Eye See You: Community art exhibition celebrates visibility, identity and connection

The Incubator Creative Hub is thrilled to announce an open call for its upcoming community-driven art exhibition, “Eye See You”. This vibrant and inclusive event, held during April Pride Month, invites members of the public to contribute to a powerful collective artwork that celebrates visibility, identity, and connection.

“Eye See You” invites individuals from all walks of life, including those within the LGBTQIA+ community, to paint their own eyes or the eyes of someone they love onto wooden tiles. These tiles will come together to transform the Incubator Gallery into a stunning mosaic of human expression. Each piece will reflect the unique individuality of its creator — through colour, style, emotion, and medium — while collectively sending a bold message: everyone deserves to be seen.

Participants are also encouraged to write a short reflection or message alongside their artwork, sharing how they would like to be seen by the world. This personal touch will add depth and meaning to the exhibition, creating a space where stories and gazes intersect to foster empathy, understanding, and connection.

Event Details:

• Exhibition Title:Eye See You
• Host:The Incubator Creative Hub
• Location:Incubator Gallery, The Historic Village Seventeenth Avenue Tauranga
• Open Call Deadline:Monday 14^th April
• Public Launch Street Party Event 16^th April 5.30pm
• Exhibition Dates:17^th April – 10^th May
• Exhibition Details: https://www.theincubator.co.nz/event-details/eye-see-you-a-community-art-exhibition

Launching alongside “Voices of Hope: Behind the Smile”
“Eye See You” will be launched in conjunction with another impactful exhibition, “Voices of Hope: Behind the Smile”. This powerful photography exhibition shares stories of individuals who have faced mental health challenges, highlighting their journeys of resilience, hope, and positivity. Together, these two exhibitions create a dynamic and thought-provoking experience, exploring themes of visibility, identity, and mental well-being through different artistic lenses and the event night will be a dynamic celebration with love music , and street entertainment .

How to Participate:

1. Pick up a wooden tile from The Incubator Creative Hub during opening hours. Monday -Sat 9 -5pm
2. Register your participation here
3. Paint your eyes or the eyes of someone you love using any medium or style.
4. Write a short message about how you would like to be seen.
5. Return your tile by the submission deadline to be included in the exhibition.

“Eye See You” is more than an art show — it’s a celebration of inclusivity, visibility, and community support. By contributing to this collective artwork, participants will help create a powerful visual statement that reminds us all: every person has a story worth telling, and eyes worth meeting.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring event! Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply want to share your story, your voice matters. Together, we can create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated.

For more information, click here.