Public opening hours
- Tuesday 8 September: 11:00am–4:00pm
- Wednesday 9 September: 11:00am–6:00pm
- Thursday 10 September: 11:00am–8:00pm
- Friday 11 September: 11:00am–8:00pm
- Saturday 12 September: 10:00am–5:00pm
- Sunday 13 September: 10:00am–1:00pm
Kāinga / Home / Now You See Me
Kia kitea | The Endometriosis Empowerment Project
Now You See Me.
A free photographic exhibition using portraiture and personal storytelling to make the often-invisible realities of endometriosis visible.
About the exhibition
Portraits meet lived experience
Now You See Me amplifies the lived experiences of those with endometriosis in Aotearoa through powerful portraiture and personal storytelling.
The exhibition centres diverse bodies, genders and identities. It challenges narrow stereotypes and invites visitors to build understanding, empathy and connection by standing face to face with stories too often unseen.
Delivered by Ainsley DS Creative and Endo Warriors Aotearoa, the project is guided by manaakitanga, inclusion and lived-experience leadership.
Content information
The exhibition explores chronic illness, pain, surgery, infertility, menstrual health and healthcare experiences. Some works may show surgical scars, medical devices or partial nudity in a respectful artistic and educational context.
8–13 September 2026
Plan your visit
Thistle Hall Community Gallery, 293 Cuba Street, Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). Entry is free, with koha welcome, and the public exhibition is open to everyone.
Opening Night Celebration
8 September 2026. This separate celebration is invitation only.
Low-sensory hours
- Wednesday 9 September: 11:00am–12:00pm
- Friday 11 September: 11:00am–12:00pm
- Sunday 13 September: 10:00am–11:00am
These quieter viewing times are intended to offer a calmer gallery experience.
Whai wāhitanga | Accessibility
Plan a visit that feels safe and comfortable
Accessibility is a core part of the exhibition, not an extra.
At the gallery
Accessible exhibition guides, clear signage, inclusive design and seating options will be available.
Low-sensory times
Scheduled quieter viewing periods are available on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Before you arrive
Updates about venue access, layout and available supports will be added here and shared through EWA social media.
School group visits
Photography, storytelling, advocacy and social change
Secondary schools can book a dedicated 60-minute visit with guided exhibition viewing, a talk from photographer Ainsley Duyvestyn-Smith, group discussion and time for questions.
- Available 8–12 September 2026
- One class per session
- Maximum 40 students
- Free to attend
- At least one teacher or responsible adult must supervise throughout
For teachers
Please include your school, year level, approximate group size, preferred dates and any access needs when booking.
School bookings are open now.
Meet the photographer
Ainsley Duyvestyn-Smith
Ainsley is an empowerment portrait photographer, visual storyteller and health advocate whose work sits at the intersection of art, advocacy and community care.
With more than a decade of experience through Ainsley DS Creative, Ainsley creates human-centred imagery grounded in relationship, trust and manaakitanga.
Living with endometriosis herself, she created Now You See Me to make the invisible visible, challenge narrow representations and ensure diverse experiences are seen, heard and valued.
Visit Ainsley DS CreativeMahi tahi | Work together
Support the exhibition
This charity-led exhibition is made possible through community support, partnerships and fundraising. EWA welcomes businesses and organisations that share its commitment to education, awareness, inclusion and lived-experience leadership.
Exclusive Exhibition Partner — Wellington
The exclusive partner receives naming-rights recognition and prominent acknowledgement across exhibition signage, advertising, promotional material, social media, media activity, school engagement and the Opening Night.
Community Supporters
Support may include funding, approved in-kind products or services, equipment, accessibility resources, catering, promotion or other practical help.
With gratitude
Opening Night supporters
Thank you to the businesses helping create a welcoming celebration where stories are honoured, voices are amplified and the realities of endometriosis are made visible.
NO UGLY
Supporting a welcoming Opening Night grounded in wellbeing, connection, care and community.
Visit NO UGLY
Better Tea Co
Helping create a warm welcome that reflects the manaakitanga and community spirit of the exhibition.
Visit Better Tea Co
TERPS & CO
Supporting an inclusive space where important stories can be shared, heard and valued.
Visit TERPS & COCommunity supporters
These organisations are contributing funding, products, services, equipment, accessibility support, advertising or other practical help to bring the exhibition to life.
Tap Health
Community partnership supporting access to products that may help those living with endometriosis and persistent pain.
Visit Tap Health
Fujifilm GFX
Photography and imaging support helping bring participant portraits and stories to life.
Visit Fujifilm GFX
Els Lovers
A values-aligned partnership strengthening community connection and support.
Visit Els Lovers
Endosoothe
A community partnership focused on supporting the wellbeing of those living with endometriosis.
Visit Endosoothe
Hiremaster Wellington
Practical event and equipment support for a welcoming, professional gallery experience.
Visit Hiremaster Wellington
LUMO Digital
Digital billboard support taking endometriosis awareness into public spaces across Wellington.
Visit LUMO Digital
Phantom Billstickers
Poster advertising helping more people discover, visit and learn from the exhibition.
Visit Phantom Billstickers
Rieger’s Print
Print support helping exhibition information and promotional materials reach the wider Wellington community.
Visit Rieger’s PrintGrant support
Pub Charity Limited
Pub Charity Limited’s funding helps make this free, accessible and community-focused exhibition possible.
Thank you, Pub Charity Limited
This support helps EWA deliver an exhibition that raises awareness and amplifies the lived experiences of those with endometriosis.
Visit Pub Charity Limited