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Post Ignition Roundup! Art Grants are Open! Community Events Committee!
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⚡ The Post-Ignition Roundup ⚡
What a weekend. Ignition 2026 wasn’t just a kickoff, it was a massive proof-of-concept for what happens when this community decides to “level up.” We gathered at The Jewel, shared high-level safety knowledge, and danced until the lights came up.
The Bottom Line
Because of your generosity and a turnout that nearly doubled last year’s (175 tickets sold!), we raised a net total of $4,304.12 for Regional Art.
Following our commitment to share amongst the family, this money is being split equally between our four regional events. That means $1,076.03 is heading to each!How We Got There
- Tickets & Admissions: $3,440.00 (175 tickets sold!)
- Art Auction: $1,912.12 (A huge thank you to the 33 donors who contributed!)
- Zeffy & Digital Donations: $110.00
A Regional Family Reunion
It was so incredible to see the room at The Jewel packed with so many familiar faces. Having burners visit from all our nearby regional neighbors made it feel like a true family reunion. Catching up with old friends and meeting brand new ones reminded us exactly why we do this. There’s nothing like the energy of this community in one room.
World-Class Safety Expertise
Before we got busy reconnecting, many of you showed up to level up. This Ignition had some of the best workshop attendance seen in recent years, meaning that you all took full advantage of the opportunity presented to you!
We also owe a massive thank you to our subject-matter experts who shared their time and craft with us. Having uniK (from Apogaea) lead our Fire Safety and FAST workshop, and Snapshot and Handy (both from Myschievia) lead both Fire Safety and the Incident Command System (ICS) workshop, brought a world-class perspective to our community. We also want to thank Tanto for stepping up to lead our Ranger training. Having this level of expertise in the room ensures our 2026 builds and events are as safe as they are spectacular.
Now Seeding:
The Community Events CommitteeEach of the Midwest Burners Association events puts %5 of ticket sales directly to Regional Development. This funding is used towards leadership development and community outreach opportunities (like Ignition). To manage this, we are officially forming a new Community Events Committee.
We want YOU! We are looking for 1–2 representatives per city/region (similar to a Regional Contact model) in the following areas:- Kansas City
- Topeka
- Wichita
- Columbia
- St. Louis
- Tulsa
- Springfield
- Northwest Arkansas
This isn’t just about party planning. While we love a good shindig, this committee is about any kind of outreach that brings our community together. The ideas are entirely up to you. Want to host a summer park BBQ? A group museum trip? A neighborhood service day or a local “meet the burners” coffee hour? You tell us. We want local leads who know their city’s vibe and can help bridge the gap between the big summer burns.
The ideal candidates are:- Reasonably connected within their local burner scene.
- Natural “connectors” who inspire others to participate.
- Experienced or interested in event planning and logistics.
- Bonus! Do you have experience planning non-profit events?
If you want to help shape the future of how we gather outside of the burn…
Interfuse 2026 Art Grants are OPEN!
The season is officially here. If you have a dream for the burn, it’s time to put pen to paper.
The Highlights:- Deadline: February 9, 2026.
- The Goal: We fund new projects or significant expansions to existing ones.
- The “W9” Rule: Any grant over $300 requires a W9.
- Materials Only: We fund wood, steel, and LEDs, not labor or personal tools.
For how to apply and what qualifies
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Can’t wait to see you at Ignition this Weekend!
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🔥 Ignition is This Weekend! 🔥
The wait is finally over. This weekend, we’ll gather at The Jewel in KCMO for a high-impact day of art, education, and community connection. This year isn’t just a party, it’s also about leveling up our community.
We’ve brought in seasoned safety leads from across the region, including experts from Apogaea and Myschievia, to teach us how to build better flammable art and manage safer burns. Whether you’re here for the technical workshops or the late-night bass, we can’t wait to see you there. The day starts at 12 pm and we’ll be here all day.
Need the full breakdown?
For the full schedule and workshop descriptions, check out our detailed blog post!
Don’t have tickets yet?
Grab them before they’re gone!
