Organizer Information

TCG Gallery (formerly The Chateau Gallery) is an independent, New York City-based online photography platform. The gallery presents curated digital exhibitions, open calls, artist spotlights, and permanent web archives for emerging and established lens-based artists around the globe. Built around accessible opportunities, thoughtful curatorial vision, and long-term visibility, TCG Gallery connects international image-makers with global collectors, curators, and photography enthusiasts.

ELEMENTAL: EARTH, AIR, FIRE, WATER Photography Open Call

Title & Description

ELEMENTAL: EARTH, AIR, FIRE, WATER — Call for Entry

TCG Gallery has launched its international open call for Elemental: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, inviting photographers and lens-based artists to submit work that engages literally, symbolically, or emotionally with the four classical elements. Going beyond simple depictions of nature, the exhibition explores the forces, pressure, and quiet evidence left in the wake of the elements—such as weather, atmosphere, erosion, flood, smoke, stone, ash, heat, breath, renewal, and transformation. Approximately 35 selected images will be curated into a month-long online exhibition and preserved in the gallery's permanent web archive.

Categories

The call accepts Digital Photography, Film Photography, Alternative Photographic Processes, Fine Art, Documentary, Conceptual, Staged, Surreal, Abstract, Experimental, and Mixed-Media Works (provided the piece maintains an analog or digital photographic base).

Eligibility

  • Geographic & Age Scope: Open unconditionally to visual artists and photographers worldwide who are 18 years of age or older.
  • Artwork Formats: Individual standalone images or cohesive series are welcome.
  • Review Process: Evaluated using a blind review process where juror emphasis is placed solely on image quality, original interpretation, and theme relevance, rather than CV or prior exhibition history.
  • Generative AI Ban: Work created by or substantially altered using artificial intelligence tools is strictly prohibited.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Exhibition Placement: Selected artists (approx. 35 images) will be featured in the Elemental online exhibition running October 1–31, 2026.
  • Permanent Web Archive: Selected works remain permanently documented in TCG Gallery's curated online archive.
  • Global Promotion: Full artist credit and promotion across TCG Gallery’s website, newsletter, and social media networks.
  • Sales Facilitation: Optional availability for sales inquiries; the gallery retains a 30% commission on works sold directly through TCG Gallery (artists may also list work as NFS/Not for Sale).

Application Fee

  • Standard Entry Fee:$15 USD for up to 3 images.
  • Honor-System Fee Waivers: Available upon email request before submitting for artists experiencing financial hardship.

Application Requirements

  1. Digital Files: JPG or JPEG files with a minimum of 1,200 pixels on the longest side (minimum file size of 500 KB suggested).
  2. File Naming Format:firstname_lastname_title-01.jpeg.
  3. Artwork Metadata: Title, medium, print dimensions (if for sale), and pricing or NFS status. An optional image description is strongly encouraged.

How to Apply

Submit your entries and manage fee payments through the online application portal.

Key Dates

  • Application Submission Deadline: September 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
  • Artist Notification Date: September 25, 2026
  • Online Exhibition Dates: October 1 – October 31, 2026

Location

Initial application processing, jurying, and the curated physical exhibition showcase take place entirely Online.

Additional Details

Artists retain full copyright to their submitted imagery. By entering, artists grant TCG Gallery non-exclusive rights to display and reproduce the works strictly for exhibition, archival, and promotional purposes.

Website Link: TCG Gallery Official Website

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