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Indian Ceramics Triennale 2027:

AT PLAY

November 5 to December 23, 2027
National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai

 

What forces are at play, shaping and defining the world we experience? What impulses do we contain that form or override these forces?

Play is integral to the human experience and fundamental to the creative process. There is a tension inherent in play that is exhilarating yet risky, competitive yet collaborative. Through play we can put down the weight of a loaded past, imagine radical futures, and yet remain truly present. Play provides not only refuge, but resistance.

Play allows us a sense of joy, moving lightly between structure and chaos without fear of failure. It exists at the threshold of uncertainty - where systems can be questioned, patterns broken, conventions overturned. Play offers us the freedom to pivot, adapt and shape-shift, opening up space for thinking otherwise—about material, making, and consequently about the world we are part of.

In this third edition of the Indian Ceramics Triennale, we see the exhibition as an incubator of possibilities. We invite artists to hold this undefined and unknown moment filled with potential, to dare to play through inventiveness, provocation, humour, satire, meaning, absurdity, performance and color. To use play as an institution of and for disruption, dreaming into existence the unexpected and unacknowledged. To question, through play, the forces at play.

Apply here by May 15, 2026

 
 
 
 
 

FAQs

    1. Who can apply?

      The open call is open to professional and emerging artists  over the age of 18 and  collectives, working in ceramics or exploring clay in interdisciplinary practices. 

    2. Do I need to be a ceramic artist to apply?

      While the Indian Ceramics Triennale focuses on clay based practices, we welcome proposals from artists working across disciplines who engage with clay conceptually, materially, or contextually. 

    3. Can international artists apply?

      Yes, the Triennale invites applications from both Indian and international artists.

    4. How do I apply?

      Applications must be submitted online through the google form [link]. Please read the guidelines and FAQs carefully before submitting your application.

    5. What is the deadline for applications?

      The deadline is    . Late submissions will not be considered.

    6. Is there an application fee?

      There is no application fee to apply for the Indian Ceramics Triennale.

    7. Can I submit more than one proposal?

      No

    8. Can I edit my application after submitting?

      Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. Please ensure all information is accurate before submission.

    9. Can I apply if I have been an ICT artist in previous editions?

      We will not accept applications for the open call from artists who have been in the previous editions. 

      However, we are interested in long term partnerships with our artists and could invite you for special projects, exhibitions and other opportunities during and between editions. If you have an idea for a project that you believe will work exceptionally under the ICT umbrella, do not hesitate to get in touch with us separately. 

    1. What kinds of work are you looking for?

      We welcome diverse approaches, including sculpture, installation, performance, mixed-media, and site-specific projects that are rooted in and expand the language of ceramics. The work needs to be aligned with the curatorial prompt in our open call. 

    2. Can previously exhibited works be submitted?

      Preference is given to new work or work adapted for the curatorial context of the Triennale. Previously exhibited work may be considered only if clearly aligned with the curatorial concept.

    3. Can collectives or collaborations apply?

      Collectives and collaborative practices are welcome. Collaborations between traditional and contemporary artists are encouraged. Collaborations across media and geographies are welcome to apply. Please indicate all members involved in your application and suggest a single lead contact, with whom we can correspond. If you are part of a collaborative project, you will be unable to propose an individual project.

    1. How are artists selected?

      Applications are reviewed by the curatorial team and by our advisory committee. Selection is based on the strength of your proposal and your portfolio. Proposals that demonstrate artistic merit, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with the curatorial vision will be selected.

    2. When will I know if I’ve been selected?

      All applicants will be notified by

    3. Will I get feedback on my application?

      Due to the volume of applications, individual feedback cannot be provided.

      All decisions by the curators are debated at length and are final. Curators remain true to their creative vision for the exhibition

    4. How are artists selected?

      Applications are reviewed by the curatorial team and by our advisory committee. Selection is based on the strength of your proposal and your portfolio. Proposals that demonstrate artistic merit, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with the curatorial vision will be selected.

    5. When will I know if I’ve been selected?

      All applicants will be notified by

    6. Will I get feedback on my application?

      Due to the volume of applications, individual feedback cannot be provided.

      All decisions by the curators are debated at length and are final. Curators remain true to their creative vision for the exhibition.

    1. Do selected artists receive financial support?

      The Triennale is unable to provide a production grant, but will take care of reasonable installation requirements on site. We encourage you to approach other organisations for funding and will be happy to provide letters of support for your application.

    2. Will the Triennale support the shipping of artwork?

      One way  transport from the Triennale venue to a location in India will be taken care of by the Triennale. Details will be shared with selected artists.

    3. Will you provide assistance with visas, customs or transport of artworks?

      The Triennale is unable to pay for international shipping and customs clearance. But the Triennale team will support international artists with the letters required to apply for the Indian visa and advise on shipping and customs. We can also assist with letters for travel, shipping or production grants in your own country.

    4. Will you help me find a residency to make the work?

      We can help facilitate residencies for artists from abroad, who do not have studios in India. The cost of the residency and travel will have to be borne by the artist.

    1. When and where will the Triennale take place?

      The Triennale will be held at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai in November - December 2027. The work needs to be at the location by October 10th 2027.

    2. Will selected artists need to be present for installation and/or public programs?

      Artists are strongly encouraged to be present for the installation of their work and may be invited to participate in artist talks, workshops, and related programming. There will be a formal opening followed by a symposium for which we would appreciate your presence. 

    3. What happens to the artwork after the exhibition?

      After the exhibition closes, work needs to be taken away within a stipulated time frame by the artists unless otherwise agreed.

    4. Can the work be sold?

      The Indian Ceramics Triennale is a non-commercial entity. If there is any interest in purchase of the work, we will pass on the inquiry to the artist directly. We appreciate a donation of 30% of the sale price of work that is sold before the next edition of the Triennale. We are able to do the work we do because of the generosity of our artist patrons.

       

    5. What rights do artists retain?

      Artists retain copyright of their work. The Triennale reserves the right to document and reproduce images of exhibited works for publicity, educational, and archival purposes. If the artist shows the work subsequently or uses documentation from the Triennale, we request that the Indian Ceramics Triennale is acknowledged. 

    6. Will there be an exhibition catalogue or online archive?

      All participating artists will be featured in the Triennale catalogue, website and social media platforms. 

    7. Who do I contact if I have questions?

      Please email us at indianceramicstriennale@gmail.com with “Open Call Query” in the subject line. We will also conduct a live Q and A session online on the

 
 
 
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