The Next Wave tenancy will be extended from July 2025 for another nine years until July 2034, after being endorsed by Merri-bek City Council pending contract sign-off.
The announcement follows a competitive tender process, with five other candidates applying for use of the space.
A panel determined that Next Wave—as a multi-artform organisation with a 40-year legacy of supporting early-career artists—was best placed to activate Brunswick Mechanics Institute and
make it accessible to a broad range of artists and artforms.
“We are thrilled to be chosen for continued tenancy of Brunswick Mechanics Institute,” said acting Next Wave CEO Jacina Leong.
“Being able to provide artists with a space for creative development is important to us and so are our roots in Merri-bek.”
Media Release | FRIDAY 16 AUGUST 2024
The tender news precedes a period of exciting evolution at Next Wave, as they prepare to renew their strategic plan.
“We are embarking on the next stage of our development with a renewed commitment to supporting early-career artists here in Merri-bek and across Narrm/Melbourne,” Jacina said.
“The Next Wave Strategic Plan 2025–2034 introduces a number of new initiatives centred on our homebase at Brunswick Mechanics Institute. This includes Neighbourhood Gatherings, screenings, artist talks and workshops, as well as artist-in-residence programs for early-career practitioners with a connection to Merri-bek.”
More information on the Next Wave Strategic Plan 2025–2034 will be available in the coming months.
For more information, contact the Next Wave Communications Manager, Maddie Lakos
Email: maddie@nextwave.org.au
Phone: 0400 762 296
ABOUT NEXT WAVE
Next Wave is a not-for-profit arts organisation with a 40-year legacy of supporting early-career artists. When Next Wave emerged in 1984 as ‘Victoria’s Festival of Young People and the Arts’, it was the first of its kind.
As artist and sector needs changed, Next Wave changed with them—moving away from the festival model in 2021 and turning its focus to supporting creative development, intergenerational
artist-led learning, and industry pathways for early-career practitioners.
Their mentorship programs, Kickstart and A Rising Tide, give emerging artists the space, time and resources to support creative development.
The Next Wave Strategic Plan 2025–2034 will build on these foundations, with a focus on sustainable futures.
ABOUT BRUNSWICK MECHANICS INSTITUTE
Built in 1868, Brunswick Mechanics was the first local educational facility for the area’s fast growing workforce of tradesmen. The rooms were used for concerts, lectures, lodge meetings, dances, receptions and trades classes.
It later became a lending library and today continues its community role as arts facility. Brunswick Mechanics Institute has a studio space and black box theatre, which can be hired for
creative development including rehearsals, workshops, filming and artist talks. Brunswick Mechanics Institute is also home to the Next Wave office and is used as a venue to present their programs.
The post Next Wave secures Brunswick Mechanics Institute for up to nine years appeared first on Discover Sydney Road, Brunswick.