Ever since we began our careers as photographers, we put "hosting an exhibit” on our "dream big” bucket list. You know, the list of things you don't really dare thinking they could actually happen because they seem so huge to you? Yes, that list.
And it stayed there for 4 years. The idea resurfaced in conversations here and there, before getting buried by other projects deemed more accessible.
Until the day it actually turned out to be in our reach.
Here is a tiiiiiny glimpse of what we're cooking
It is safe to say that, so far, we've never had a project aligning so smoothly. Every single projects we have created required an insane amount of hustling and hope, and many of them failed. This one was brought to us and is just clicking its way forward. And it all started with…
Meeting the right people.
Our job allows us to meet wonderful people. The kind of people who are looking to make a difference within themselves. And those people are also the ones who are ready to lend a hand to others.
Back in July 2021, we had no idea that one of our clients worked at gallery right downtown Toronto (in a building we have been in many times, dreaming of the day we will get to do something there may we add) until she casually said:
"If you guys ever need a gallery space, just let me know and I will see what I can do!”
Dyana planted the seed and we didn't think much of it, until we started working on renewing a past project: Unstoppable.
Our freshly done logo
Wanting to do something bigger.
Unstoppable was a big group photoshoot we initially launched in 2019, in order to raise awareness around the fact that just because you choose to take intimate photos of yourself does not justify you losing credibility, on top of adding a good layer of body positivity.
We had been dying to do a second edition and we were in the middle of brainstorming it when Dyana made that comment.
Then it clicked in our brains: what if we could turn this project into an exhibit?
Except it wasn't enough. A project like this becomes even more meaningful when it relates to a cause.
This was pretty much right between lockdowns in Toronto. And somehow, we kept coming across organizations and articles sharing about how much those lockdowns have made the number of women victim of domestic violence skyrocket.
Many of our clients are survivors of abusive and violent relationships. They come to us as a way to celebrate their getting out of it and reclaiming their own image.
Scandaleuse was created to give women a way to express and liberate themselves. As you can imagine, we have always been extremely touched by those stories.
And just like that, we had a chance to help differently.
This entire exhibit and photoshoot would be created to raise funds and awareness for organizations helping women victim of domestic violence.
Ok, great, but who to help?
Before we could even finish that though, the universe aligned once again: another one of our clients randomly told us about her volunteering for a women shelter in the city. She gave us some contact we could talk to and we ended up connection with both Sistering and Canadian Women's Foundation.
Getting support.
Now, we are at the stage where things are getting real. The support we have received so far has been so organic. We created a whole concept around the photographs and did the shoot with 10 amazing women. The gallery is secured thanks to Dyana. The charity is on board thanks to Apharnna. We even got a grant from the Ontario Arts Council (thank you Victoria!).
We are currently looking for sponsors and an ad agency to help us spread awareness. If you or someone you know can help, please contact us here.
We are learning many things along the way and we can't wait to show you more. In the meantime, mark your calendars for March 8th, for our big opening night!
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Supported by the Ontario Arts Council
