For Artists & Performers · Open Call 2026
We're looking for work that doesn't flinch.
"If your work asks the question society stopped asking — we want it."
Astitva — The Art Quake is a multi-disciplinary public art festival in Mumbai, 2026. We are inviting artists, filmmakers, comedians, poets, dancers, visual artists and academics to bring work that holds a mirror to what society has called normal — and shouldn’t have.
"How much of what you quietly accept was never yours to accept?"
What We're Looking For
Six formats - One Stage
Your work must address at least one of the seven social themes at Astitva.
Short Films
Narrative, documentary, or experimental. Max 20 mins. Screened at the festival with Q&A.
Format: MP4 · Subtitled
Stand-up
Sets that confront, not avoid. 10–20 mins. Comedy as a vehicle for uncomfortable truth.
Live set · Stage performance
Poetry
Spoken word, page poetry, or slam. Individual or group. Words that land where discussions can't.
Live reading · 5–10 mins
Arts Exhibition
Paintings, sculpture, photography. Work that refuses to be decoration. Physical installation at venue.
Physical work · Portfolio required
Dance
Classical, contemporary, or experimental. The body saying what words are too afraid to.
Live performance · 10–15 mins
Full too Sach
Practitioners, researchers, activists. Uncomfortable conversations with people doing the real work.
Panel · Talk · Workshop
Who Can Apply
If you make it, you can submit it.
Who
Individual artists, collectives, student groups, and NGO partners. India-based applicants. All experience levels — first-time and established.
What
Original work created by you. Must address at least one Astitva theme. Must not infringe third-party IP. Work-in-progress submissions accepted.
Language
Hindi, English, Marathi, or any Indian language. Subtitles or translations required for film and spoken word in regional languages.
The Process
What happens after you submit.
Complete the online form. Attach your work sample or portfolio link.
Our curatorial team reviews all submissions within 4 weeks of the deadline.
Shortlisted artists are contacted directly. All applicants receive a final response.
Your work reaches an audience that came looking to be challenged. Mumbai, 2026
Why Astitva
Your work deserves a room - that's ready for it.
An audience that chose discomfort
Every person at Astitva bought a ticket knowing the event is about difficult conversations. Your work meets people who are already leaning in.
25 years of credibility behind you
Astitva is an initiative of Samabhavana — a registered NGO with 25+ years of work in Gender, Disability, and Human Rights. TEDx speakers. International panellists.
Press and media attention
Astitva is actively building media partnerships. Selected artists may be covered as part of press access and festival documentation.
Your IP stays yours
Your work remains your intellectual property. Astitva gets a limited licence for festival display and documentation only — nothing more.