Performance Application (click here)! Workshop Application (click here)!
Sankofa Weekend, July 18 – 20
Sirius Rising 31st Year: “Hope and Transformation” July 21 – 27, 2025
Thank you for your interest in presenting or performing at Brushwood Folklore Center, LLC during Sankofa and Sirius Rising! Please see below for links to the presenter and performer applications and helpful hints for the applications process. Performance Application Deadline: February 28. Workshop Application Deadline: March 15.
All Brushwood Folklore Center, LLC patrons including presenters and performers are also required to register and sign campground waivers. Festival entrance and tent camping will be covered if workshop or performances are accepted, but addition fees apply (Larg Trailer/RV sites, electric sites).
Workshop hints: see below and refer to the festival pages for Sankofa and Sirius Rising for ideas.
Sankofa (Friday – Sunday only). We have a stage and we’re not afraid to use it Friday and Saturday night. We are looking for presenters interested in teaching and facilitating performance-based activities and stage time (dancing, singing, readings, acting, storytelling, open mic, improv, etc.) For those staying for both festivals, also consider presenting hands on activates during Sankofa that relate to your Sirius Rising workshops (e.g., make the wand during Sankofa and learn how to use it during Sirius Rising). This year will be a little more organic than most, but let’s see what comes and have a lot of fun with it. Presenters are encouraged to arrive Thursday and be prepared to present on Friday.
Sirius Rising “Hope and Transformation” For 31 years, Sirius Rising has been a beacon of light for the Pagan community, a place to connect, celebrate, and grow. This year, we delve into the transformative power of Hope.
Embrace the Dawn of Change: Even when shadows loom large, hope is the unwavering flame within us. It’s the belief in a brighter tomorrow that fuels our journey through adversity. At Sirius Rising, we’ll explore how hope can lead us to
- Personal Growth: Discover workshops and rituals focused on self-discovery, healing, and harnessing inner strength.
- Community Evolution: Connect with like-minded souls, forge new bonds, and collectively envision a more harmonious future.
- Positive Change: Engage in discussions and activities that empower us to become agents of change in our own lives and the world around us.
Ignite Your Inner Flame: Sirius Rising offers a diverse array of experiences to nurture your spirit:
- Inspiring Workshops: Delve into topics like resilience, mindfulness, and manifesting your dreams.
- Rituals & Ceremonies: Connect with the divine and celebrate the turning of the wheel of the year.
- Community Gatherings: Share laughter, stories, and support with other who share your path.
- Music & Dance: Let the rhythm move during nightly performances and express the joy of transformation as you drum and dance around the nightly community fires and Saturday’s Celebration.
Kid’s Program: Looking forward to implementing proposed ideas from families. You are able to select “recommended audience” when proposing workshops including 5 – 11 yrs. old and teen friendly. Let’s not forget our youth and try to have some fun. If you have a special interest in children’s programming, please contact us at present@brushwood.com.
Presenter’s biographies should reflect some level of expertise in the area you are presenting. Rituals and workshops often presented by members and leaders of the Eclectic Pagan, Witchcraft, Wiccan, Druid and Heathen communities, but other are encouraged to participate. Presenters are encouraged to arrive Sunday and be prepared to present on Monday (Sankofa on Wednesday to present Thursday). Each presenter’s workshops are scheduled on Mon-Wed-Fri or Tue-Thu-Sat.
Proposing Rituals: If applying to facilitate or lead a ritual, it should be included as one of the workshops in the your application (one of the 3 workshop min). If you plan to work with a partner or small group each facilitator/ritual leader should note the ritual as one of their proposed workshops and the three workshop minimum applies to them as well. We will highlight ritual with an elemental theme or focus no matter the denomination (scheduled on the days correlating with that element.) Looking for rituals related to Air, Fire, Water and Earth.
Workshop Venues are primarily outdoors in pavilions with some seating. Participants usually bring camp chairs to workshops. Electric is available at some outdoor pavilions for the workshop but should be requested in the application. There is one inside workshop venue (The Studio) with tables, chairs, projection screen and kitchen. It is typically used for arts or crafts workshops. Typical workshops are attended by 15-20 participants.