A Special Bulletin from Star
Shaping the Future of the Event
“Hello, dear friends! I have had the privilege of serving this community as an Event Coordinator for several years now. While I deeply love this work and this community, I am a firm believer that it’s not a role anyone should hold in perpetuity. For an organization to stay vibrant and fresh, the torch must eventually be passed.
With that in mind, 2026 will be my final year serving as an EC. I want to ensure the next person is set up for success, so if you think being an EC sounds fun or if you think you can do a better job than I have, I’d love to hear from you! I am looking for someone to shadow me during this 2026 event cycle to learn the ropes.
Come find me at IGNITION this weekend to chat in person, or reach out at star@midwestburners.org. Let’s talk about the future of our burns!” — Star Mezzanotte
Interfuse 2026: Volunteer Direct Ticket Offers
Calling all Interfuse volunteers! If you logged 4 or more hours at Interfuse last year, check your inbox. You should have received an email (sent to the address associated with your Volunteeripate account) confirming that you’ve qualified for a Direct Ticket Offer for 2026.
Can’t find your email and want to immediately ask for help?🛑 ✋ STOP ✋ 🛑
Try these steps first!- Double-check the account: Ensure you are checking the specific email address you used to register for volunteering.
- Search for any emails from star@midwestburners.org.
- Search your folders: Search your inbox and spam/junk folders for
- Still missing? If you’ve checked both and still don’t see it, please email Star at the address above, and she will get you sorted out!
Art Grants Are Open!!!
The 2026 Interfuse art grant application form is ready- submit now! Grants close February 9, 2026.
Artists should keep the following guidelines in mind when applying for a grant and preparing a detailed budget for our consideration:
- Art grants are intended to fund NEW projects. Returning projects will only be considered for a grant if they are expanding on the original project by building a new piece for the event.
- Any projects funded by the event should be available to the community as a whole to experience.
- Art grants are intended to cover the cost of raw materials (i.e. wood, steel, paint, fabric, solenoids etc.). Art grants cannot be used to cover the cost of labor or to purchase tools and equipment that have a value or use outside of the art project. Items not allowable to be covered by art grants include generators, batteries, carports, drills, projectors, cameras, boats or vehicles.
- Art grants cannot be used to fund personal transportation for you and your team to the event. Funds may be used towards transportation costs required to bring large projects to the event.
- Art grants may fund art cars, but if your project is selected, the funds may only be used towards the cost of the materials used in developing the artistic portion of your project (i.e. the tentacles or wings). The funds cannot be used towards the purchase of the underlying vehicle.
- Art grant funds cannot be used to cover the cost of food or alcohol relating to any project.
- Applications for art grants from theme camps may be considered, but only if the proposal reflects an intention to create a project that has artistic merit (i.e. a sculpture related to the camp) and which will be for the benefit of the community. Art grants cannot be used to build or fund a theme camp itself (i.e. the cost of a dome), nor should they be used to create projects which the community at large cannot experience or enjoy. All funded art created by theme camps MUST be located in a public part of your camp and does not feel like private camp space.
- All information related to your project must be submitted in this form. If you need any assistance filling out the form, you may contact the IFART Team. QUESTIONS ONLY, DO NOT email any spreadsheets, photographs, ect.
- All projects granted over $300 must fill out a W9 form. No exceptions. If you do not wish to fill out a W9, do not request $300 or more
MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR,
Your Art Team
EMAIL US WITH ANY & ALL QUESTIONS. You will not find accurate answers anywhere else!IFART@midwestburners.org -
Ignition is Next Weekend!
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✴︎ IgnitionMissing your Midwest burner friends, both current and future? Look, we all know the January slump is real, but it’s time to shake off the hibernation. Ignition, our annual Midwest Burners season kickoff, is happening January 17, 2026.
🔥 The Mission: Fueling the Four 🔥
The Midwest Burners Association 501(c)(3) is the engine behind four annual regional burns: Interfuse (MO), This Event Is Cancelled (KS), HearthsO’Phyre (IA), and HullabalU (MO). These events are the heart of our community, but here’s the deal: each of these burns is entirely self-funded by ticket sales and community donations. By showing up for Ignition, you are directly fueling all four events at once.
