Swell is a new initiative, commencing in late 2026, supporting emerging curators/producers to create collaborative presentations showcasing the work of recent graduates from art schools, universities, and technical institutions across Naarm and greater Melbourne. Taking its name from the metaphor of a rising force — a gathering wave of creative energy — Swell recognises the momentum, potential, and impact of emerging voices in Australian arts and culture.
Designed to bridge the gap between study and professional practice, Swellprovides a platform for early-career artists to present work beyond the confines of the university or artist-run-initiative (ARI) circuit. The program supports curated group exhibitions and projects that take place in a professional context, backed by Next Wave’s team of skilled technicians, producers and networks. Artists and curators gain vital experience in presentation, collaboration, and critical dialogue, with the added benefit of institutional support and mentorship.
Crucially, Swell is co-designed with emerging artists and arts workers, and acknowledges that not all curators and producers come through formal channels. The program welcomes those from non-traditional or community-driven pathways, and places equal value on lived experience, cultural leadership, and alternative forms of knowledge. It is committed to demystifying the arts sector by fostering embedded learning, shared processes, and equitable modes of leadership and decision-making.
Swell acts as both a gathering point and launchpad — an incubator for artistic ideas, curatorial experimentation, and professional connection, with a strong emphasis on access, dialogue, and mutual learning.
More information coming soon