Theme Camp & Art Placement FAQs
As an all inclusive art event, YOUtopia is excited to host Sound Camps, Theme Camps, and Art Installations of all kinds!
The YOUtopia Placement team works hard to create a functional, and harmonious framework for our community that facilitates a culture of creativity and self-expression with these goals in mind:
- The creation of a safe and aesthetically pleasing city
- The creation of an esplanade lined with Theme Camps and art
- The creation of a functional and active Center Camp that is centrally located
- The creation of a “live music / performance” space
- The ease of movement for foot, art car, and production vehicle traffic within the city
- The careful, cooperative placement of sound camps to ensure that sound participation does not interfere with one another, as well as other forms of participation
- Having a quiet(ish) camping area that offers more restful night time camping space for participants that desire it
FAQ
What is a Theme Camp?
As a Theme Camp, you are giving a gift to the entire community without any expectation of a gift in return (think of the principle of Gifting!). We all have people we want to camp with, but just being camp with a lot of people is not the same as being a Theme camp. If you suspect you might be a Theme Camp then you probably are – but the best test is to ask yourself, “What are we giving the community?” Does your camp like to cook for others? Does your camp run a bar? You are a Theme Camp. Does your camp host a place to dance and party? You are absolutely a Theme Camp. Maybe your camp is a place where YOUtopians can relax and recharge. Yup – still a Theme Camp. Maybe you want to be the place we go to learn and play together. Awesome! You are a Theme Camp!
Do I need to apply for placement?
THEME CAMPS: YES! Approved Theme Camps get a spot reserved for them in the correct sound zone, get included on the website, map and event guide. If you don’t apply for placement you aren’t guaranteed a spot for your camp. Deadline for Theme Camp Placement was May 1, 2023 at 11:59pm and is NOW CLOSED.
ART: YES & NO – All art that receives a grant will be placed by the Placement Team. Please make sure you have filled out a placement application. If your granted art is to be within a theme camp, please indicate that. However, we encourage you to apply for Art Placement whether or not you receive an art grant. You will be given a reserved spot if at all possible which will make your life easier!
When will I receive a response about my placement?
A Theme Camp Liaison will make every effort to let you know that we have received your placement application within a week of receiving it. The Placement Team will work together to find the best place for all of the members of our community. This is a complicated process and in some cases we may reach out to you to get more information and/or to work with you on our plans. We will keep you in the loop and give you the information we have as things develop.
PLEASE NOTE: that you may not find out about your specific placement until after the map is completed, which is near the start of the event.
We appreciate your flexibility and spirit of Communal Effort (hey, that’s another principle!) as we all work together to build the best city possible!
Do I get to choose exactly where my Theme Camp or art will be placed?
The Placement Team reads through your application to assess your needs as a camp, so please make sure to complete it thoughtfully and as early as possible. That will help give us the best idea of where you would best fit within the city. Is placement guaranteed? Unfortunately placement is not guaranteed. Occasionally there are challenges due to limitations of our site or permitting. If we run into a limitation with your application we will reach out to you to discuss possible adjustments before we decide whether placement is possible or not.
Can I apply for an art grant with my placement?
Art Grant Application deadline was April 15, 2023 at 11:59pm and is NOW CLOSED.
Certainly! YOUtopia is built on the creative projects it helps fund through the distribution of art grants. Please go to the Grants & Placement page for more information.
I want to have amplified music to entertain people. Will this affect my placement?
Yes! Be sure to fill out a Theme Camp Placement form and fully answer all sound questions if you want to bring amplified sound that i.s heard beyond the immediate area. We want to make sure that we exercise our Civic Responsibility (Hey – more Principles! 😉 ) by minimizing noise competition between sound camps, allowing for some quieter camping zones, and respecting our hosts at the site. Please see the YOUtopia Sound Policy for complete details.
How are reduced price artist tickets being handled this year?
There will be no reduced price tickets for artists/theme camps/build teams.
Will I receive car camping passes or in-camp vehicle passes with my placement?
You will need to purchase a vehicle pass ticket and/or RV ticket to keep your vehicle in camp. Depending on the size of your camp space may be limited for vehicles in which case you will need to move cars to parking away from your camp. Non-authorized vehicles in camp will need to move. Please note that ALL approved RV’s and large trailers MUST be placed behind frontage areas and/or tucked away as out of sight as is possible. They will not be allowed to be a part of a camp’s frontage unless they are specifically needed for that frontage. NO RV PASSES WILL BE SOLD AT THE GATE.
What if I want to bring an Art Car?
YOUtopia wants your Art Cars! Art cars must receive pre-event authorization from the DMV Dept and undergo an on-site inspection to drive on-site during the event. Please read more on our Art Cars page.
Can I have fire or heat sources in my camp?
Open fire, fire pits, art with fire elements, “spinning” fire, etc. are NOT permitted in any camp without approval from Fire Safety based on location of camp and current conditions. (Seriously, all fire performances are only allowed in designated areas after approval by fire safety – don’t even joke about spinning in your camp without PRIOR approval) Heating elements – propane heater, cooking equipment, etc., must be accompanied by a fire extinguisher or are NOT permitted without prior approval. Please review the Fire Safety guidelines and send any related questions to fire@sdyoutopia.com
Will I receive early arrival with my placement?
NO—passes are not guaranteed however depending on the nature and size of your camp or art you may be issued early arrival passes which will allow a limited number of build crew in before Wednesday at 12pm. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO ARRIVE EARLY WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL AND EARLY ARRIVAL PASSES.
Is Power available with my Placement?
NO. YOUtopia is discontinuing access to the main power grid to any camps or participants. You will need to come fully prepared to power your camp/art. Please review safety guidelines.
I have more questions. Who do I ask?
Please contact the Theme Camp Liaisons, themecamps@sdyoutopia.com.