We’re also committed to getting that money back into your hands. Each event puts 25% of its ticket sales straight into art grants. That means the money raised here helps fund the next big, weird, or beautiful project you (or your friends) bring to the burn(s).
This isn’t just another party, it’s the fuel for our entire community for the year!
🔥 Change of Plans: New Venue Alert! 🔥
Look, we know we previously mentioned Vibe Ultra Lounge, but in true burner fashion, we’ve pivoted. We are officially moving the party to The Jewel KC. It’s a fresh space that gives us exactly what we need for the workshops, the auction, and the dance floor. Plus, it’s the perfect home base for the end of the City Quest Art Challenge.
🎟️ The Logistics 🎟️
📍 Address 📍
410 Admiral Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106
- Parking: There’s a parking garage for the venue directly across from the front door. There’s also street parking but it’s less plentiful.
- Age: All ages until 4:30 PM; 21+ after that.
- Last Call: 1:30 AM (don’t miss it).
- Tickets: $22 Presale / $30 at the door. Pro-tip: We greatly prefer to not receive cash, so please try to buy online via the QR code at the door. In fact, get your tickets now to save yourself the funds!
- Virtual: We’re making a Live Stream happen, and here’s the twitch link for if you’re joining us from afar. Live Stream has a suggested donation of $5, but we won’t let a measly Lincoln note stand in the way of you being with us in spirit.
👉🏾 The Details 👈🏾
- Vibe: We’re bringing in a full sound system to make sure the room actually thumps.
- Care: We’re also making a point to handle our own cleanup, because we’re burners, that’s just how we roll. If you’re down to help the crew keep the venue pristine, we’d love the extra hands. If not, still take care of the venue like you would your own camp!
- On that same note, no glitter, feathers, or any other loose detritus. We know 👀 you wouldn’t , naturally, but we have to ask.
- And a slightly harder ask, no fire effects. Any flowing can be done plain fire-less or with LEDs just fine, but please, help us keep our friendship with the venue so we can keep doing fun things together.
🔥 Interactive Stations 🔥
Choose Your Own Adventure
While the schedule is packed with workshops and sets, we’ll have several stations running all day that you can hit up whenever you’re feeling the itch to create, give, or explore. No clock-watching required.
Warm Bodies (and Hearts) with the Coat Drive
We aren’t just here to burn, we’re here to take care of our neighbors. We are hosting a Coat Drive during Ignition! Bring your clean, gently used warm coats to the collection station (behind the doorperson). All donations are going directly to Nourish KC, a local community kitchen and pantry that feeds and clothes our unhoused community members. Let’s make sure they’re stocked for the rest of the winter!
City Quest Art Challenge
The City Quest Art Challenge is now an all-day, DIY experience. Grab your friends and explore some of Kansas City’s coolest, hidden-gem art spots at your own pace. It’s a literal playground out there! Solve the puzzles, see the city, and make your way to the party when you’re ready.
Trashion Creation Station
Get your hands dirty, metaphorically. We’re hosting a staffed station where you can build wearable art, headpieces, or full-body accessories on the fly.
- The Materials: We need your “good,” “clean” trash. If you have bubble wrap, tape, plastic bags, or chicken wire, bring it in.
- The Catwalk: Use these supplies to build a masterpiece, then show it off during the Trashion Showcase at 7:15 PM.
The Auction Corner
We have a great collection of items up for grabs, and your bids directly support our four regional burns.
- Silent Auction: Browsable throughout the day, bid on unique handmade treasures like glass art from RedBear or flow art sessions with Morgan.
- Live Auction Highlights: At 7:30 PM, things get high-energy with Miss Conception and friends as we bid on special items like axe throwing, dance lessons, and unique experiences.
Virtual & Global Connection
- VR Headset Station: Put on the goggles and transport yourself to Burn2. We’ll have a projection of the digital world running so everyone else can see the dust too.
