A collection of stories and photos that celebrates the everyday heroes in our lives is on display at Tūranga’s Ti Pito Huarewa Southbase Gallery for the summer.
The Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi project shares honest stories about everyday people. It recently celebrated its fifth year in existence with a rebrand, a new website and now an exhibition, in collaboration with Christchurch City Libraries.
“It’s hard to believe that it's been five years since we published our first story of Flatman - one of many humans that stepped up after the earthquakes to remind us all of our humanity,’ says founder and photographer Centuri Chan. “Christchurch has been a pretty interesting place to live over the last decade. The people who live here have earned a reputation for having resilience, creativity and innovation. Our stories showcase many of those qualities.”
Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi uses a format that's been replicated all over the world - starting with Humans of New York before spreading to Bombay, Amsterdam, Melbourne - and even the Salish Sea.
The format is simple - a portrait of the human accompanied by a short story in their own unique voice. Collectively these stories reflect Ōtautahi’s heritage - a growing archive of the Humans of Ōtautahi.
“Everyone has a story worth sharing and each story is a gift, ' says Centuri. “I feel enormously privileged to be trusted to take these taonga and respectfully present them to the world. And it’s really heartening to see how people respond to them. We are so grateful for the support of Tūranga to give us the platform to share these stories.”
The exhibition opens 17 December and runs until 12 March at Te Pito Huarewa / Southbase Gallery on Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2, Tūranga. The Humans team will be hosting a number of events in association with the exhibition including writing workshops, their iconic red chair chats, and finishing with an International Women's Day speaker event.
Events
Red Chair Chats - February 2023
Humans of Christchurch / Ōtautahi photographers and storytellers are keen to hear from you and will bring their lounge and their listening skills to:
- Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre Saturday 25 February 10.30am to 12.30pm
Get your photo taken, share your story, and your image and story might be added to the Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi website!
International Women's Day Event - Everyone has a story: Wednesday 8 March 6pm to 8pm
Join in an empowering evening with a mix of speakers and performances that celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness against bias and empower us all to action for equity. This event is not just for women, but for anyone that supports gender equity. The speakers are drawn from the Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi community and each has a powerful story to share. Find out more.
The event also includes a musical performance from local Ngai Tūāhuriri artist Yvette Williams, time for kai and korero, then a short workshop from mindset Coach Courtney
Reid. A third of the ticket price will go to the Red Cross Relief Fund for those humans impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Subscribe to the Facebook event
Photos
Librarians and Imagination Station on Humans of Christchurch / Ōtautahi
Some library and Imagination Station staff and volunteers have featured on Human of Christchurch / Ōtautahi. Read their stories:
More about Humans of Christchurch / Ōtautahi
- Visit the Humans of Christchurch / Ōtautahi website
- Like Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi on Facebook
- Follow Humans of Christchurch on Instagram
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