About
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 2025-28.
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.
Visit us
Our home
Brunswick Mechanics Institute
270 Sydney Road
Bulleke-bek (Brunswick)
VIC 3056
Take a [video] tour
Venue hire
Next Wave’s blackbox theatre and flexible studio space can be hired for creative developments.
Visit our venue hire page for more information.
Getting here
Accessibility
Brunswick Mechanics Institute is a step-free venue (except for the mezzanine) with accessible bathrooms.
Check out the following resources for more information:
Video tour of Brunswick Mechanics Institute
Download the Brunswick Mechanics Institute visual story.docx
Download the Brunswick Mechanics Institute visual story.pdf
If you have any queries, please contact nextwave@nextwave.org.au
Next Wave operates Brunswick Mechanics Institute with the support of Merri-bek City Council
