Festivals From India is hiring on behalf of their client, Chennai Photo Biennale, who are looking for a Programme & Projects Manager 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 Chennai Photo Biennale:

Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) is a non-profit arts organisation dedicated to fostering photography, visual culture, and public engagement with contemporary art in India. Established in 2015, CPB creates platforms for artists, photographers, curators, and cultural practitioners through exhibitions, festivals, educational programmes, workshops, publications, and community initiatives. Its flagship event, the Chennai Photo Biennale, is an international photography festival that brings together diverse voices and artistic practices from India and worldwide. Through its various programmes, including CPB Foundation and CPB Darkroom, the organisation aims to nurture creative talent, encourage critical dialogue, and make visual arts more accessible to wider audiences.

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.
The salary band for this role is available upon request.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Cultural Management, Project Management, Events, Communications, or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Tamil.
Comfortable working with spreadsheets, budgets, invoices, documentation and project-tracking tools.
Good understanding or interest in photography, contemporary art and public culture.

Essential Experience:

2–5 years of relevant experience in arts and culture, galleries, festivals, artist residencies, art fairs, events, creative production or project management.
Experience coordinating multiple projects, timelines and stakeholders simultaneously.
Experience working with artists, partners, vendors and other external stakeholders.
Experience handling project documentation, budgets, invoices, logistics and follow-ups.
Experience supporting or managing on-ground programmes, events, exhibitions or similar projects.

Key Personal Attributes & Skills:

Highly organised and detail-oriented
Strong project management and coordination skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong follow-up and stakeholder management
Ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities
Resourceful and adaptable when plans change
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Dependable, proactive and responsible
Comfortable working independently and as part of a small team
Good budgeting, documentation and administrative skills
Interest in photography, contemporary art and public culture

CPB - Programme & Projects Manager