In this series, we explore projection mapping projects around the globe! From shows on Australia’s iconic Sydney Opera House to Romania’s massive parliament building, we’re displaying some of the hottest monthly global projects.

Electric Forest isn’t just a music festival. It’s a four-day, immersive, choose-your-own-adventure wonderland held annually in Rothbury, Michigan. And from June 19–22, 2025, Electric Forest returned to the enchanting Sherwood Forest to deliver its unique blend of music and immersive art experiences.

Electric Forest has used high-end AV tech including LED, media servers, projection, lighting, and lasers to sculpt stage environments that match genre, mood, and artist year after year.

2025 headliners included fan favorites like Justice, Tiësto, Khruangbin, Fisher, Zeds Dead, The String Cheese Incident, and more. The festival also made improvements to their stages this year, like updating sound systems.

But while the headliners drew massive crowds, the soul of Electric Forest has always lived beyond the big stages. At the heart of the camping festival is an art‑filled woodland with hangout hammocks, interactive sculptures, pop‑up performances, and nightly light shows. A huge part of the experience is walking around and discovering surprises along the way.

Electric Forest’s Standout Art Installation

So, imagine you’re exploring Sherwood Forest and to your delight, you come across a magnificent 30-foot sculpture of a peaceful, sleeping face. Covered in cracked tile mosaic, it’s held up and cradled by lush, sweeping forms that mimic vines or tree branches. As day turns into night, that face is transformed with color, becoming a beacon of wonder in the dark.

The artwork, entitled Lumen, was created by Artist Daniel Popper and it was the standout art installation at Electric Forest Music Festival 2025. The name Lumen is a botanical term for internal plant channels, representing unseen connections and resilience beneath the forest landscape.

“This intricate sculpture embodies the hidden energy channels that connect us all,” Popper captioned in an Instagram post.

At night, this beautiful figure was truly brought to life with projection mapping by Jasper Mosher, blending digital technology with artisanal craft.

The installation used 4 Epson projectors and custom media servers managed through Resolume software to deliver 360° mapping, which was an outstanding technical triumph in the woods. The projectors, with a range of lens options, can be adapted to various surfaces and angles within the forest environment.

In total, over 40 Epson projectors lit up more than 10 immersive pieces scattered throughout Sherwood Forest. Resolume enabled powerful blending, scene changes, and live layering, while operators could trigger live VJ-style effects at certain installations. Projection mapping transformed many of the sculptures into living, breathing spectacles.

“Electric Forest may be known as a music festival,” noted Eugene Kim, co-founder and editor-in-chief of My Modern Met, “but the amount of high-quality art installations found in Sherwood Forest and beyond [is] absolutely incredible.”

Creative Opportunities

For creatives, Electric Forest provides an opportunity to present—or even debut—their work. Electric Forest’s Art Installation Sponsorship and Art Spark! invites artists to showcase large-scale interactive and immersive works.

Now in its 13th year, The Art Installation Sponsorship Plug In Program offers the opportunity for artists to tap into their imagination and bring creations inspired by The Forest to life.

Additionally, the Art Spark! program is a new initiative that just started in 2025, aimed at helping artists pitch ideas and collaborate even if they don’t have previous experience.

For more information on the Art Installation Sponsorship or Art Spark!, check out the Plug In programs on Electric Forest’s website.

Watch Now

Here’s a look at the festival’s ambiance, facilitated by AV tech.

And to catch a glimpse of the art installation, Lumen, transforming from day to night, check out this Instagram video.

FAQs

What Types of Installations are Accepted for the Art Installation Sponsorship?

The Sponsorship looks for large-scale, durable, interactive, and immersive pieces. Projection mapping and other AV elements are supported if artists have the technical skills. Power and limited tech assistance is available too. If accepted, artists are then required to install, maintain, and break down the piece on-site. Artists retain full rights to their work, and many go on to exhibit a piece elsewhere after the festival.

Can you Find Specific Art Installations on the Electric Forest Map?

Since discovery is a part of the experience each year, there aren’t any labeled art installations on the maps. The best way to find installations is to simply explore Sherwood Forest. Make sure to check out the artwork during the day and again at night to experience the full transformation.

How Many People Attend Electric Forest​?

Electric Forest is estimated to have an attendance of 40,000 to 50,000 people.

Who Owns Electric Forest?

Previously, Electric Forest was co-produced by Insomniac Events and Madison House Presents. But the festival is now owned by a global entertainment company called AEG Worldwide, also known as Anschutz Entertainment Group.

See the Sydney Opera House transform with light and color during this festival!

Photo Credit: MLive