NEXT UP!

Presented in the School of Art Student Gallery, NEXT UP! is a community-engaged exhibition celebrating the creativity, perspectives, and artistic voices of youth across the region. The exhibition creates meaningful opportunities for young artists to share their work in a professional gallery setting while connecting with University spaces, faculty, students, and Manitoba’s broader arts community.

Curated by current School of Art students and staff, the exhibition is designed to increase access to arts programming, strengthen relationships between high schools and the University, and support emerging artists through mentorship, visibility, and creative exchange. By bringing together participants from rural, urban, and neighbouring communities, NEXT UP! highlights the diversity of artistic practices and experiences shaping the next generation of artists.

The exhibition will be installed salon-style to include as many student voices, perspectives, and creative approaches as possible. Participating students will also have the opportunity to receive feedback from School of Art faculty members, engage with visitors during the exhibition, and take part in a public closing celebration welcoming families, educators, artists, students, and community members. Awards and prizes recognizing selected outstanding works will be presented during the closing celebration, with recipients chosen by School of Art faculty.