Local Lithgow Aboriginal group Barrinang received a Micro Grant to work with Ngumpie Weaving to deliver an online session to participants and to mail out materials.
After the COVID restrictions are lifted the group will continue to meet either in person or continue online.
Arts OutWest provided $21,000 in micro-grants to assist 23 individuals and organisations in our local arts community during the Covid-19 crisis (more here about the grants and recipients).
The grants were small amounts for things that, in ‘normal’ times might seem small, but have allowed recipients to continue or build on their artistic practice.
Barrinang received $750 towards their project.
What did you do with the funds from your Arts OutWest Micro Grant?
Barrinang organised a zoom weaving session with Ngumpie Weaving and for participants to be provided with materials. The zoom session went for an hour and participants learnt about weaving techniques, Aboriginal culture and were able to complete their own jewellery by weaving during the zoom.
What were the benefits gained from your Arts OutWest Micro Grant and how did it help you or others during the Covid-19 crisis?
Many of the participants had not used zoom before, participating in our fun zoom gave them the experience to be able to do zoom sessions in the future. Participants were able to ‘virtually’ gather and yarn. This is significant, as when we participated in the zoom restrictions were only just starting to be lifted and participants hadn’t done any social or collaborative activities for a while. Some participants had never met, it was great for participants to make new connections with others.
Since the zoom, participants have been inspired to further their skills in weaving by continuing to meet, with some participants participating in further zooms and zoom weaving lessons.
Participants in the zoom have gathered together and have continued to learn, for example, learning how to rope weave and how to make some native animals from weaving materials. We will continue to participate in this craft as it promotes conversation, and has a calming effect on participants, as well as having a great handmade product at the end. Thank you.