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 currently made possible by the Canada Council for the Arts.
Past NExT Cohorts
NExT Cohort VI
NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 6.0
VIBE Arts and TO Live presented NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 6.0, an exhibition celebrating Black Futures March 20 – April 9, 2025 in the Gallery at the Meridian Arts Centre.
NExT Cohort V
NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 5.0
VIBE Arts and TO Live presented NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 5.0, an exhibition celebrating Black Futures March 21 – April 7, 2024 in the Gallery at the Meridian Arts Centre.
NExT Cohort IV
NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 4.0
VIBE Arts and TO Live presented NExT: The Future of Art Exhibition 4.0, an exhibition celebrating Black Futures that ran from March 21 – April 12, 2023 in the Gallery at the Meridian Arts Centre.
NExT IV was made possible by TD. This exhibition is presented in partnership with TO Live, with support from Entro.
NExT Cohort III
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.
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.
