Privacy Policy

SMS – Artistic & Socio-Cultural Organization

Effective Date: [05.082026]

SMS – Artistic & Socio-Cultural Organization (“SMS”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our artists, collectors, members, visitors, collaborators, and website users. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, communicate with us, participate in our programmes, or use any of our services.

By accessing or using our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

1. About SMS

“SMS” is an independent Artistic & Socio-Cultural Organization based in Kolkata, India, founded in 2009 by Puja Sarkar. The organization promotes contemporary art, cultural exchange, artist development, education, exhibitions, publications, and socially engaged initiatives through national and international collaborations.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on your interaction with SMS, we may collect the following information:

Personal Information

Full name
Email address
Telephone number
Postal address
Country of residence
Organisation or institution (if applicable)

Professional Information

For artists, curators, writers, educators, speakers, or collaborators, we may collect:

Biography
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Artist Statement
Portfolio
Website and social media links
Professional photographs
Exhibition history
Awards and publications

Website Information

When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:

IP address
Browser type
Device information
Operating system
Pages visited
Date and time of access
Cookies and analytics data

3. How We Use Your Information

The information we collect helps us:

Process membership applications
Review exhibition and open call submissions
Publish artist profiles and interviews
Organise exhibitions, workshops, talks, and cultural programmes
Communicate important announcements
Process artwork enquiries and purchases
Improve our website and visitor experience
Publish newsletters or the SMS E-Magazine (with consent where required)
Respond to enquiries and support requests
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

4. Artist Information

Artists who voluntarily submit portfolios, biographies, artwork images, interviews, or related materials grant SMS permission to display this information for promotional, educational, archival, and documentation purposes, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Artists retain the copyright to their original artworks and creative content unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.

5. Cookies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve performance, remember user preferences, analyse website traffic, and enhance the browsing experience.

Visitors may disable cookies through their browser settings; however, certain website features may not function properly.

6. Sharing of Information

SMS respects your privacy.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.

Information may be shared only when reasonably necessary, including:

Shipping partners
Payment processing providers
Technology and website service providers
Exhibition venues and collaborating institutions
Government authorities when legally required

Such disclosures are limited to information necessary for the intended purpose.

7. Data Security

SMS takes appropriate administrative, technical, and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, misuse, alteration, disclosure, or loss.

While we strive to maintain high standards of security, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

8. International Visitors

Our website may be accessed by visitors from different countries.

By submitting personal information to SMS, international users understand that their information may be processed and stored in India in accordance with applicable laws.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites, galleries, institutions, publications, or social media platforms.

SMS is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. Users are encouraged to review their respective privacy policies before providing personal information.

10. Children’s Privacy

SMS does not knowingly collect personal information from children without the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Where children’s participation is involved in workshops or educational initiatives, appropriate permissions will be obtained.

11. Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may request to:

Access your personal information
Correct inaccurate information
Update your records
Withdraw consent where applicable
Request deletion of your personal information, unless retention is required for legal, contractual, or archival purposes

Requests may be submitted using the contact information provided below.

12. Policy Updates

SMS reserves the right to update or revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, organisational practices, or website functionality.

The latest version will always be available on our website with the revised effective date.

13. Contact Us

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact: