CPB International Open Call – Edition 2 opens in Chennai with three successful public exhibitions

Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation presented the second edition of its international open call showcase powered by SIGMA and supported by VR Chennai, Greater Chennai Corporation and Avtar Foundation for the Arts. Selected work reviewed by an esteemed international jury panel was presented through three public exhibitions that opened on:

15 March 2026, 12 pm at VR Chennai

19 March 2026, 5 pm at OSR Park, MRC Nagar and 6 pm at Avtar Foundation for the Arts, MRC Nagar, Chennai

The exhibitions are free and open to all and will remain open till 5th April 2026.

Key highlights of Edition 2 – CPB International Open Call

• Over 9400 photographs submitted across single image and photo stories categories
• Submissions from across 37 countries
• Over 100 photographers selected for the showcase

About the CPB International Photography Open Call

The CPB International Photography Open Call represents an opportunity for photographers and visual artists working with the medium of photography to present their creative vision and talent to public audiences in the coastal city of Chennai in South India. The open call initiated by the CPB Foundation as part of its previous Biennale edition is now cemented as an annual feature in the foundation’s programs offering an opportunity to present work across public spaces in Chennai to be viewed by more than 50,000 visitors.

Open to photographers and artists of any age from anywhere in the world, photographic work from any niche can be submitted to the open call that is reviewed by an international jury of curators, artists, and editors, providing participants with unparalleled visibility and global exposure. An open theme allows for work ranging from nature, portraits, documentary, still life, landscape photography and more to be submitted to the open call. Submissions are restricted to photographic or lens-based work, but can include combinations with other art forms such as performance, painting, audio, sculpture, literature and text.

“Photography and its presentation as art in accessible forms has always been at the heart of the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation. Exhibitions across public spaces such as parks, beaches, libraries, heritage sites, train stations, malls, and galleries invite wider audiences to encounter photographic art, while fostering awareness of socio-cultural, environmental, and regional stories through creative expression.”

•  Varun Gupta, Founding Director, CPB Foundation

“In recent years, Sigma has been expanding its role beyond that of a camera and lens manufacturer to actively support photography as an art form. Through initiatives such as its support for KG+ and the establishment of the Sigma Foundation in 2025, the company has been working closely with artists and supporting platforms that nurture emerging talent and encourage deeper engagement with photographic practice.

Guided by the belief that technology should serve the artist, Sigma’s growing involvement with festivals, publications, and artist-led initiatives reflects its commitment to fostering a vibrant global photography community. In this context, supporting the Chennai Photo Biennale’s International Open Call felt like a natural extension of this vision, aligning with Sigma’s continued efforts to champion artistic dialogue and provide meaningful platforms for photographers.”

•  Mr Seshan A, SIGMA

“This showcase brings together selected works from the CPB International Photography Open Call and presents them in an open, and visually engaging format. Without a specific curatorial theme, the display allows for a more intuitive visual arrangement that enhances the viewing experience. The presentation of the works has been designed to be accessible and inviting for a wide audience, including those who may not typically engage with art, across a mall, a gallery and a public park. Additionally, in line with our ongoing sustainable practices, the exhibition has been produced using recycled materials from previous shows, reflecting our commitment to reuse and conscious exhibition-making.”

•  Rangaprasad R, Associate Director – Exhibitions

Esteemed Jury for the second edition of the CPB International Open Call

Submitted entries were reviewed and selected by an incredible and diverse panel of jury members including:

Photo artist, Bharat Sikka (India)
Belfast Photo Founder, Michael Weir (UK)
Photographer & mentor, Karthik Rajagopal (India)
Photographer and mentor, APF, Vineet Vohra (India)
Photographer and filmmaker, Avani Rai (India)
Visual artist, Ashfika Rahman (Bangladesh)
Visual artist, Founder of JOJO Editions, Kaamna Patel (India)
Director of Education, International Centre of Photography, Per Gylfe (USA)

More details of the jury members can be found linked here. All Open Call details here.

Exhibiting Photo Artists

Link to images
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xIOTEc4Y1C_bstNL6SPjkanSht4MPYIf?usp=share_link