Next Wave is calling for emerging and early career artists across Australia working in moving image to be part of Around the Block, a unique six-week screening series that transforms the facade of Next Wave’s building and unfolds along Bulleke-bek/Brunswick’s artistic precinct.

There are six opportunities available to exhibit across two screens over two weeks. Each selected artist will receive an artist fee of $500 + 12% superannuation, installation and basic technical support, producing and coordination support, and access support where required.

Our vision is a world shaped by artists—help us bring it to life by sharing work that is experimental, imaginative and goes beyond the institution into the street.

Read our FAQs below for more information about the program.

If you wish to talk through your application with us, please sign up for our online information session on Wednesday 15 April.

Apply now

EOIs close Friday 1 May, 2026

What is Around the Block?

Around the Block unfolds along Brunswick’s artistic precinct as a loose trail of moving image works spilling across windows, buildings, storefronts, and public screens. It’s a program to encounter in passing, on your way home, over dinner, or while drifting through the neighbourhood after dark. Works rotate throughout winter, allowing the program to shift over time – something to return to or stumble upon again.

Next Wave is teaming with our neighbours at Black Dot Gallery as well as Merri-bek Council’s Michelle Guglielmo Park, Counihan Gallery and the Brunswick Library to create an expanded program in 2026.

This application is for Next Wave only – check out Blak Dot Gallery’s EOI as well.

How many artists are you selecting?

Next Wave will select six artists with each artist will exhibit across two screens for two weeks.

What kind of work can I submit?

We’re looking for moving image works that can be presented in the street-facing windows of Brunswick Mechanics Institute along Sydney Road.

What is expected if I am selected?

• Present or adapt a work for a public-facing site
• Attend a site visit (date TBC)
• Install your work ahead of your scheduled presentation period
• Participate in a shared public program. This could be in person or as part of our Artist-Led Learning School (ALL School), e.g. short artist talk, podcast conversation or written reflection.

What support is provided?

• An artist fee of $500 + 12% superannuation
• Installation and basic technical support
• Producing and coordination support
• Access support where required

What are the technical requirements?

• Works should be suitable for portrait-oriented screens (9:16, 1080 x 1920)
• Screens do not sync - each should be considered independently
• No audio capacity (visual or text-based work recommended)
• Files should be supplied as a video file (e.g. MP4) via USB or digital transfer

How should I supply my work?

The final file must be delivered as a video file (e.g. MP4) on a USB or via digital file transfer (such as Google Drive).The works will play through two independent Lupa media players onto portrait orientated screens on a loop.

How long should my work be?

Works will play on a loop. Around five minutes is ideal, but we can be flexibile as needed. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss.

Will there be technical support?

Next Wave staff can support you with setting up the correct specifications for your artwork,
and support with testing and troubleshooting ahead of your launch, however as we are a small team we cannot provide technical support for the development of the works.

Can collectives apply?

Yes. Collectives are welcome to apply, however the artist fee remains the same.

Do I have to be emerging or early-career?

Yes. Next Wave works with emerging and early-career artists. We recognise that this is not defined by age, and that artists may enter or return to practice at any stage of life.

If you consider yourself to be in an emerging or early stage of your practice, we encourage you to apply.

Can I apply if I’m not based in Merri-bek or Victoria?

Yes. This opportunity is open nationally, however we will prioritise local connections where we can.

Can I propose a new work?

Yes, but proposals should be achievable within the scope of the artist fee and timeline. The program is best suited to existing works or projects that can be lightly adapted.

How will I be paid?

Next Wave will issue an artist agreement, and payment will be made upon return of a signedagreement and delivery of an invoice.

Is there a launch or public event?

There will be a shared launch event across the precinct to open the program featuring a walking tour across all sites. Smaller activations will take place across the six-week program (TBC).

Do I need a Google account to apply?

No. However, if you do not use Google you will not be able to upload files but can still share links. If you have any problems or you’re unable to access the online form, please contact us and we can provide an alternative way to apply.

Who selects the artists?

Artists are selected by a panel of Next Wave staff, with support from our Arts Advisory.

Will Next Wave document the program?

Next Wave will capture some event documentation. Artists are responsible for their own project documentation.

What if I need access support?

Next Wave is committed to access and inclusion. Support is available, please let us know what support you require.

Can I apply if I am not an Australian citizen or don’t have an ABN?

Yes, you are still eligible to apply

Do I need to submit a report or acquittal?

No

2026 Key dates

Callout opens: Thursday 2 April
Online info session: Wednesday 15 April, 5:30pm
Applications close: Sunday 1 May
Presentation periods: June–August

I still have questions

Get in touch via email! We’re happy to chat (or grab a cuppa ☺)
julia@nextwave.org.au

Supported by Arts Merri-bek Flourish Arts Grants 2025–2026

Notes:

Around the Block is an evolution of Next Wave’s 2025 Winter Windows program.

Winter Windows 2025 featured local artists Axel Garay and Liwen Lian, who presented digital works responding to the theme Possible Worlds: Imagined Futures.

The program evolved to incorporate winter night screening programs at Blak Dot, Counihan Gallery and Michelle Gugliemo Park – continuing as Around the Block in 2026.