“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 journey to make things happen with the resources around me”
– NExT III Artist
March 8, 2022… VIBE Arts and TO Live present NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 3.0, an online and in-person exhibition celebrating Black Futures, March 16 – 31, 2022.
The Future of Art Exhibition 3.0 will run 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. Join us for the exhibitions launch and artist talk Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 6 PM. Please register in advance here. This event is free to attend. If you’re unable to make it, we will be holding a virtual artist talk on Zoom Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 6PM. Register here.
NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 3.0 is a celebration of the works by artists participating in VIBE Arts’ 2021-2022 Black Youth Mentorship Program. Short for Network and Explore Together, NExT was built on the vision to build, connect, and strengthen networks of Black artists throughout the GTA and to increase the visibility of Black Youth Artists in public Canadian exhibitions. This program supports the truth that Black perspectives are essential in shaping the future of the arts.
“VIBE Arts creates invaluable opportunities for young Black artists, and when the exciting work of these talented 2021 NExT participants was first displayed in the windows of the St Lawrence Centre last year, TO Live was proud to play a part”, said Josephine Ridge, Vice President of Programming. “The success of that installation led to these plans to show the work in our Gallery and to provide further support to ensure that the stories, art and filmed performances of these passionate artists be experienced by many more people.”
NExT Artists have participated in a 9 month mentorship program which included 1-on-1 mentorship sessions with our roster of professional artists and creatives, attended professional development workshops and networking opportunities, as well as received funding to create new work that is now being exhibited to the general public.
2021-2022 NExT Artists:
Chawntay Barrett, Glowz, Jadyn “machiinegunfunkk” Hardie-Bardy, Janine Ilya, Jasmine Vanstone, Kanisha Dabreo, Mennen, Myles Isley, Prince, Shahaddah Jack, Tristan Sauer
2021-2022 NExT Mentors:
Akua Delfish, Anique Jordan, Anthony Gebrehiwot, Britta B, Darkie, Darren Anthony, Desiree Mckenzie, Kofi Frempong, Nayo Sasaki-Picou, Rich Kidd, Yemina Salome
VIBE Arts’ NExT Program is made possible by TD Bank.
NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 3.0 is made possible with support from AIR MILES and Entro.
About VIBE Arts
Established in 1995, VIBE Arts is a charity dedicated to providing arts education and professional artistic mentorship to the next generation of creatives. VIBE seeks to increase access and equity to the arts to encourage wellness, resilience and a sense of belonging.
VIBE values the significance of lived experiences, and NExT is one of many initiatives created to invest in this truth by creating and strengthening networks of Black artists, creating spaces and opportunities to help overcome barriers.
Stay in Touch! vibearts.ca | @VIBEArtsTO
About TO Live
TO Live is one of Canada’s largest multi-arts organizations, operating three iconic venues: Meridian Hall, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, and Meridian Arts Centre. In addition, TO Live presents a full range of performing arts, theatrical, and concert events at these venues in both downtown and uptown Toronto. With these two hubs of creativity and content creation, TO Live has a unique place and perspective to activate creative spaces by inspiring local and international artists, connect audiences and to be the nexus for new ideas, elevate artistic potential, and be the catalyst for creative expression that is reflective of Toronto’s diversity. For more information, visit www.tolive.com