Youth4Jobs & NotJustArt

presents

Global Ability Photography Challenge 4th Edition

in partnership with

India Partners - United Nations in India, UNESCO India

Singapore Partner - UNEXCLUDED (Asia) Limited

 

Join the 4th Edition of the Global Ability Photography Challenge — one of the largest and most inclusive photo contests, open and free to all persons with disabilities. In just three years, we've reached 5.3 million people, inspired over 30,000 lives, and received entries from more than 30 countries.

Submit up to three powerful images that reflect ability, inclusion, or your unique view of the world.

The top 20 entries will be showcased in an exhibition at the Global stage of Zero Project India Conference 2025, taking place on November 13–14, 2025, in New Delhi.

The top 5 winners will receive specially designed awards by renowned designer Michael Foley.

With an open theme, photos focused on disability are especially encouraged. Join over 1,000 changemaker photographers and make your mark. Submit now and let your lens speak.

Eligibility - Exclusively for Persons with Disabilities | Entry Free

Submit your Photographs Here

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Submit your Photographs Here |

 

Submissions Guidelines

 

1.No watermarks or any identifying mark are allowed anywhere on the submitted photos.

2.Digital files must be no longer than 2000 Pixels in either height or width and saved as Jpeg (.jpg), in RGB format and not exceed 4MB per file, at 150dpi.

3.Original unpublished (in print or online)

4.Send us your work which you think showcases your creativity at best.

5.One entry per person; maximum 3 photos per entry.

6.Photographers retain copyright of their images. By entering, they agree that submitted photos may be used for competition-related publicity at no cost, with proper credit given.

7. The entrant must be the original creator of the photograph and is responsible for obtaining consent from any individuals depicted. They are also liable for any legal issues arising from their submission and agree to cover related costs.

8.Youth4Jobs reserves the right to suspend postpone or amend the competition.

9.Youth4Jobs reserves the right to exclude entries and withhold selection for violating any of its terms and conditions

Scan to Upload your Images

Last Date - 30-09-2025

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Last Date - 30-09-2025 |

Prizes and Recognition​

1.Attractive Prizes for Top 5 Winners!

2.Exhibition of selected photographs through various platforms, including physical exhibitions at art galleries.

3.Certificates for winners, and for all participants.

4.Travel and accommodation expenses paid for selected Indian winners to attend the Award Ceremony in person.

5.Extensive media coverage.

7.A panel of esteemed Judges will look for sensitivity, originality and visual impact of the submissions.

 

Indian Partners

Singapore Partner


3 Years of GAPC and its Impact

 

Winners of Global Ability Photography Challenge 3nd Edition

 

Winners of Global Ability Photography Challenge 2nd Edition

 

Winners of Global Ability Photography Challenge 1st Edition

 
 

Jury from our past Three Editions

 

Global Ability Photography Challenge | Season 2 | Top 20 Exhibited Photographs

 

Global Ability Photography Challenge | Season 1 | Top 20 Exhibited Photographs

 



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who can enter?
The competition is free and open only to persons with disabilities across the globe. All levels of photography experience are welcome.

2. Can I submit toned images (sepia, gold, etc.)?
Yes, toned black-and-white images such as sepia, selenium, or gold are accepted, as long as the essence of the image remains.

3. Are digital adjustments allowed?
Yes. Reasonable post-processing such as brightness, contrast, and color corrections are allowed. However, entries must remain truthful to the original scene.

4. How many photos can I submit?
Each participant can submit a maximum of three photographs.

5. What size and format should the photos be?

  • Format: JPEG (.jpg), RGB color mode

  • Resolution: 150 dpi

  • Dimensions: No longer than 2000 pixels on the longest side

  • File size: Should not exceed 4 MB

  • No watermarks or identifying marks allowed on the image

6. Is there a specific theme?
There is no specific theme — the challenge is open. However, capturing stories of inclusion, dignity, resilience, hope, and the everyday lives of persons with disabilities is encouraged..

7. What is the deadline to submit entries?
Last date for submissions: September 30th, 2025.

8. How do I submit my photographs?
You can submit through:
🌐 www.notjustartglobal.org
📥 Google Form Submission

9. How will my photo be used?
By entering, you agree that your images may be used for publicity and promotional purposes related to the competition, exhibitions, or publications. You will be credited for all usage.

10. Who owns the copyright?
You retain full copyright. However, you grant Youth4Jobs a non-exclusive license to use your work for the above purposes.

