Since its founding 10 years ago, The Next Festival for Emerging Artists has become a mainstay in the world of contemporary classical music, with a focus on nurturing the next generation of 360-degree artist-citizens. Grounded in a uniquely inclusive and egalitarian model, Next Fest offers financial support so anyone accepted can attend. Then, in addition to providing opportunities to practice and perform, Next Fest hosts workshops in areas such as marketing, financial management, and project development. Through this mix of activities, Next Fest goes beyond the typical festival model to teach “what they don’t teach you” in most conservatories. In turn, Next Fest has had a profound impact on the world, with many of its more than 200 fellows working as established musicians, arts educators, entrepreneurs, founders, thought leaders, and change-makers.

Help us fund the future with
a tax-deductible donation:

Read more testimonials here!

“My hope is to make the new music and classical world more diverse and accessible through me just simply existing as a composer where I could communicate and express my music with my unique background.” 

~Che Buford, Next Fest Composer (2023) and Fellow (2022)

Follow us for ongoing news about this year’s fellows
and performances!

Join us on our journey. Your gift makes a difference!

Help support our mission and become a part of the Next Festival family!

Your gift will be invaluable in helping us to accomplish our programs and mission, and is much appreciated!

Your gift will help support the valuable work the festival is doing with young performers, composers and choreographers at the beginning of their careers. Help us to help them thrive!

Your gift will sponsor one of our talented composers for our innovative Composer/Choreographer Workshop. The participants are hand-picked for their extraordinary artistic abilities by our workshop faculty.

Your gift will help underwrite one of the Festival concerts and help our mission of supporting young artists and promoting the music of our time.

Your gift will give support to one or more of our talented young performers to attend the Next Festival. Student Sponsors will underwrite the tuition, room and board expenses for an individual student or students. These young artists come from around the country and are chosen for their artistry, passion and promise. They are some of the best string players of their generation and represent the future of their art form.

Our Season Sponsors help The Next Festival of Emerging Artists to continue our innovative work at the highest level and support the next generation of performers, composers and choreographers. Become one of the elite donors who are key to our mission: providing young artists with extraordinary training and experiences that they will carry with them throughout their careers.

Help us fund the future with
a tax-deductible donation:

Please be in touch with us at info@next-fest.org if you would prefer to pay by check. We value your support and will we work with you to find the best way to receive and process your donation.

IMPORTANT: Make checks payable to “Next Edge Arts, Inc”

Compliance information: Licensed by the State of North Carolina, Department of the Secretary of State. Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the State.