MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY AMPLIFIES THE VOICES OF 11 INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS THROUGH INNOVATIVE AUDIO-VISUAL EXHIBITION

In collaboration with internationally renowned director and photographer Tom Gould, mental health charity Voices of Hope is proud to announce the opening of Behind the Smile, an innovative and immersive audio-visual exhibition, open from 4-28 February 2026 at Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa.

A striking photo and audio series, Behind the Smile profiles 11 everyday people who have faced mental health challenges throughout their lives. Moving beyond a traditional visual exhibition, the experience is interactive, reflective, and deeply human.

Visitors are invited to listen to each individual share their lived experience via their own mobile device, while engaging with powerful, high-contrast portrait photography displayed throughout the gallery.

The exhibition is a call to be more curious, empathetic, and connected - a reminder that everyone carries struggles you can’t always see. For the full immersive experience, visitors are encouraged to bring their own device and headphones.

Voices of Hope co-founder Genevieve Mora says the exhibition amplifies lived experience and creates hope through connection.

“We are on a mission to inform, empower, and spread hope by amplifying inspiring voices of lived experience. For Behind the Smile, it was important to us to share the stories of everyday Kiwis, so audiences can resonate, reflect, and leave the space feeling hopeful and inspired. We’re excited to bring this exhibition to a new community and continue creating meaningful impact.”

The project was more than a year in the making, with Gould and the Voices of Hope team travelling across Aotearoa to visit each participant’s ‘happy place’ - capturing their essence in its truest form.

The exhibition has been touring New Zealand for the past two years, spreading hope and positive mental health messaging along the way.

Kim Boyd, Curator, Estuary Arts Centre, says:

“Behind the Smile is a powerful and compassionate exhibition that invites people to pause, listen, and connect. We are proud to host this important kaupapa at Estuary Arts Centre and provide a space where lived experience is honoured, stigma is challenged, and meaningful conversations about mental health can begin.”

Voices of Hope warmly invites the community to visit Estuary Arts Centre, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa, to experience Behind the Smile and be inspired by the courage, vulnerability, and strength of each featured individual.

To anyone who may be struggling - you are not alone. It’s not weak to speak.

*Please note, this exhibition covers sensitive topics and we strongly recommend parental guidance for younger viewers.

About Voices of Hope

Voices of Hope is a New Zealand mental health charity co-founded in 2017 by Genevieve Mora and Jazz Thornton. Dedicated to sharing lived experience stories, Voices of Hope exists to promote understanding, encourage help-seeking behaviours, and spread hope. Through storytelling, education, and community connection, the organisation aims to foster empathy and reshape conversations around mental health across Aotearoa and beyond.

About Tom Gould

Tom Gould is an award-winning director and photographer from Aotearoa, New Zealand. His work has been published and exhibited internationally, including at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts), and the British Film Institute. Gould has also collaborated with globally recognised brands including Ralph Lauren, Nike, the NBA, Timberland, and Adidas.

About Estuary Arts Centre

Estuary Arts Centre exists to grow and sustain a thriving arts community by collaborating with others, offering quality arts education, and presenting diverse exhibitions. Governed by the Estuary Arts Charitable Trust, the centre operates as a creative hub for the Hibiscus Coast and wider Auckland region.