Next Wave,

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 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.

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Venue Operations Manager

Next Wave is recruiting a Venue Operations Manager to support our work at Brunswick Mechanics Institute.

The Venue Operations Manager is responsible for oversight and delivery of technical production and venue management.

Currency: 0.6 FTE (22.8 hours)
Salary: $70,000 pro rata (plus superannuation)

We’re looking for someone with:

  • Experience managing multi-use venues or public-facing arts spaces, including day-to-day operations, maintenance coordination, contractor oversight, and ensuring spaces are event-ready.
  • Strong understanding of or direct experience with technical production working across live performance, exhibitions or events, including lighting, sound, staging, and delivery from planning through to bump-in/out and live execution.
  • Understanding of venue hire processes, including bookings, scheduling, contracts, client liaison, and supporting smooth delivery of external hires.
  • Ability to supervise and coordinate casual staff, technicians, and/or volunteers, including rostering, induction, briefing, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with experience building relationships with artists, hirers, partners, and community stakeholders, and providing responsive, solution-oriented service.
  • Knowledge of OH&S and venue compliance requirements (including training, risk assessments, safety planning, accessibility, and licensing), alongside strong administrative skills managing documentation, reporting, and operational systems.

Download the Venue Operations Manager Position Description for more information.

About us

Next Wave is a leading not-for-profit arts organisation dedicated to supporting early-career artists working across multiple art forms.

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.

Next Wave operates Brunswick Mechanics Institute with the support of Merri-bek City Council, and has secured a tender for the building for up to nine years.

Located in the heart of Bulleke-bek/Brunswick, home to one of Naarm/Melbourne’s largest and most vibrant creative communities, Brunswick Mechanics Institute is a vital engine room for artistic development and public exchange.

How to apply:

Applicants are asked to provide:

  1. A cover letter expressing your interest in the position and brief responses to the selection criteria (up to 3 pages).
  2. CV with at least two referees.

Complete applications should be addressed to Elyse Goldfinch, CEO and emailed to elyse@nextwave.org.au

Applications close Monday 11 May, 3pm

##Should you have additional questions or would like to discuss the role further, please contact:
Elyse Goldfinch, CEO
elyse@nextwave.org.au

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