NXTHVN, currently in development, is an ambitious art space housed in a former manufacturing plant in the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven, Connecticut. Its mission is to cultivate a sustainable creative community that attracts and supports talent within and beyond New Haven.

Each year, NXTHVN welcomes seven emerging artists, two curators, and five high school apprentices to participate in its highly-competitive Fellowship and Apprenticeship programs. With a focus on mentorship, professional development, and hands-on training, the cohort works collaboratively to cultivate their practices within the context of New Haven’s creative community.

The NXTHVN team, with Deborah Berke Partners, has designed a unique shared environment—within a state-of-the-art facility—where artists, curators and the local community converge to make art, exchange ideas, and extend their networks.

​NXTHVN’s comprehensive, year-long Fellowships provide dedicated work space, a generous stipend, a rigorous professional development curriculum, and ongoing mentorship opportunities for early-career artists and curators.

Some examples of our workshops and seminars include: Strategic Planning, Money Management, Contracts (Art and Law), Online Portfolio Development, Visiting Curator Discussions and Critiques, Professional Artist Talks, and Gallery and Collection Tours.

NXTHVN’s unique pedagogy focuses on both the theoretical and practical components of establishing and nurturing a sustainable art practice. Our curriculum features bi-monthly workshops and seminars led by esteemed industry leaders and visiting lecturers.

In addition to active participation in cohort-building activities, each fellow mentors a local high school student through our Apprenticeship Program to ensure the next generation of talent is given a chance to excel in the arts.