Next Wave’s tenancy will be extended from July 2025 for another nine years until July 2034, after being endorsed by Merri-bek City Council pending contract sign-off.
The announcement follows a competitive tender process, with five other candidates applying for use of the space.
A panel determined that Next Wave—as a multi-artform organisation with a 40-year legacy of supporting early-career artists—was best placed to activate Brunswick Mechanics Institute and make it accessible to a broad range of artists and artforms.
“We are thrilled to be chosen for continued tenancy of Brunswick Mechanics Institute,” said acting Next Wave CEO Jacina Leong.
“Being able to provide artists with a space for creative development is important to us and so are our roots in Merri-bek.”
The tender news precedes a period of exciting evolution at Next Wave, as we prepare to renew our strategic plan.
“We are embarking on the next stage of our development with a renewed commitment to supporting early-career artists here in Merri-bek and across Narrm/Melbourne,” Jacina said.
“The Next Wave Strategic Plan 2025–2034 introduces a number of new initiatives centred on our homebase at Brunswick Mechanics Institute. This includes Neighbourhood Gatherings, screenings, artist talks and workshops, as well as artist-in-residence programs for early-career practitioners within a connection to Merri-bek.”
More information on the Next Wave Strategic Plan 2025–2034 will be available in the coming months.
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