you space to take new steps of change.

Post-Burn blues is real and Default World can be a bitch! So come celebrate, dance and express with us. Let’s go back in time and share what we learned at the Burns we visited. And together we’ll take steps forward and try something new.

What is a Decompression?

Get ready for an exciting evening and night filled with art, performances, surprises, friendly encounters, and music! Our Dutch Decompression event usually happens in November (this year: 9 November  2024 ) and serves as a sort of cool-down for the past Burning Man events.

The idea of Decompression parties started with the Burning Man organization back in 1999, and they even trademarked the term “Decompression.” These parties have a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, reminiscent of the early days of Burning Man.

The name “Decompression” is inspired by deep-sea diving, where divers spend time in decompression chambers or at different depths on their way to the surface. This gradual ascent helps them adjust to surface pressure and avoid health issues like the bends. Similarly, our Decompression event helps participants transition back to the “default world” after the intense experience of Burning Man.

All the forms

ART applications: https://forms.gle/boFhA7pQEz8stiqc6
Art grant applications: https://forms.gle/zP34cThikfDkxNDP7
DJ applications: https://forms.gle/yEX6bUYbvcdXPFBC9
LIVE artist applications: https://forms.gle/9LCoL3Kk4JnFTXT37
PERFORMANCE applications: https://forms.gle/ME5zii3gDPK1SL7P9
VJ applications: https://forms.gle/dM2BcZFLULeNRqU59
WORKSHOP applications: https://forms.gle/cj4wovj9PubdPmdV7

Get Involved: Volunteer at Dutch Decompression!

Dutch Decompression is built on the spirit of participation, and we need your help to bring the magic to life! Volunteering is at the core of our burn culture—it’s how we create, connect, and celebrate together. Whether you’re a seasoned burner or new to the community, taking a shift is your chance to contribute, meet incredible people, and make this event unforgettable.

Every volunteer needs a ticket, so grab yours and sign up for a shift. Let’s create this experience, together!

Take a shift!

This year’s theme: Kaleidosouls

We are beyond excited to bring the community together to reminisce and look forward. This year’s Decompression is all about those vibrant vibes and soulful connections that make our community so freakin’ awesome & divers. We’re each a dazzling facet of a giant, ever-shifting kaleidoscope; contributes to a larger, breathtaking picture ✨.
As we pick up the fragments of what once was, we reflect on the cracks that led to our fractures, refracting the wisdom gained through our struggles. Each piece we choose carries the strength and uniqueness of its own story, representing the diverse people who make up this community. In rebuilding, we recognize that we are not whole without each other—each person’s contribution, no matter how different, supports the structure we are creating together, one that is more beautiful because of our shared journey.
Now, get ready to re-fract, re-connect, and re-joice as we fuse those kaleidoscopic pieces into a unified future so bright, we gotta wear shades… or maybe just glitter 😎