Our vision is a world shaped by artists.

Next Wave is a leading not-for-profit arts organisation dedicated to supporting early-career artists working across multiple art forms. Next Wave plays a defining role in the Australian arts landscape by empowering and advocating for early-career and experimental artistic practice in Australia.

Through mentorships, creative developments, public programs, events, live performances and partnerships, Next Wave creates spaces for gathering and exchange, ambition and experimentation, and meaningful community connections.

Established in 1984 as a biennial Festival, Next Wave now runs a year-long program from our home at Brunswick Mechanics Institute, in Naarm/Melbourne. As Next Wave continues to evolve in response to the changing nature of artist and sector needs, its commitment to investing in and nurturing artists at the most critical stage of their career remains constant. Next Wave’s program enables artists and audiences to test ideas and push boundaries that embrace new perspectives, challenge our thinking and platform the next generation of cultural leaders.

See what we’ve been up to lately.
Check out our upcoming events.
View our festival archive, 2002–2020.
Read our Strategic Plan 2026-29.

From the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Eastern Kulin Nations, Next Wave is privileged to traverse the land and waterways of this continent of many nations – to share in the act of art making and culture building – grounded on justice, friendship and care. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Support the next generation of artists, producers and arts leaders

Every donation helps Next Wave invest in early-career artists and arts workers at a pivotal stage in their careers. Your support helps us create the time, space and resources artists need to experiment, learn new skills, develop ambitious new work, and take the creative risks that shape Australia’s creative future.

Now more than ever, sustained investment in early-career artists is essential to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable arts sector. Together, we can ensure the creative leaders of tomorrow have the opportunity to thrive.

We’re currently seeking support for Kickstart, Next Wave’s flagship creative development program. For 25 years, Kickstart has launched the careers of hundreds of artists. Your donation will help us continue this legacy for the next generation of artists.

Join us in shaping the future of Australian art. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Click here to make a donation

Interested in partnering with Next Wave? Email elyse@nextwave.org.au for more information. We’d love to hear from you!

Georgia Lucy, Gough & Margaret’s Bull Clip, Kickstart, 2025, Next Wave, Narrm/Melbourne. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Mae Hartrick.

Major supporters

Srinjoy Bose
Shelley McSpedden
Adrian Goldfinch
Max Delany
Marnie Badham
Michael Robertson

Donors

Louana Sainsbury
Isabel Frías
Georgie Meagher
Kieran Swann
Vanessa Lloyd
Alan Hill
Adam Pulford
Munasib Hamid
Mario Tsang
Zachary Lloyd
Jimmy Koerbin
Marina Khan
Matthew Barlow
Nick Mullaly
Parth Rahatekar
Jamal Ben
Gerard Shanahan
Nithya Nagarajan
Talmage Scott
Bec Cole
Tony Messenger
Drew Pettifer
Marita Dyson
Lena Nahlous
Annonymous x 7