Contemporary Now 2026

Name: Contemporary Now 2026
Start: 2026-08-08
End: 2026-08-25
Location: Chennai

Contemporary Now 2026 is the third edition of a city-wide contemporary art event in Chennai, India, running from August 8 to 25. Anchored at the Lalit Kala Akademi, the festival brings together 66 artists from seven leading galleries, offering exhibitions, talks, workshops, and artist walkthroughs across various cultural spaces.

Date: Aug 8-25, 2026
Location: Chennai

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Event summary

Highlights

Third edition of a city-wide contemporary art event
Features 66 artists from seven leading galleries
Anchored at Lalit Kala Akademi with partner programs across Chennai
Curatorial theme: "Practices in Continuum: Tracing the Present"

Contemporary Now 2026 is a significant contemporary art festival taking place across Chennai, India, from August 8 to 25. This third edition transforms the city into a sprawling gallery, featuring a diverse program that includes 66 artists from seven prominent galleries. The event is anchored at the Lalit Kala Akademi, which hosts a central exhibition showcasing works in various mediums, from charcoal and textiles to digital video, exploring the curatorial theme "Practices in Continuum: Tracing the Present."

Beyond the main hub, partner programs unfold across Chennai's museums and cultural spaces, offering a rich lineup of exhibitions, discussions, and workshops. Highlights include "Continuiverse" by C Krishnaswamy at Ashvita’s, "How Long Will We Live? Or When Will We Die?" by Benitha K Perciyal at Ashvita’s Flagship, and "Madras Abstraction" presented by Gallery Veda, tracing the evolution of abstraction in South Indian art. The event also emphasizes supporting art collectors by providing a year of art insurance, digital authentication, and registration for purchased artworks.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Lalit Kala Akademi; www.thehindu.com
Area for browsing nearby events: Chennai

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.