Location: Kottivakkam, Chennai

Type: Full-time | 12-month project position, extendable based on performance.

Start date: Immediate.

Compensation: ₹40,000 – ₹50,000 per month, depending on experience.

Festivals From India is hiring on behalf of their client, Chennai Photo Biennale, who are looking for a Programme & Projects Manager in Chennai to manage and coordinate multiple photography and public-facing arts programmes from planning through delivery. The role is suited to someone with experience in project management, arts and culture, galleries, festivals, events, or creative production, who is highly organised and comfortable managing multiple timelines and stakeholders. You will work closely with artists, photographers, partners, vendors and internal teams, while handling budgets, documentation, logistics and on-ground execution.

Strong communication, follow-up, attention to detail and the ability to manage several moving parts independently are key for this role.

ABOUT CPB FOUNDATION:

CPB Foundation is a Chennai-based arts organisation working across photography, public culture, education and experimentation. Our work includes the Chennai Photo Biennale, CPB Prism, CPB Darkroom, artist residencies, exhibitions, open calls, publications and collaborations with cultural institutions and art platforms in India and internationally.

We are looking for a Programme & Projects Manager to coordinate a portfolio of photography and public-facing programmes across the year.

Please note:

- The vetting process for this role comprises 2-3 rounds of interviews and may be followed by a brief assignment.
- Festivals From India is hiring for this role on behalf of our client.
- This is an on-site, project-based, full-time position in Chennai.

ABOUT THE ROLE: This is a hands-on project management role for someone who enjoys bringing structure to creative projects and taking them from planning through to delivery. You will work primarily across four CPB initiatives:

- CPB International Photography Open Call
- CPB Lens Residency
- CPB Collectables
- CPB Darkroom public programmes

These projects operate on varied, partially overlapping timelines and do not run at full intensity throughout the year. The Open Call follows an approximately five-month cycle; the Lens Residency takes place twice a year for about one month at a time; and CPB Collectables usually participates in one or two major outings annually. There may be some overlap during busier periods. You will work with the relevant project lead for each initiative and help ensure that timelines,



communication, documentation, budgets and logistics stay on track.

THE PROJECTS:

- CPB International Photography Open Call: The Open Call is an international platform for discovering and presenting photographers from India and around the world. You will coordinate the process from applications and jury review through to the announcement and onboarding of selected photographers. This will include managing applicant communication, records and trackers; coordinating jurors; following up with shortlisted and selected photographers; and supporting artist agreements, documentation and timelines.
- CPB Lens Residency: The CPB Lens Residency brings artists and photographers to Chennai to develop current work through research, experimentation and mentorship. You will coordinate each residency cycle, including applications, artist communication, schedules, travel and accommodation, materials, mentor coordination, public presentations and final documentation.
- CPB Collectables: CPB Collectables works with photographers and artists to develop and present photographic editions and collectable works, including through platforms such as India Art Fair and Art Mumbai. You will coordinate artist and artwork information, production, inventory, contracts, pricing, fair participation, logistics, sales documentation and fulfilment. As the initiative grows, you will also help CPB develop simple and reliable systems for managing it.
- CPB Public Programmes & Collaborations: CPB Foundation hosts workshops, talks, demonstrations and artist-led programmes around analogue photography and photographic experimentation. You will help plan and deliver the programme calendar by coordinating facilitators, registrations, schedules, fees, participant communication, materials, venue requirements and on-ground delivery.

WHAT YOU WILL DO ACROSS THESE PROJECTS: Across the portfolio, you will:

- Create and maintain clear project plans, timelines and trackers
- Coordinate with artists, photographers, jurors, mentors, partners and vendors
- Manage communication, follow-ups and project documentation
- Support contracts and agreements in coordination with the relevant team members




- Obtain and compare vendor quotations
- Track budgets, expenses, invoices, payments and receivables with the finance team
- Coordinate travel, production, shipping, installation and other project logistics where required
- Work with CPB’s communications team to ensure programmes and announcements are promoted on time
- Maintain accurate records of applications, participants, artworks, sales or programme outcomes
- Flag delays, budget concerns and operational challenges early
- Support on-ground delivery during programmes, residencies, exhibitions and art fairs
- Contribute to reports, presentations and other project materials where required.

The portfolio may evolve, and you may support additional CPB projects depending on organisational priorities and your capacity. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

This role would suit someone with approximately 2–5 years of relevant experience in arts and culture, galleries, festivals, artist residencies, art fairs, events, creative production or project management.

You may be a good fit if you are:

- Highly organised, dependable and attentive to detail
- Comfortable managing multiple timelines and stakeholders
- Strong in written and verbal communication in English and Tamil
- Confident working with artists, partners, clients and vendors
- Comfortable using spreadsheets and managing budgets, invoices and documentation
- Consistent and tactful with follow-ups
- Resourceful when plans change
- Able to work independently while collaborating closely with a small team
- Interested in photography, contemporary art and public culture.
- Previous experience in photography is useful but not essential. More important is your ability to organise a project with several moving parts and ensure that it is delivered well.

WORKING AT CPB: CPB is a small and ambitious organisation where team members are given meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to work closely with artists, institutions and cultural projects. This role offers exposure to artist residencies, international photography programmes, public programming, collectable editions and major art platforms. As you become familiar with CPB’s work, you will have the opportunity to take increasing ownership of the projects you manage.

This is an in-person role based in Chennai. Some programmes, residencies and art fairs may require occasional evening or weekend work, with working schedules adjusted accordingly.

Pay: ₹40,000.00 - ₹50,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person

📌 Programme & Projects Manager (Chennai)
🏢 Festivals From India
📍 Chennai