CPB - Programme & Projects Manager

The Art X Company; Chennai District; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Chennai Photo Biennale invites applications for a Programme & Projects Manager to lead and coordinate photography and public-facing arts programmes from planning through delivery. The role requires strong organisation, budget handling, and collaboration with artists, partners, vendors and internal teams.

This on-site, project-based position in Chennai offers exposure to a leading arts festival and opportunities to shape contemporary photography programming.

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 with budgets, documentation and project-tracking tools.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects, timelines and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate photography and public-facing arts programmes from planning through delivery.
• Manage budgets, documentation, logistics and on-ground execution.
• Collaborate with artists, partners, vendors and internal teams.

Skills

Project coordination

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Communication

English & Tamil proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Arts / Cultural Management or related field

Job description

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.

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.
• 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