Gallery One

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.

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.

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.