Next Wave is seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) for Kickstart, our flagship creative development program for early-career artists, supporting the next generation of artists, producers and arts leaders to develop new work over an 18-month period.

Download the EOI Guide:

Next Wave Kickstart 2026-27 EOI Guide.pdf
Next Wave Kickstart 2026-27 EOI Guide.doc

In 2026–27, Kickstart celebrates 25 years of championing early-career artists. Since 2001, the program supported the early development of literally hundreds of artists – many who have gone on to shape Australia’s contemporary arts sector.

Early-career artists ready to take their practice to the next level are invited to apply for this iteration of Kickstart. The program will bring together a cohort of eight early-career artists from across disciplines to develop new work for public presentation, while building lasting creative networks and professional skills.

From the seed of an idea through to development and presentation, we support artists at all stages by offering guidance, advocacy, curatorial and production support, alongside dedicated opportunities for feedback, peer exchange, networking and professional development.

Next Wave’s home at Brunswick Mechanics Institute will act as a creative hub for workshops, conversations, testing and community engagement, reconnecting artists and audiences through shared creative experiences, and culminating in a public outcome at the end of the program.

As part of the 2026–27 program, two dedicated places will be reserved for artists who live, work or play in Wyndham City, and one dedicated place for an artist who lives, works or plays in Cardinia Shire.

The Kickstart EOI is open to early-career artists across Victoria.

Submit an EOI
EOIs close Thursday 18 June, 2026

To be eligible for the 2026–27 Kickstart program, artists must:

• Identify as early-career
• Live or work in Victoria (be able to attended in-person programming in Narrm/Melbourne)
• Have capacity to participate in a program of activities delivered between August 2026 – November 2027
• Be in the early stages of developing a new work or idea

Refer to the Kickstart EOI Guide for more information:

Next Wave Kickstart 2026-27 EOI Guide.pdf
Next Wave Kickstart 2026-27 EOI Guide.doc

Information sessions

Online information session: Wednesday 27 May, 5.30pm
Join us online to learn more about Kickstart and the EOI process. We’ll share an overview of the program, what to expect across 2026–27, and how to approach your submission, followed by time for questions. This session is open to anyone thinking about applying, whether you have a clear idea or are still figuring things out. Please let us know if you have any access needs.
Register for the Kickstart Online Information Session

In-person drop-in session: Wednesday 3 June, 10am – 4pm
Drop in and have a chat and a cuppa with the Next Wave team.
Next Wave is located at Brunswick Mechanics Institute, 270 Sydney Rd, Bulleke-bek (Brunswick), VIC 3056
Get directions

If you have any cannot make any off these sessions but still wish to speak to someone about your EOI, please reach out to Next Wave Associate Producer, Julia Croft, by emailing julia@nextwave.org.au

We’re currently seeking support for our Kickstart program.

As a Kickstart Supporter, you’ll be among the first to see new ideas take shape and the first to meet the artists shaping the next decade of Australian culture.
Your investment will help Next Wave support artists at all stages – from the seed of an idea through to development and presentation.

Donate to support Kickstart
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.