A Big Art Project — Burning Man 2026
Born in the desert. Destined to become a coral reef.
A 20-foot immersive art installation — building habitat long after the playa.
Two ways in: lend your hands to the build, or help fund her journey from playa to ocean floor. Choose your path.
Answer below and it goes straight to the Octopolis crew — no extra forms, no redirects.
Every contribution — any size — moves Octopolis closer. Quick and secure through GoFundMe.
Donate via GoFundMe →Giving $500 or more? Share a few details below and we'll follow up personally to arrange it — including patron perks and a tax-deductible receipt via our fiscal sponsor, Creative Reuse Marketplace.
Larger gifts come with patron perks — see all patron tiers ↓
Patron Tiers
Octopolis is built by people who believe art can become habitat. Choose a level of patronage — each one carries her further, from the build floor to the playa to her life as a reef. Every tier holds everything below it.
$500+
$1,000+
$5,000+
$10,000+
$20,000+
To claim patron tier perks, send us a message and we'll coordinate your donation personally. For a tax-deductible donation of $500+ via our fiscal sponsor, Creative Reuse Marketplace, please fill out this form.
Bid to win a piece of original art — or a piece of Octopolis herself. Auctions run throughout 2026.
Something small and mysterious waiting for each patron on the playa. You'll receive yours when the time comes — and you'll know what to do with it.
What is Octopolis
Octopolis is a 20-foot illuminated octopus with interactive arms stretching 30–36 feet — a large-scale metal sculpture with integrated lighting, sensors, and multi-sensory elements inside and outside the form.
Her head is a communal gathering space: ocean sounds, bubble effects, cooling misters, and an overhead view of her three glowing hearts. Her eyes are built from locally sourced driftwood.
The Build
Octopolis started as a drawing on paper, became a wire maquette, and is now being engineered into a 20-foot illuminated structure.
After the Burn
After Burning Man, Octopolis doesn’t stop. She’ll travel to galleries, festivals, and public spaces before her final journey into the ocean as a coral restoration site.
Where the Money Goes
Structure & materials, interactive tech, artist fees, transport, on-playa camp for 45 people, post-burn touring, and ocean deployment as a coral restoration site.
Help close the gap →Events
Join the Crew
Octopolis is built by dreamers, makers, welders, painters, engineers, musicians, and everyone in between. Whether you can swing a hammer or spin a story, there’s a place for you.
We need hands for the build, minds for the plan, and hearts for the mission. Located across the US and beyond, our crew works both on-site and remotely.
Ready to jump in? Tell us your skills and ideas in the form at the top of the page — it takes about a minute and goes straight to the crew.
Tell us how you'd like to help →Ravens Heart Designs
Where mystery meets magic. Handcrafted with love — from the darkness of the Raven’s wing to the warmth of the Heart. A portion of proceeds supports the Octopolis build.
Follow the Build
Sketches, sparks, tentacles taking shape. Follow along as Octopolis comes to life.
@octopolisproject on Instagram →The Visionary
LaynaJoy is a multifaceted artist and visionary whose work transforms spaces into immersive worlds. She’s the creator of Ravens Landing — an off-grid sustainable sanctuary where art, nature, and community converge — and the driving force behind Octopolis.
She builds large, she builds with intention, and she builds to last.
The Octopolis Newsletter
From the desert to the ocean floor — build updates, events, and the story as it unfolds. No noise, just the dive.
