2026 Tomato Installation Art Application

Tomato Art Fest has been uniting fruits and vegetables since 2004. The annual festival attracts people from all over with fun themed art, local music, delicious food, costumes, wacky contests, shopping, kids activities, & more. The 2026 Tomato Art Fest will take place on Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th in Historic East Nashville’s Five Points.  

Tomato Art Fest has always included artists from the area using different mediums, inspirations and styles to decorate the festival with one of a kind art.  To accomplish this, we are inviting installation artists to apply to create a Tomato, Fruit, or Veggie-themed art installation to be featured during the festival.

Multiple installations may be chosen to receive anywhere from $500 to $2,000 in funding to bring their art to life in the heart of East Nashville the weekend of August 7-8... Keep in mind, we are looking for projects of all sizes and costs – small, medium, and large installations will be considered and awarded accordingly. The goal being as you step into the event, these installations will be along your journey through the festival. 

AWARD DETAILS

-A grant of up to $2,000 towards the costs of building your installation (budget must be included in application)  

-A proper footprint within The Tomato Art Festival for your piece

-Local press and marketing outreach about the installation

-Artist included on festival website and social media

TIMELINE

-Submissions will be accepted for review through May 15, 2026

-Follow up materials may be requested after that time. 

-Final projects will be selected and announced before May 28, 2026

-Installation will be set up for the duration of the festival, August 7-8, and must be removed at the completion of the event.  

SELECTION PROCESS

Judged by: The Festival Art Directors.  We will be evaluating the work based on:

30% Art quality

30% Appropriateness for event (must be Tomato, Fruit, or Veggie themed) 

20% Ease of execution onsite / plan

20% Interactivity