11. Can I submit the same image to multiple categories?
Not applicable. GAPC does not have separate categories—only one inclusive theme.

12. Who do I contact for queries or support?

  • India: satyander.pal@youth4jobs.org

  • Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines: gautham@unexcluded.com



GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS

  • Submissions are free and open only to Persons with Disabilities

  • No watermarks or any identifying mark are allowed anywhere on the submitted photos.

  • Digital files must be no longer than 2000 Pixels in either height or width and saved as Jpeg (.jpg), in RGB format and not exceed 4 MB per file, at 150dpi.

  • Only Three entries per applicant are allowed and the last date for submission is December 10th, 2024.

  • The copyright of the images remains with the photographer. All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used for publicity and promotional purposes in any media related to the competition, at no charge; the photographer will be credited for the use of their work.

  • The entrant must be the sole author of the photograph and the photograph must be an original work the entrant is responsible for taking all steps necessary to protect the rights of the persons depicted, including but not limited to obtaining their permission. Also, the entrant should be responsible for any legal issues related to the entries submitted and agree to pay any costs that occur due to the same.

  • Youth4Jobs reserves the right to suspend postpone or amend the competition.

  • Youth4Jobs reserves the right to exclude entries and withhold selection for violating any of its terms and conditions

  • For any queries, please email:

  • India: satyander.pal@youth4jobs.org

  • Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines: gautham@unexcluded.com

 

In the Press

 

About Us

Not Just Art(NJA) believes each of us bring a unique perspective on earth. For the blind, ears are their eyes; for the hearing impaired their eyes are their ears. This unusual lens makes persons with disability a specialised talent pool. NJA, as a pioneer, invests in and highlights this hitherto little known talent in photography. Their photos reflect a one-of-a-kind understanding of the world

NotJustArt is a venture of Youth4Jobs which has transformed young lives with disabilities with 21st century skills and sustained livelihood linkages at scale. Moving them out of the vicious cycle of poverty to the virtuous cycle of opportunity. Not Just Art is a part of this inspirational journey of changing attitudes of society towards disability by highlighting their abilities.

In just three years, the Global Ability Photography Challenge held every year has with partners like Unesco, grown into a movement in 18 countries. Through stunning photography exhibitions and workshops, the message to corporate boardrooms is not just to hire persons with disabilities but also proudly display disability art in their offices and homes.

The Global Ability Photography Challenge (GAPC) is a global platform for Persons with Disabilities (PwD’s) to showcase their artistic talent through the transformative power of photography. It’s not just a contest—it’s a movement that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and storytelling through the lens of a camera. By capturing moments, emotions, and perspectives, participants tell their unique stories, challenge stereotypes, and redefine what is possible.

Why It Matters?

Persons with Disabilities are often seen through the lens of their limitations. GAPC changes that narrative by using photography as a tool to highlight their creative excellence, resilience, and unique perspectives.

  • Photography is more than just pictures—it’s a universal language that transcends barriers.

  • Through photography, GAPC provides a platform for PwD to gain recognition, and even create livelihood opportunities.

  • It’s a powerful way to challenge societal biases, foster empathy, and inspire inclusion.

Impact Statement

  • More than just art – it’s a revolution that turns adversity into creative excellence.

  • It creates a platform where every image and every story redefines ability.



NotJustArt comes from the home of Youth4Jobs.

Youth4Jobs Foundation is South Asias’ largest organization focussing on education and employment for persons with disabilities (PwD’s). This work is globally important as 80% of worlds’ disabled population lives in developing countries like India. Youth4Jobs has evolved to be a system changer and has partnered with governments, 1300+ companies, educational institutions, NGOs, youth with disabilities and their parents. It focuses on training the youth and placing them in jobs. Simultaneously, it supports companies with a range of services to ensure business benefits. Recently, Youth4Jobs launched a fully accessible job platform for youth with disabilities called SwarajAbility, in partnership with Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA), the Government of India, IIT Hyderabad, CII-IBDN, NIMHANS and Kotak Mahindra Bank. 21 disabilities recognised by the RPwD Act will be represented.

We believe youth with disabilities are a talent pool. To sensitise civil society, we hold an annual Global Ability Photography Challenge through NotJustArt global, a digital platform of Youth4Jobs, created to support visual artists with disabilities in India and promote their work to a global audience of art lovers, collectors, museums, and galleries


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