
Who we are
CPB Prism is the community-based & grassroots educational wing of the Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) Foundation promoting lens-based arts education, primarily for children. We empower students to leverage the arts for creative expression, documentation as well as to explore vital issues, stimulate critical thought, and drive social change. Our programs introduce and encourage alternative and creative career paths for students.
The journey so far…
1000+
students
25+
schools
3
public exhibitions
96%
satisfaction

Why Photography?
In an increasingly visual world, we believe visual art literacy is an important part of childhood learning. By understanding photography, students build an ability to see, understand, and, ultimately, communicate visually. Photography can also break barriers of spoken language and enable story-telling in a democratic fashion.
What we do
Through workshops, online learning modules, curricula, public programs, exhibitions and screenings, we show the work of internationally-renowned and emerging photographers and filmmakers alongside student and alumni work. We also provide free education programs for middle and high school students from underrepresented and/or marginalized neighbourhoods and communities.

Workshops by experienced and enthusiastic photographers

Free education programs for middle and high school students from underrepresented and/or marginalized neighbourhoods and communities.

Online Workshops for various age groups
Prism Learning Blog
- Project M3: On the Road (Train the Trainer workshop by Goethe-Institut)M3: Man, Male, Masculine is the South-Asian regional project on the theme of Masculinities by Goethe-Institut, aiming to discuss current visions of masculinity with children and young adults of both genders in India and Bangladesh. On 27th March, we wrappedContinue reading “Project M3: On the Road (Train the Trainer workshop by Goethe-Institut)”
- Peer Ponder Play: A Book ReviewBrilliantly illustrated, [the book] is an absolute page-turner, and it feels tempting to make your way through the entire book at once, rushing past the activities, but I’d suggest you savour it. Every page is carefully designed in order toContinue reading “Peer Ponder Play: A Book Review”
- Reframed: North Chennai through the lens of young residentsA photography exhibition held on February 4th and 5th at Folly, Amethyst. The exhibition titled Reframed: North Chennai through the lens of young residents showcases the work of six young photographers who are residents of the northern region of Chennai.Continue reading “Reframed: North Chennai through the lens of young residents”
What supporters say
Testimonials
NalandaWay Art Labs have been set-up in Government schools to provide children the opportunity to learn and experience visual and performing arts. We sincerely thank the organizers of the Chennai Photo Biennale for organizing photography workshops in our Art Labs for children. It gave them an opportunity to learn the techniques of photography from experts and express their perceptions through the medium.
Sriram Ayer – Founder & CEO – NalandaWay Foundation
As we rapidly advance into the digital era, there is a need for children to be successful citizens beyond the school. Therefore educating and engaging children in any form of Art leads to creating possibilities for them to be successful. The photo biennale is an excellent event to support as it provides a platform for children to experience, think creatively & learn the basics in the art of photography while enjoying the fun of taking photographs. For those children who get an opportunity to participate the biennale will become moments to remember and share
N V Balachandar, Executive Director at Ashok Leyland
THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED!
01
Donate
We need funds for our ongoing programs that include but not limited to teacher training, curriculum development, student mentoring, workshops, exhibitions and lots more! Click here to donate.
02
Volunteer
You can get involved today by becoming a Volunteer. Sign up and you will be joining a group of change-makers, a network strong enough to impact positive change in the lives of children. Email education@chennaiphotobiennale.com with your CV.
03
Champion our initiatives
– Curriculum Development
– Teaching Fellowship
– Free Photocamps in Government Schools
Email Gayatri gayatri@chennaiphotobiennale.com
In the News
- The Hindu | October 2020: Looking back at public transport through a photo series
- The Daily Hunt | September 2020: வீடு என்றால் என்ன?’ – அறக்கட்டளை மாணவர்களின் டிஜிட்டல் கண்காட்சி!
- The New Indian Express | September 2020: Capturing home in humble clicks
- The Hindu | April 2020: Chennai Photo Biennale holds online workshops for teenagers
- Times of India: Madras Art Guild second edition to begin on Jan 24 | Chennai News
- The Punch Magazine: Chennai Photo Biennale: Depths of Field
- Indian Express: With smartphones, Chennai photo fest exposes children to photography
- Wion News: Apple CEO Tim Cook lauds iPhone photos taken by school kids at Chennai Photo Biennale
- The Hindu: Tim Cook is impressed by Chennai’s student photographers
- Times of India: Tim Cook: Why Apple CEO Tim Cook is impressed by more than 260 Chennai school children
- Deccan Herald: Festival to ‘demystify design’
- Better Photography: Chennai Photo Biennale Advanced iPhone Photo Camp
- Platform Mag: Chennai Photo Biennale 2019.
- Mashable India: 25 Kids Participated In An iPhone Photography Camp, And The Images Will Bring A Smile To Your Face
- GulfNews: An international biennale of photography in Chennai | Arts Culture