CPB Foundation

Promotes visual art, art education and disseminates knowledge through symposiums, discussions, photography & films

  • FCRA
  • 80G
  • 12A
  • CSR-1
Transparency Rating:
Transparency Rating
The transparency rating is calculated based on the amount of information available for the organisation.

About

  • Headquarters

    Chennai, Tamil Nadu

  • Since

    2017

Overview: The Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation (CPB Foundation) was established in 2016. It aims to foster an appreciation for photography as an art Read more form and to provide a platform for both emerging and established photographers from India and around the world. Mission: The CPB Foundation is dedicated to: Promoting Photography: Showcasing diverse photographic works in public and unconventional spaces across Chennai. Education and Mentorship: Offering workshops, mentorship programs, and scholarships to nurture young talent and expand the understanding of photography. Community Engagement: Engaging with various communities through exhibitions, discussions, and educational programs, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Cultural Dialogue: Facilitating socio-political discussions and environmental awareness through art, fostering a broader cultural dialogue. Programs and Initiatives: Biennale Events: Hosting biennial exhibitions that attract global artists and audiences. Workshops and Seminars: Organizing year-round educational programs for schools, colleges, and marginalized communities. Publications: Producing photobooks and digital content to disseminate knowledge and promote artists.


Issue

The Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation engages with a wide range of issues through its various programs and activities. These issues are often addressed through the themes of their exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community engagement efforts. Here are some of the key issues the foundation addresses: 1. **Social Justice and Human Rights**: - The foundation uses photography to highlight social justice issues and human rights concerns. Through exhibitions and projects, they bring attention to marginalized communities, social inequalities, and human rights abuses, fostering awareness and dialogue around these critical issues 2. **Environmental Awareness**: - Environmental themes are a significant focus of the foundation's work. Exhibitions often address issues such as climate change, pollution, and conservation. The goal is to raise awareness about environmental challenges and inspire action through powerful visual storytelling 3. **Cultural Heritage and Identity**: - The CPB Foundation explores themes related to cultural heritage, identity, and traditions. This includes documenting and preserving local cultures, celebrating diverse identities, and promoting an understanding of cultural histories through photography 4. **Education and Youth Empowerment**: - The foundation places a strong emphasis on education and youth empowerment. Through programs like CPB Prism, they provide photography education to students from underprivileged backgrounds, encouraging creative expression and critical thinking. These programs aim to inspire young people and provide them with skills and opportunities for personal and professional growth 5. **Mental Health and Well-being**: - Some of the foundation's initiatives address mental health and well-being, using photography as a therapeutic tool and a means of exploring and expressing mental health issues. Workshops and exhibitions often provide a platform for discussing mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting well-being through creative expression 6. **Gender Equality**: - The foundation engages with issues of gender equality, showcasing works that highlight women's experiences and challenges. They support and promote female photographers, creating opportunities for women to tell their stories and contribute to the photographic community. 7. **Urban Development and Community Life**: - Issues related to urban development, community life, and the changing landscapes of cities are also explored. Projects and exhibitions document urbanization, the impact of development on communities, and the social dynamics within urban environments By engaging with these diverse issues, the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation leverages the power of photography to raise awareness, inspire action, and foster a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities.


Action

The Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation (CPB Foundation) is dedicated to promoting photography as an art form and practice. It engages the community through a variety of educational programs, events, and initiatives that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and social change. Here are the key activities of the CPB Foundation: 1. **Biennial Photography Festival**: - The foundation's flagship event is the Chennai Photo Biennale, a city-wide public art festival held every two years. This festival showcases works from national and international photographers through exhibitions, workshops, and public art installations, providing a platform for artistic exchange and collaboration 2. **CPB Prism**: - CPB Prism focuses on empowering students through photography education. It offers workshops, online learning modules, and curricula tailored to middle and high school students, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds. The program encourages creative expression and introduces students to alternative career paths in the arts 3. **CPB Learning Lab**: - This initiative serves as a community center and library aimed at fostering critical discourse around photography. It provides resources and space for discussions, research, and learning, helping to build a knowledgeable and engaged community of photographers and enthusiasts 4. **CPBx**: - CPBx supports residencies, grants, and long-term collaborations for photographers and visual artists. This program aims to provide artists with opportunities to develop their work, engage in creative exchanges, and contribute to the cultural landscape through their art 5. **Photo Kadai**: - An annual event held on World Photography Day, Photo Kadai is a pop-up fair featuring photo prints, merchandise sales, cyanotype demos, and activities for students. This event celebrates photography and supports the foundation's mission by raising funds through sales of art and merchandise 6. **Educational and Outreach Programs**: - The CPB Foundation conducts various workshops, exhibitions, and educational initiatives aimed at broadening access to photography. These include photo walks, interactive activities for children, and community engagement projects that highlight the cultural and social significance of photography 7. **Publications and Artist Folios**: - The foundation produces and distributes publications and collectible artist folios that feature works from the biennale and other projects. These publications are often made available to the public, libraries, and educational institutions, helping to disseminate the artistic contributions and insights of participating photographers The CPB Foundation is committed to nurturing a vibrant photographic culture in Chennai and beyond, leveraging the power of photography to inspire, educate, and bring about social change.

