CPB International Open Call Edition 3 launches on World Photography Day 2026

Entry submission period: 19 Aug – 31 Oct 2026

Exhibition in Chennai : Jan/Feb 2027

After two successful editions, the CPB International Open Call launches on 19 Aug 2026 on World Photography Day with its third edition in partnership with SIGMA India (Shetala Agencies Pvt Ltd). 

Over the last two editions, the call has received upwards of 15,000 images being submitted from over 40 countries with 160+ photographers exhibited from across the world in Chennai and over one lakh visitors across various venues in the city, such as VR Chennai, Avatar Foundation for the Arts, and the Chennai Corporation Public Parks.

The opportunity is open to photographers and artists of all ages, from anywhere in the world. The call welcomes photographic and lens-based work across a broad range of approaches, including nature, portraiture, documentary, landscape, still life, conceptual and experimental practices.

Submissions must be rooted in photography or lens-based practice, but may incorporate or intersect with other artistic forms, including performance, painting, sculpture, sound, literature, text and other media. Both single images and photographic series are welcome, allowing artists to present a distinct perspective, artistic voice or way of seeing.

There is no prescribed theme for the open call. This provides artists with the freedom to submit work that reflects their individual interests, questions and approaches, without the constraints of responding to a specific curatorial theme.

CPB4 invites photographers and artists to share the images and visual stories they believe need to be seen now.

“Now in its third edition, the CPB International Photography Open Call has grown into an incredibly inclusive and accessible platform for photographers – from passionate amateurs and emerging voices to established practitioners. With each edition, we’ve tried to make the opportunity more meaningful, not just through recognition and visibility, but by creating real opportunities for photographers to have their work seen, discussed and exhibited. We have some exciting additions this year, and I’m really looking forward to discovering the talent and stories that emerge from across India and beyond.” – Varun Gupta, Director, Chennai Photo Biennale

“Sigma’s relationship with photography extends beyond the tools used to make an image to supporting the culture around it – the artists, ideas, conversations, and platforms that allow the medium to evolve. Our continued association with Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation reflects this commitment, and with Edition 3 of the International Photography Open Call, we are pleased to support a platform that offers photographers from India and around the world an opportunity to have their work discovered, exhibited, and engaged with by wider audiences. For Sigma, supporting initiatives such as this is about contributing meaningfully to the photographic community and creating space for diverse perspectives and new voices to be seen, while looking forward to the work and conversations that emerge from this edition.” – Mr. Seshan, SIGMA India (Shetala Agencies Pvt Ltd)

“Open calls are truly open to artists at different stages of practice, with varied levels of expertise and backgrounds, where the work is judged on its own merit. Seeing my work exhibited alongside a spectrum of works by artists I admire gave me a sense of validation and visibility, encouraging me to continue my practice.” – Dhivya Ravishakar, former applicant and exhibiting photographer, Chennai

Jury Pool – as of date

CPB International Open Call expands its jury pool in this edition. Similar to the past editions, jury members are invited from renowned arts institutions, festivals, galleries, and also include experienced independent practitioners. Some of the exciting names joining this edition’s jury are:

Bhavna Kakkar, Founder – Latitude 28 and Take On Art, Delhi, India

Charan Singh, Artist & Curator, London, UK

Indrajit Khambe, Independent Photographer & Educator, Sindhudurg, India

Senthil Kumaran, Nat Geo Explorer and World Press Photo Winner, Madurai, India

Vineet Vohra, Independent Photographer, Educator, Author, Co-founder APF, Delhi, India 

Uma Bista, Independent Documentary Photographer, Kathmandu, Nepal 

Umah Jacob, Director – External Relations and Outreach, India Art Fair, Delhi, India

Ushmita Sahu, Director and Head Curator, Emami Art, Kolkata, India

More jury members will be announced soon.

“In an age when AI-generated images are taking over every digital platform, I believe raw, authentic images, those that feel genuinely captured by humans, will become increasingly valuable. An open call is one of the most authentic ways to share such images with serious photography enthusiasts and viewers.” – Indrajit Khambe, Juror, CPB International Open Call Edition 3

All details on the rules, eligibility, submission criteria and the link to apply are on the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation website and instagram that will go live on 19 Aug 2026.

Join the Live Q&A on Zoom on 19 Aug 2026, 5pm IST with co-founders Varun Gupta and Shuchi Kapoor. Details will be on @chennaiphotobiennale

The launch of the open call will be followed by a panel discussion titled Photography Now on 5th September, with Juror – Senthil Kumaran, former applicant – Dhivya Ravishakar and moderated by CPB Co-founder, Varun Gupta.

Venue: SIGMA India (Shetala Agencies Pvt Ltd) , 27, 5th Street, Bharathi Ave, Kaveri Nagar, Kottivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041

More details to be announced soon.