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Song of the Soil - A photography exhibition - COG India Art

Song of the Soil –  Photography Exhibition

Date: 7-8-9 August 2026
Venue:  ICCR Kolkata

Calling all photographers!

This is your opportunity to exhibit your most compelling photographic work at Song of the Soil, a national-level photography exhibition curated by COG India Art Foundation.

Hosted at the prestigious Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Kolkata, this edition will take place across one of its most iconic gallery spaces — the Nandalal Bose Gallery.

This exhibition is suitable for Beginners Photographers as well professional photographers. 

All selected works will be professionally printed and framed. Each participant will receive an official certificate and memento.

In each of the three categories, two photographs will be selected for Gold and Silver Awards, with exciting prizes for excellence.

Submit your entries today and be part of a national photographic dialogue that celebrates what the Colours of India.

About the Event

The Photography Exhibition – Song of the Soil

  • Venue: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Kolkata
  • Galleries: Nandalal Bose Gallery
  • Dates: 7-8-9 August 2026
  • Submission Deadline:

    23 JULY 2026

 

Song of the Soil - A photography exhibition - COG India Art

Song of the Soil

Song of the Soil is a photography exhibition celebrating the relationship between people, nature, culture, and place. Through diverse photographic perspectives, the exhibition seeks to explore the landscapes we inhabit, the traditions we inherit, and the natural world that sustains us.

The exhibition welcomes photographers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Participants are invited to submit photographs across three categories that together reflect the many stories of our world.

1. Open

(Creative & Contemporary Photography)

This category welcomes all forms of photographic expression, including street photography, portraiture, travel, architecture, conceptual work, fine art, monochrome, abstract imagery, and experimental approaches. Photographers are encouraged to present their strongest and most original visual narratives.

2. Culture & Heritage

(People, Traditions & Living Cultures)

This category focuses on the richness of human life and cultural identity. Photographs may depict festivals, rituals, performing arts, traditional practices, crafts, occupations, communities, architecture, and everyday moments that reveal the diversity and continuity of cultural heritage.

3. Wildlife & Nature

(Landscapes, Wildlife & The Natural World)

Dedicated to the beauty and diversity of the natural environment, this category welcomes photographs of wildlife, birds, forests, mountains, rivers, oceans, landscapes, ecosystems, and conservation-related subjects. Images may document the wonder, fragility, and interconnectedness of life on Earth.


About the Exhibition

Song of the Soil brings together photographs that explore our connection with the world around us. From the rhythms of everyday life and cultural traditions to the untamed beauty of nature and wildlife, the exhibition seeks to create a space for observation, reflection, and storytelling. Through these images, we celebrate the landscapes, communities, and living environments that shape our collective experience.

Rules & Regulations

1. Number of Submissions

  • Each participant must submit a minimum of Six (6) and a maximum of Ten (10) photographs.
  • Submissions may be made within a single category or across multiple categories.

2. Originality and Copyright

  • All photographs must be the original work of the submitting photographer.
  • The participant must hold full copyright to all submitted images.
  • Any form of Artificial Intelligence, plagiarism, copyright infringement, or misrepresentation will lead to immediate disqualification.
  • The decision of the exhibition curator shall be final and binding in all matters.

3. Acceptable Devices

  • Photographs may be captured using digital cameras, film cameras, or mobile phones.
  • Images must be of sufficient technical quality for professional printing at 12 × 18 inches.

4. Post-Processing Guidelines

  • Minimal Post-processed and monochrome (black and white) photographs are permitted.
  • Images must not contain watermarks, logos, borders, signatures, or text overlays.
  • Any use of Artificial Intelligence will immediately disqualify the entire submission

5. Submission Requirements

  • Each image file must be less than 3 MB in size at the time of submission.
  • All images must be submitted in .JPG format.
  • Participants must register and submit entries exclusively through the official submission portal.
  • Incomplete or improperly formatted submissions may be rejected.

6. Registration and Fees

  • A non-refundable registration fee of INR 100 is applicable at the time of submission.
  • An entry fee of INR 1400 per selected photograph is applicable for both Indian and international participants.
  • The entry fee is payable only if the photograph is selected and covers printing, framing, and exhibition display.

7. Print Specifications

  • Selected photographs will be printed in matte finish at 12 × 18 inches or an equivalent size maintaining the original aspect ratio.
  • All prints will be professionally mounted and framed under glass at the discretion of the organizers.

8. Selection and Confirmation

  • Participants will be informed of selection via email.
  • Upon selection, participants must submit high-resolution image files (300 dpi) and complete the applicable entry fee.
  • These requirements must be fulfilled within four (4) days of receiving the selection confirmation.
  • Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the exhibition slot.

9. Attendance

  • Physical presence at the exhibition is not mandatory, though participants are warmly encouraged to attend.
  • Physical certificates may be mailed upon request; delivery charges will apply.
The organizers reserve the right to make necessary changes to the exhibition format or schedule if required.
Any such updates will be communicated through official channels.
ICCR Kolkata
The Walls are waiting for your photographs. ICCR Kolkata

Exhibit on a Grand Scale: Your photograph will not only be printed and framed but also displayed at the prestigious ICCR Kolkata, where over 2,000 visitors will have the chance to admire your work.

Awards for Excellence: The top two photographs in each category will be honored with exciting prizes, recognizing your skill and creativity.

Recognition and Remembrance: Each participant will receive a certificate and a memento from COG India Art Foundation, officially registered under the Government of India, commemorating your participation in this significant event.

Opportunity to Sell: Embrace the chance to sell your photographs. Many artists saw their creations find new homes during our last event—this could be your opportunity too!

An Unforgettable Experience: Join us for a celebration of photography that promises to leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

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