Next Wave,

From the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Eastern Kulin Nations, Next Wave is privileged to traverse the land and waterways of this continent of many nations – to share in the act of art making and culture building – grounded on justice, friendship and care. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

About Next Wave
Who We Are
Our supporters
Work With Us
Visit us
Contact
Accessibility

Vision & Mission

Vision

A world shaped by artists.

How We Work

  • We champion artist-led experimentation, process and new ideas
  • We invest in artists at pivotal moments through long-term creative development, mentorship, peer learning and exchange
  • We create pathways between study, independent practice and the broader arts sector
  • We commission, present and advocate for ambitious new work.
  • We build audiences for experimental practice by fostering curiosity, participation and deeper engagement with artistic process
  • We advance a culture of diversity, inclusion and equity; and foster relationships that uphold First Peoples leadership, cultural authority and self-determination
  • We strengthen connections across Australia’s contemporary arts ecology, acting as a catalyst for collaboration, exchange and opportunity
  • We enable artists to build sustainable practices and shape the future of contemporary art

Through this work, we strengthen Australia’s contemporary arts ecology and help shape a more diverse, connected and sustainable cultural future.

Values

Integrity

Integrity means acting with respect, accountability and cultural responsibility in everything we do.

  • We honour First Peoples sovereignty, cultural authority and self-determination, embedding cultural safety across every aspect of our organisation
  • We create the conditions for artists to work with dignity, agency and respect, recognising that ambitious creative work depends on ethical and equitable frameworks
  • We reduce barriers to participation and champion accessibility, ensuring our programs reflect the diversity of contemporary Australia
  • We act transparently, responsibly and with care for our artists, audiences, partners and communities

Friendship & Support

Friendship is how we build community, sustain artistic practice and strengthen the cultural sector.

  • We cultivate reciprocal relationships grounded in generosity, trust, learning and mutual exchange
  • We invest in artists over time, creating spaces where people can take creative risks, build confidence and develop lasting connections
  • We foster environments of generosity and collaboration where people share knowledge, opportunities and resources

Experimentation & Discovery

Discovery comes from curiosity, courage and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

  • We back artists at pivotal moments, creating the time, space and support to test ideas and explore new directions
  • We make experimentation visible, valuing process, iteration and learning alongside finished work.
  • We embrace uncertainty and hold creative risk, recognising that innovation emerges through exploration
  • We connect artists, organisations and communities, strengthening the networks that enable new ideas to flourish
  • And we act as connective tissue across the sector, linking artists, organisations, and communities to build a more resilient and dynamic cultural ecosystem

These values are accompanied by our Commitments to First Peoples; Equity Access and Inclusion; and Sustainability: https://nextwave.org.au/about/about-next-wave/strategic-plan-2026-29

Our Commitments

Commitment to First Peoples

We are committed to creating platforms that uphold First Peoples voices, knowledge and self determination, and to embedding this commitment across every part of our organisation and program.

Read our Commitment to First Peoples

Commitment to Equity, Access and Inclusion

Our commitment acknowledges the critical importance of providing equitable access to all participants and visitors, including people who identify as disabled, D/deaf or neurodiverse and acknowledges their contribution to our society as creatives and employees.

Read our Commitment to Equity, Access and Inclusion

Commitment to Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability addresses Next Wave’s corporate responsibility as an institution.

Read our Commitment to Sustainability

Back to top