Press Release: VIBE Arts and TO Live Present NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 4.0

“I feel more confident after seeing and learning from other artists that are in similar situations and getting the opportunity to hear different perspectives on some of the topics we discussed. I think I’ll be able to carry out my goals by finally learning where and how to access help.”

–  NExT IV Artist

March 15, 2023… VIBE Arts and TO Live present NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 4.0, an exhibition celebrating Black Futures running from March 21 to April 12, 2023 in the Gallery at the Meridian Arts Centre (5040 Yonge St, North York).

NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 4.0 is a celebration of the works by artists participating in VIBE Arts’ 2022-2023 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.

Join us to celebrate these talented artists at an opening event on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 6-9 PM. The evening will include an intimate Artist Talk and performances. This event is free to attend, pre-registration is required. Please register in advance here.

Regular gallery hours from Wednesday, March 22 to Wednesday, April 12, 2023 are:
Wednesday – Saturday, 11 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, 12 PM – 7 PM

“This will be the third year that TO Live has welcomed VIBE Arts to the Meridian Arts Centre to show work by emerging Black Artists included in their NExT Exhibition. This annual exhibition is one of the highlights of the Meridian Arts Centre Gallery, and we are proud to be able to play a role in ensuring the work of these outstanding young artists is seen by as many people as possible.”  

– Josephine Ridge, Vice President of Programming, TO Live

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.

VIBE Arts’ NExT Program is made possible by TD Bank. 

NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 4.0 is made possible with support from Entro. 

2022-2023 NExT Artists:

Andre Lopez, CJ Mayers, Jessica Campbell, Klaid, Maliik, Martin Gomes, Nia Osei, Nya, Rahim Perez-Anderson, S!sha, Sarah Okello

2022-2023 NExT Mentors: 

Akua Delfish, Anique Jordan, Anthony Gebrehiwot, Britta B, Camelle Davidson, Kofi Frempong, Myles Isley, Naphtali, Nayo Sasaki-Picou, Rich Kidd


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.