Name ; age ; identification ; location (ASL)?

Way Over There (WOT) Collective

With Oz Malik, Kush Kuiy, Ruth Nyaruot Ruach, Sol Fernandez, Jess Nikitina-Li and Julien Q. Macandili. The collective was founded in 2020 as a point of connection between 6 artists and organisers through the pandemic. We led with the aim of creating something new - new programs, ideas of space in the suburbs, and ways of creatively working.

Sun, Earth or Moon?

Sun! Considering it’s the furthest away from Earth, all the ‘way over there’. We’re very guided by the notion of shining light on things, spotlighting talented people, and feelings of warmth.

Why art? What drew you to it?

Each of us members were drawn to art for many different reasons, but a commonality between us all is the way art can reimagine things. We began the collective (and continue to be fuelled) because we believe that art has a lot of power that can be used for a greater good.

Favourite piece / artwork / sculpture / market / collective art experience created or worked on to date? Why?

A definite highlight was our first IRL Safe Space (Safe Spaces is a program we initially launched online as a regular space for BIPOC creatives and communities to come together). It stands out because it was the first time our team were in the same room at the same time, and even though we were connected with each other online through a difficult few years, being together in-person was a really big moment. Better yet, a great group of people we’d connected with through our programs were also there - meeting and greeting finally after so long!

“We began the collective (and continue to be fuelled) because we believe that art has a lot of power that can be used for greater good.”

- WOT Collective

If you could manifest anything to exist in the Outer South East, what would it be?

We’ve always said we are most driven to manifest a “creative ecosystem”. A strong network of artists, but going beyond art itself or exhibitions or industry; and more so a flourishing creative community. Our hope is that people feel more connected to one another through creative happenings, supporting each others’ projects. It’s hard to think of particular things to manifest because so much is currently being manifested by so many! It really feels like things are in motion.

What do you love about the Outer South East?

We could probably fill a few pages with this, but we’ll keep it succinct for now. We have a lot of admiration for the tenacity and DIY spirit of the Outer South-East. Any creators who put their heart into what they do are worth shouting out. 

Here are a couple from our PLUG series > Curry Grove (HP), Creole Corner (HP), @riddim.au < and the 2021 artists from our AIR program > @surrealartist, @izaakfolio, @jessicatanto, @nimisha4u < and photographers from the South-East @tallulahh and @bamitssam

“We have a lot of admiration for the tenacity and DIY spirit of the Outer South-East”

- WOT Collective