Bold Urban Renaissance Network, a Illinois not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation, began operation in July of 2009.

It was created to present, support, enable, and network communities of artists and aspiring artists in mixed media, fashion, music, dance, performance, sculpture, photography, and video.  It is inclusive and open to all members of society.  Network is a key word. Bold Urban Renaissance Network seeks to network artists to other artists, potential audiences, opportunities for charitable action, resources and funding.

One of our primary duties is to raise money, and then give it away for art, through our Art Grants Committee.

Our other primary function is to direct and create events. Some bring artists to audiences such as Decompression Chicago and We Burn. Some bring artists and other creative types together for conversation and collaboration such as Meet ‘n’ Greets, Town Hall Meetings, the We Burn Art Show, and volunteer events.

We are also the hosts and organizers of a long-running series of monthly happy hour nights. They take place on the third Wednesday of every month.

The founders of B.U.R.N. sought to bring the creativity and community-minded spirit of Burning Man back to Chicago. Therefore, we organize our events in alignment with the ethos of  Ten Principles of the Burning Man Regional Network, and encourage others to do so as well.

Mission Statement

The Bold Urban Renaissance Network (“BURN”) is a dynamic nonprofit organization which fosters community arts through grass-roots projects and civic collaborations. We seek to create, display, and support interactive arts and civic participation that inspires action and connects people by moving them from passive spectators to creative participants. We believe this inspires positive creative change in the participants and in the wider community.