We checked in with Mandy to see how the project is travelling and how necessary this support was at this time.

What did you do with your Arts OutWest micro grant?

I used the funds to buy art materials and assist with freight from Melbourne for Crossings, the project in development for the Fremantle Biennale 2021.

Further COVID delays and price increases meant that I was only able to afford the freight company Moving Pictures to deliver everything to Canberra on the eve of the most recent lockdown and I borrowed a ute and drove to Canberra for them.

I am now happily working in the studio on preparatory studies and am installing the suite of six canvases ready to paint in due course.

I received money as well from Sidney Myer and the Survive Ozco funding, so with Arts OutWest, I pulled together a total of $4000, which came closer to paying my materials and freight, which is terrific, as all other gigs and sales have stalled and been postponed and I was ineligible for JobSeeker.

Tristen Parr, on behalf of our project, recently received a small development grant from the Mindaroo trust in WA which will cover the development en situ when travel restrictions are lifted and engage an Indigenous mentor.

What were the benefits gained from your Arts OutWest micro grant and how did it help you or others during the COVID-19 crisis?

The direct benefit of my Arts OutWest micro grant is that we are able to participate in this high profile event.

The program and the location allocated to us are exciting and it will not only promote the climate change issues we are presenting, but will also promote us as artists, hence AOW [Arts OutWest].

We have been open about the work challenging the notion that there should be a gas-led recovery from COVID and see our role as artists as part of the democratic right to question this industry and government push.