North America’s Most Intimate Desert Festival Isn’t a Mirage

Now in its fourth year, Arizona’s FORM Arcosanti has earned a reputation as one of the most unique music and arts festivals in North America. Taking place in the late Italian architect Paolo Soleri’s otherwordly, still-evolving “urban laboratory,” approximately one hour north of Phoenix, organizers select only 1,500 attendees through an intimate application process. Unlike multi-day, sponsor-heavy events, FORM focuses on creating a community environment for its attendees, with campers encouraged to set their own relaxed pace.

Curated by Los Angeles electro-pop outfit Hundred Waters and singer-songwriter Moses Sumney, this year’s lineup included Skrillex, James Blake, Solange, Future Islands, Omar Souleyman, HEALTH, Kelela, and others. The weekend also featured dance performances (Phoenix-based artist Jorge Ignacio Torres’ Palabra Collective were a highlight), film screenings, and sound installations.

We sent Toronto-based photographer Gemma Warren to capture the sights of FORM Arcosanti 2017, and her images will have you planning a trip to the Arizona desert festival next year.

Deafheaven

Father John Misty

Huerco S

Palabra Collective

Julie Byrne

Moses Sumney

Omar Souleyman

Solange

Timber Timbre