Next Wave and NETS Victoria were thrilled to present Come on the Scene, an exhibition
that presented some dazzling new works by five young regionally-based contemporary
artists from Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. Arising from Next Wave’s inaugural
regional program, each artist represented in Come on the Scene developed an ambitious,
large-scale new project, which was included in the 2008 Next Wave Festival. With the
support of NETS Victoria, the artists have now redeveloped their work into a touring
exhibition that takes the works back into regional Australia, to the communities and
towns from which they originated.

Featuring multimedia, sculpture, printmaking, performance, textile and installation works,
Come on the Scene examined relationships, identity, communication, mythology and
popular culture. These dynamic works provided a fresh perspective on regional Australia
and the role of art in fostering a new sense of community and connectedness.
Practising as a regional artist in 21st century Australia poses a formidable challenge,
especially to young artists who are often isolated from their peers and immersed in the
complicated process of establishing their artistic practice and figuring out their place
within their community and its specific culture and history. The Come on the Scene
artists tackled these challenges with intelligence, humour, and a critical eye. Their works
reflect a great imaginative depth, in both manifesting ambitious ideas, and in the inspired
processes they have developed to engage with their local communities and contexts.
Importantly, these communities have responded in-kind to engage with each artist’s
work in wildly varied, but always compelling and genuine, ways.

Next Wave and NETS Victoria are committed to nurturing creative practices and innovative
artistic cultures in regional Australia, and we hope that Come on the Scene provided an
opportunity for artists and audiences alike to reflect on the enormous contributions that
artists are making, and continue to make, in regional Australia.

Learning Guides

• Come on the Scene Learning Guide

Venues