Chance to snap cycles of violence

EXPOSURE: Local women's Groups, Maori Women's Welfare League and Shakti Ethnic Women's League have joined forces with The Incubator and Click Photography. Photo/supplied

The Incubator is joining forces with women's support groups to raise awareness about violence among youth by holding a photography exhibition and competition.

The exhibition will be held on November 20 along with the procession for White Ribbon Day. The initiative is led by Nishant Chaudhary, a business student from India.

"I was surprised to see and hear around my neighbourhood and friends about teen abusive relationships, and that it happened in such a nice country like New Zealand," Chaudhary said.

"The purpose of the photographic competition and exhibition is to raise awareness of young abusive relationships, not only with a significant other, but among family environments and peers as well." Local writer, poet and ARTbop alternative editor Dhaivat Mehta is also involved.

"It will be an opportunity for young people to express this unheard issue and, hopefully, the exhibition will bring the community together to raise awareness."

Both the competition and exhibition are being supported by Shakti Ethnic Women's Support Group and the Maori Women's Welfare league, with the combined goal to raise awareness in the wider community.

Shakti's mission is to empower women from Middle Eastern, Asian and African nations, and build violence-free environment in New Zealand.

The women's welfare league supports whanau in developing a safe, positive and nurturing environment for their tamariki. The competition will run through September and October, and high schools across Tauranga are encouraged to take part.

All you need is a mobile device to take and submit your entry. The entries will be judged by an anonymous panel, on the criteria of intention, execution and artistic integrity. The winners and the remainder of the entries will be on display at The Incubator, starting November 20.

"The incubator is proud to be working with Shakti Ethnic Women's Refuge and the Maori Women's Welfare league, to raise awareness of this problem faced by some young people," says Simone Anderson, director of The Incubator.

"The exhibition of photographs will be a curious experiment of expression and we are looking forward to it."
Entries can be emailed to clickphotography003@gmail.com
The photography competition remains open until the end of October.

the fine print
What: It's Not Okay! Click photography competition and exhibition
Where: The Incubator
When: November 20