We recently had a successful launch of the SANAP WANTAIM Photography Exhibition, held from June 21st to August 4th at Pātaka Art + Museum in Porirua, Wellington. The event, which was warmly received by our local communities, featured powerful documentary-style photographs celebrating the courageous human rights defenders of Papua New Guinea. The exhibition also featured bilums (traditional hand-woven bags) created by survivors and human rights defenders from Papua New Guinea. “Sanap Wantaim” means “stand together” in Tok Pisin - the exhibition is a call to stand together against sorcery violence in the Pacific.

We were welcomed by Ana Sciascia, the director of Pātaka Art + Museum. Paul and Evelyn then spoke briefly about the impact work behind the photographs and bilums, our vision for stopping sorcery violence, and our long term goals for supporting Evelyn's safehouse. Evelyn shared, “Bilum weaving is an important practice for women in the Highlands. As we weave, we stori (talk) and share our knowledge. I teach female survivors of sorcery accusations to weave so they can earn money to sustain themselves.”

Guests savoured delectable Pacific cuisine catered by Pacific Soul Food, and the evening saw nearly all of our bilums selling out. Proceeds from the sales will contribute directly to Evelyn's Safehouse. Evelyn will hold bilum-weaving sessions at Pātaka Art + Museum until the exhibition ends on the 4th of August.

Full resolution photographs from the launch event are available here.