- The Live Stream: We’re setting up a consent-safe station. It’s positioned in a dedicated corner away from the crowd so you can video-chat with burners near and far without accidentally being broadcast to the internet while you’re mid-dance.
Support & Swag
- Harm Reduction Table: We’re looking out for each other. Stop by for vital info and safety supplies to keep the community strong.
- Swag Table: Want to represent? Pick up some Midwest Burners gear and see what kind of treasures are floating around this year.
🔥 The Schedule 🔥
🕐 Phase 1: The Business of Burning 🕐
- 12 PM – 1 PM |MWB Event Coordinator Calibrations: A calibration session for the folks running the show. All are welcomed but focus is on EC Teams attending
- 1 PM – 2 PM | Public Board Meeting: It’s open to everyone! Ever wonder how the Midwest Burners Association actually functions? Come hear how the Board works, ask your burning questions, and offer suggestions on how we handle things.
🕑 Phase 2: The Deep Dives 🕑 (Workshops & Education)
🔥🚨 THIS IS IMPORTANT STUFF 🚨🔥
We’re putting a massive emphasis on safety education this year. If you’ve ever wanted to help out on a safety team but felt like you didn’t have the “resume” for it, this is for you. We’ve actually brought in some extremely talented people from outside the region to teach us how to do this right.
- 2 PM – 3 PM | What is a Ranger?: Tanto leads an intro to Ranger training. If you’ve ever wondered how to “refuse to help” in the most helpful way possible, and how we navigate the burn without being “the cops”, start here.
- 3 PM – 4 PM | Propane & Fire Art Safety (FAST/FART): Featuring uniK, the Safety Services Coordinator from Apogaea. He’s been leading propane inspections since 2019 and will be walking us through the engineering and safety of ambitious fire art.
- 4 PM – 5 PM | Fire Team Ops: Handy and Snapshot from Myschievia share how they run their fire teams in Texas, from real-world scenarios to coordination.
- 4 PM – 4:30 PM | Art Grants Writing Q&A: Your favorite Star is hosting a Q&A session to pull back the curtain on the art grant process for our Midwest burns. Since 25% of our ticket sales go directly into funding these grants, we want to make sure you know exactly how to apply and get your project funded for the 2026 season.
- 4:30 PM – 5 PM | Let’s get Knotty: A practical session with Todd and CAPSLOCK. Whether you need to secure a 100lb shade structure or… well… secure a friend during the “off-hours,” these are the skills you need.
- 5 PM – 6 PM | Applied Incident Command (ICS): Handy and Snapshot are back to lead this talk but it’s all hands on deck session with all our safety leads weighing in. Join us for a tabletop exercise on how to handle evolving situations without losing your cool. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned lead, this scalable framework will help you handle incidents as they evolve. It’s about staying calm when things get complicated.
🕒 Phase 3: The Party 🕒
- 6 PM – 7 PM | Dinner & Vibes With DJ Potter: Take a breather and grab some food (plenty of downtown options nearby) or bring something back to chill with us. While you eat, enjoy an early downtempo electro set to get in the mood.
- 7:15 PM | The Half-Time Show:
- Dollar Bill Folding Competition: High stakes, low currency. BYOBills and show us you can do little origami
- Trashion Showcase: Hosted by MissConception & TaraByte. Walk the runway in your best “clean trash” creation. Whether you brought a look from home or built one at our Trashion Station, now is the time to hit the runway.
- 7:25 PM | Live Auction KickOff: We’re auctioning off everything from Axe Throwing and Belly Dance lessons to original Glass Art by RedBear.
- 8 PM – Late | DJs KingBoa, Peacock Donny Jepp, Penguin, Injuntrubl, and PRIZM: Tech-house, DnB, and bass music to carry us through the night.
- 1:30 AM | LAST CALL: You don’t gotta go home, but you can’t stay here! So get your final rounds in before we lovingly (but firmly) usher you out the door. If you would pick up around you before you go, we would be so grateful for your participation!
