The Bowie Project: Giving Cleft Stories a Voice

Kia ora, I’m Chelsea — photographer and mama to two girls. Our youngest, Bowie, was born with a cleft lip and palate, and her journey inspired me to create The Bowie Project: a nationwide photo series, journal, and exhibition sharing the stories of tamariki, whānau, and the incredible people supporting the cleft community.

The photo series will focus on portraits of people of all ages and stages in their cleft journey, alongside the professionals and volunteers making a difference.

Cleft conditions affect approximately 1 in 700 babies born in Aotearoa each year. Māori whānau experience a higher incidence of orofacial clefts (OFCs), particularly isolated cleft palate, compared to other ethnic groups in New Zealand and the global average — a disparity that highlights the need for greater awareness and representation.

Currently we’re in the research & recruitment phase of the project, and we’ve been overwhelmed with incredible applications from individuals, and families across the country who want to be involved in the photo series. The money raised will go directly toward covering my travel costs to visit participants, take their portraits, and interview them for the series.

We’ll also be applying for funding through various organisations to support the eventual publication and distribution of the final body of work. In the meantime, every donation — big or small — will be a huge help in allowing me to share these powerful stories and give the cleft community the voice it deserves.