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THE ART INSTALLATION SPONSORSHIP

Art Installation


The Art Installation Sponsorship is a marquee Plug In Program, birthing some of the most beloved Forest art installations and launching the careers of multiple large-scale installation artists.

Now entering it’s 14th year, the Art Installation Sponsorship program invites artists and builders to bring original works to debut at Electric Forest – from interactive sculptures of all sizes and scale to immersive spaces, and anything in between – and showcase their most ambitious projects to the Forest Family.

HQ funds and supports the activation of the winning projects, bringing new ideas and inspiration to The Forest. Submissions are open now.

HQ seeks original submissions ideas which are one or more of the following:

  • Large scale sculptures / art pieces
  • Pieces interactive with individuals or groups
  • Technologically-inspired
  • Aesthetically compelling day and night
  • Durable and able to withstand weather including wind, rain, and dust
  • Does not rely on sound amplification or sound reactivity
  • Themed zones
  • Suitable to be placed anywhere within the Festival Venue
  • Accompanied with detailed schematics, drawings, renderings, materials list, etc

Please note: The Art Installation Sponsorship is not seeking muralists, art galleries, or submissions based on pop culture references (ie TV shows, movie characters, etc.).

AWARD
  • A grant of between $1.00 and $20,000.00 towards the costs of building the installation
  • Working credentials for a build team of up to five (5) people
  • Staff Camping for team
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided for Winner’s team during setup and breakdown, plus Vendor Meal Tokens provided on Festival days
  • A Festival liaison to assist the Winner’s team with production needs
  • Power hook-up for the installation
  • A footprint within Electric Forest or campgrounds for project
  • An introduction into the world of Electric Forest art - providing a unique opportunity for exposure and collaboration
TIMELINE

Submissions will be accepted for review starting January 20, 2026, through February 20, 2026. Follow-up materials may be requested after that time. Winning projects will be selected in the Spring.

SELECTION PROCESS

Judged by: The Festival Art Directors & Plug In Team

Judgment method: By reviewing & ranking proposals

Judged on:

  • 30% based on the artwork
  • 30% appropriateness for the Festival
  • 20% ease of execution onsite
  • 20% interactivity

Including a video describing your inspiration, and showcasing your personality, project, and background with your application is highly encouraged.


APPLY NOW OFFICIAL RULES

LOOK BACK AT THE 2025 WINNERS

ENCHANTED ZOETROPE by  Kate McSpadden

ENCHANTED ZOETROPE by Kate McSpadden

The zoetrope, a marvel of early animation, transforms with the spin of the wheel and a flicker of light into moving magic.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Kate McSpadden made her Forest debut in 2018 with Find Your Wings. McSpadden is thrilled to return with this special new piece.

RAINBOW DAYDREAM MACHINE by Evan Bobo

RAINBOW DAYDREAM MACHINE by Evan Bobo

Step up and view the Forest like never before! The Rainbow Daydream Machine is a teleidoscope that inspires imagination and asks the viewer to ponder if what we see is reality or an illusion.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Evan Bobo, a multi-year attendee, brings this magical creation allowing the Forest Family to view the world in an entirely new way.