NExT: Black Futures Program
NExT is VIBE Arts’ Black Youth Mentorship Program. NExT – short for Network and Explore Together – was built on the vision to build, connect, and strengthen networks of Black artists throughout the GTA.
The program was developed, with barriers in mind, to increase visibility of Black Youth Artists in public Canadian exhibitions. Throughout the program, members of the cohort receive multiple one-on-one mentorship opportunities and access to valuable programs and opportunities.
NExT creates a shared understanding and space to overcome the barriers faced by upcoming artists in pursuit of artistic success.
The NExT Program is made possible by TD Bank Financial Group.
EVENT – NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 3.0
VIBE Arts, in partnership with TO Live, presents NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 3.0, an online and in-person exhibition celebrating Black Futures.
The exhibition ran online and in the Gallery at the Meridian Arts Centre (5040 Yonge St, North York), in accordance with local COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, from March 16-31, 2022.
This exhibition was presented in partnership with TO Live, with funding support from AIR Miles and Entro.
The exhibit continues to run on TOLive.com as an online gallery.
Past NExT Cohorts
NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 2.0
On March 25, 2021 VIBE presented the Online Launch of NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 2.0. This online celebration featured performances by NExT Artists and a virtual walkthrough of the Exhibition. The evening also included an intimate Artist Talk to learn more about the participants’ journey through this program and what mentorship looks like during these trying times.
NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 2.0 ran online and as a window exhibit at The St Lawrence Centre For the Arts (27 Front St. E., Toronto ON),
in accordance with local COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, from March 22-May 25, 2021. This exhibition showcased the art that participants created throughout their NExT journey and celebrated their achievements as Black creatives. If you want to hear more from these talented artists, watch their artist videos on our IGTV!
This event was presented in partnership with TO Live.
The exhibit continues to run on TOLive.com as an online gallery.
NExT: The Future of Art 2020
On March 5, 2020 at Fort York Visitor Centre, we hosted an opening reception for VIBE’s Black Futures Exhibition, NExT: The Future of Art.
This exhibition showcased the art that participants created throughout their NExT journey and celebrated their achievements as Black creatives.
This event was presented in partnership with Toronto History Museums.
News from the NExT Program
Press Release: VIBE Arts, in partnership with TO Live, presents NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 3.0
“I felt a shift happen when I realized that I can utilize these resources to help me keep hustling towards my goals. My confidence is more so rooted in a plan now rather than wishful thinking. And that's extremely powerful for me because I can take steps on my own...
For more information or to find out how you can get involved in NExT, contact info@vibearts.ca.