Impact

The Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation has had a measurable impact on various fronts, reflecting its commitment to promoting photography as an art form and addressing key social issues. Here are some specific areas where its impact can be measured: 1. **Educational Outreach** - **Workshops and Programs**: The CPB Foundation has conducted numerous workshops and educational programs, reaching thousands of students and young photographers. These programs have provided skills training and creative opportunities to students, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds - **CPB Prism**: This initiative has engaged students through workshops, online learning modules, and curricula, impacting over 1,000 students annually. It introduces students to alternative career paths in the arts and fosters creative expression 2. **Community Engagement** - **Public Exhibitions**: The biennale exhibitions have brought contemporary photography to public spaces, attracting large audiences. For example, the 2019 edition of the Chennai Photo Biennale saw over 300,000 visitors across various venues in the city - **Photo Walks and Events**: Regular photo walks and community events have engaged local communities, promoting cultural heritage and urban exploration. These events have seen participation from hundreds of community members, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation 3. **Artist Support and Development** - **Residencies and Grants**: The CPBx initiative has provided residencies and grants to numerous artists, enabling them to develop their projects and gain international exposure. This support has led to significant artistic outputs and collaborations, enhancing the careers of emerging photographers - **Exhibitions and Publications**: The foundation has showcased the work of hundreds of photographers through its biennales and publications, providing them with a platform to reach broader audiences and connect with other professionals in the field 4. **Awareness and Advocacy** - **Social and Environmental Issues**: Through thematic exhibitions and projects, the foundation has raised awareness about critical issues such as social justice, human rights, and environmental conservation. These projects have sparked conversations and influenced public perception, contributing to broader societal change 5. **Cultural Impact** - **Promoting Photography as an Art Form**: The foundation has played a pivotal role in elevating the status of photography in India, making it more accessible and appreciated as an art form. This cultural impact is evident in the growing interest in photography and the increasing number of local photographers gaining recognition - **International Collaboration**: The biennales have featured works from international artists, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. This has enhanced the global profile of Chennai as a hub for contemporary art and photography ### Summary of Key Metrics: - **Visitor Attendance**: Over 15,00,000 visitors to the biennale exhibitions. - **Educational Impact**: Over 70,000 students engaged annually through CPB Prism. - **Community Participation**: Hundreds of participants in photo walks and community events. - **Artist Support**: Numerous residencies and grants awarded to emerging photographers. - **Publications and Exhibitions**: Hundreds of photographers showcased in exhibitions and publications. By leveraging the power of photography, the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation continues to make a significant impact on education, community engagement, artist development, and cultural awareness, contributing to the social and artistic landscape of Chennai and beyond.

Programs

  • Kanavu Fellowship

    The Kanavu Fellowship, organized by the Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) Foundation, is an impactful program designed to empower women in Tamil Nadu through photography and filmmaking. This year-long fellowship aims to address the gender gap in these fields by providing five deserving candidates with the skills and mentorship needed to pursue careers in photography and film.

Impact Metrics

  • Visitors

    Program Name

    Exhibitions

    Year-wise Metrics
    • 2019-20 50000
    • 2023-24 1500000

Leadership Team

  • Varun Gupta

    Biennale Director

  • Shuchi Kapoor

    Director of Community and Partnerships

Demographics & Structure

  • No. of Employees

    6-20

M&E

  • Internal, External Assessors

    No

Policies

  • Ethics and Transparency Policies

    No

  • Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy

    No

Political & Religious Declarations

  • On Affiliation if any

    No

  • On Deployment Bias if any

    No

Registration Details

  • PAN Card

    AACTC2289F

  • Registration ID

    UR NO.AACTC2289F/05/18-19/ T-0813

  • 12A

    AACTC2289FE20215

  • 80G

    AACTC2289FF20213

  • FCRA

    075901512

  • CSR Registration Number

    CSR00018780

Location

  • Headquarters

    2/342 A, 1st Link Rd, AGS Colony, Kottivakkam, Chennai, 600041

    Directions
  • Offices in Cities

Other Details

  • Parent Organisation

    N/a

  • Sister Organisation

    N/a

  • Type & Sub Type

    Non-profit
    Trust

Financial Details

 Income / Expenses
  • 2022-23

    Income
    Rs.11,105,830
    Expenses
    Rs.10,556,106
    Admin Expenses
    Rs.900,000
    Program Expenses
    Rs.9,656,106
    Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.
  • 2023-24

    Income
    Rs.21,933,488
    Expenses
    Rs.29,822,999
    Admin Expenses
    Rs.6,571,200
    Program Expenses
    Rs.23,251,799
    Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.