Located in the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven, NXTHVN is an arts incubator that stands as a beacon of creativity and community. Founded by Titus Kaphar and Jason Price, they aim to build an alternative model of art mentorship, cross-sector collaboration, and local engagement for the next generation of professional artists. NXTHVN has since emerged as a new national arts model that empowers artists, curators, and the New Haven community through education and access.

On a recent tour hosted by Yale Ventures and open to the Yale community, participants had the opportunity to explore the 40,000-square-foot multidisciplinary spaces of NXTHVN firsthand. The tour began at the entrance of the building designed by Deborah Berke, Yale School of Architecture Dean and founding principal of TenBerke. NXTHVN is located in two former factory buildings, which originally contained ice cream and laboratory equipment factories, with a new glass facade entrance in the former alleyway between the two structures. NXTHVN houses artist studios, co-working spaces, a “great hall” that can accommodate events and performances, galleries throughout, a library, studios and apartments for artists-in-residence.  

At the heart of NXTHVN’s programming is a fellowship program, which attracts artists from around the globe. Each year, the program receives over 800 applications for recently nine slots. Fellows are offered subsidized housing and participate in a rigorous 10-month artist residency, culminating in a curated group show that showcases their work. This immersive experience provides artists with essential support, including mentorship, professional development and financial backing, all while fostering the development of a strong body of work.

High school apprentices from nearby schools also play a vital role at NXTHVN, building deep connections with the neighborhood and gaining invaluable experience in the arts. This apprenticeship program underscores NXTHVN’s commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening community ties.

The tour highlighted several key features of NXTHVN, including the live-work apartments, the penthouse, and the gallery, which hosts four exhibitions a year, and a soon-to-be-opened black box theater where visitors will gather for performances, discussions, and collaborations. The space is slated to open next year. As NXTHVN continues to evolve, it is placing a greater emphasis on performance art, enriching the local cultural landscape and honoring the rich jazz heritage of the neighborhood.

One of the unique aspects of NXTHVN is its approach to supporting artists. Unlike traditional galleries, NXTHVN does not take a percentage of the artists’ earnings. Instead, it provides continuous advertisement and commercial support, ensuring that artists receive the recognition they deserve. During the tour, attendees visited Anindita Dutta, a current studio fellow living at NXTHVN who remarked "NXTHVN gives support, time, financial resources, critique, and mind care. They expect you to build a good body of work, then put you into a group show to help with the commercial side.” The tour concluded with a visit to the current exhibition, Deserve What You Dream. 

For the latest news, events, and exhibitions, visit: https://www.nxthvn.com/