An arts crowd-funding campaign looking to raise funds to bring artworks detailing the story of an artist's childhood abuse is launching today in Tauranga.

Catherine Daniels became an artist when she found it too difficult to write about the trauma and abuse she suffered as a child at home and school.

To portray her experiences she turned to sculpture to show what she was unable to express in words.

The figures she has gone on to create have formed the basis for her touring exhibition ‘The Secret Keeper', along with photographic images by her collaborator, Esther Bunning.

The Boosted arts campaign which seeks to raise $23,000 to bring this exhibition of sculpted works and photographic images to Tauranga has been launched on Monday July 25 by The Incubator Creative Hub.

The Secret Keeper exhibition has been on display at the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry in Auckland from July 11 – 20.

The story of the artist's childhood trauma and sexual abuse is something that she has kept secret for years.

Through her works, Catherine hopes to start the important conversations needed to help others navigate their own journeys of healing through childhood trauma, parental neglect, sexual abuse and mental health issues.

'We are proud to be working with Catherine to bring this exhibition to Tauranga,” says The Incubator Creative Hub trustee and psychiatrist Dr Marcel Hediger. 'Exhibitions such as The Secret Keeper demonstrate the need for art in society.

'By bringing this exhibition to Tauranga, not only will it allow people to view these world class artworks but will also provide an opportunity for individuals and a variety of community organisations, to engage with, and bring awareness to a subject which is often shrouded in secrecy and shame,” says Dr Hediger.

Catherine will also be offering exhibitions talks to social organisations that provide services to people who have been affected by trauma.

Funds raised from the BoostedArts campaign will contribute to the costs of this exhibition, including transportation, an artist fee, artist accommodation, publicity, and conference space hire.

From Monday July 25, companies and individuals will be able to donate to the BoostedArts crowdfunding campaign online using the link www.boosted.org.nz/projects/secret-keeper-tauranga