What to see at Contemporary Now 2026 in Chennai: Exhibitions, talks and artist walkthroughs
The third edition of the 'Contemporary Now' art festival is taking place in Chennai from August 8 to 25. The event features 66 artists across seven galleries, with the Lalit Kala Akademi serving as the primary hub.
Why it matters
The festival highlights the growth of the contemporary art scene in India and promotes cultural engagement within the city.
Art is not always something you stand quietly in front of. Sometimes, it spills into a cafe conversation, a studio visit, or even an entire city. This August, Chennai becomes a large gallery as Contemporary Now returns for its third edition, transforming museums, galleries, and cultural spaces, inviting visitors to wander, question, linger, and discover not just art, but the city itself.
The third edition brings together 66 artists from seven leading galleries, complemented by a city-wide programme of exhibitions, discussions, artist walkthroughs and workshops.
Artwork by Saju Kunhan | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
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