Take a moment with us is a multimedia exhibition that has been touring New Zealand since 2011, when it debuted in Christchurch. From mid-September, this stunning show will be hosted at local Whakatāne exhibition space Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi. The exhibition, developed by IHC New Zealand, features photographs by Christchurch documentary maker and photographer Bridgit Anderson and video footage shot and edited by Sam Morrison, Tania McKenzie Bellam and Jasper O’Donnell.
“Take a moment with us was created to explore how the lives of people with intellectual disabilities are not so different from others in the community, and to challenge us to see life from a different perspective,” says General Manager IHC Programmes Janine Stewart.
The result is a showcase of sensitive documentary imagery that centres around people with intellectual disabilities. Take a moment with us brings gallery visitors into the real lives of the subjects, and offers up a vision of what it could be like if communities were more open to including everyone.
“We see the real success from the impact one story can have on one exhibition visitor,” says Janine. “We can’t emphasise enough the value of someone seeing something, walking away, and mulling it over. Almost everyone will find one particular story that connects with them – that makes them think about their own understanding and how they react to others.”
The people who feature in this exhibition discuss the ongoing challenges of finding meaningful work, making new families and having their decisions treated with respect while living with an intellectual disability. Subjects are shown in their own communities, with friends, participating in sport, at work, and following their passions.
Te Kōputu’s Exhibitions Curator Business Support Amanda Perfect is looking forward to the show. “It’s a poignant showcase of real life,” she says. “Together, the people, works and words challenge the mainstream narrative.”
Take a moment with us can be viewed in Sheaff Family Gallery at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi from Saturday, 12 September to Sunday, 1 November 2020.