Four decades, 18 festivals, a transition to year-round programming and hundreds of dream-realising moments later, Next Wave remains committed to the future of early-career artists and their work.
“Next Wave has shaped the Australian arts landscape, playing a pivotal role empowering, elevating and advocating for the next generation of artists,” said Next Wave Acting CEO/Director Jacina Leong.
“While Next Wave has moved away from its festival approach, responding to continued sector needs for sustainable working practices, our commitment to early-career artists – to the provision of space, time and resources to support creative development – has remained constant.”
And you better believe we’re going to celebrate.
In 2024, Next Wave is bringing artists from across the country together for All School LAB, a program of artist-led talks, performances and activities running over 24 and 25 May.
A nod to Next Wave’s past, present and future, All School LAB will unite artists from past festivals with our current national Artistic Directorate and Kickstart cohort to reflect on our 40-year history and dream up possible futures.
The program will include art lectures, performances and installations, even a pickling workshop – all culminating in an art party curated by Next Wave’s very own Young Artistic Directorate.
Next Wave will also be launching Ripple Effects: share your Next Wave story – an online invitation to artists and audience with a connection to Next Wave to share their memories and experiences of our 40-year history. With their help, we will paint a community-led story about the wide-reaching and ongoing impacts of Next Wave.
Next Wave board member, artist, director and disability advocate Jodee Mundy OAM reflects on the first time she engaged with Next Wave, saying it changed the course of their career.
“In 2002 I was asked to be Director of a show created by Asphyxia – a Deaf artist who was in the Kickstart Program,” Jodee said.
“This was my first paid opportunity I received after graduating – it was extraordinary to imagine that I could be paid, and it instilled such a sense of pride and self-belief and gave me the confidence to believe in my skills and to be valued as a young, emerging arts professional.”
This year Next Wave is also initiating an ambitious fundraising campaign, aiming to raise $40,000+ to bolster the 2025 program.
“Now more than ever, our long-term investment in early-career artists and arts workers is critical to ensure the arts and cultural sector of the future is vibrant, equitable and strong,” said Jacina.
2025 will be a crucial year for Next Wave as we not only commemorate the anniversary of the first festival but continue to move beyond the festival model with a program of artist-led learning and creative development.
But for now, let’s celebrate!
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When: Friday 24 – Saturday 25 May, 2024
Where: Melbourne
The full program for All School LAB will be released in late April. Follow us on social media for updates. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop.
We want to hear about your Next Wave experiences, fill out our online form to share your story.
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