The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at the George Washington University is proud to present the NEXT Festival 2025, an annual celebration showcasing the work of our graduating students. The festival, which runs from April 24 to May 16, 2025, will feature exciting expansion into the recently renovated second floor galleries in the historic Flagg Building., creating a broader platform for student exhibitions, performances, and scholarly presentations.
Since its inception over a decade ago, NEXT has provided a stage for students to present their capstone projects across disciplines, including theater, dance, music, studio arts, design, art history, and more. Each spring, the Corcoran School invites the GW community and the local D.C. arts community to engage with the latest in contemporary art and scholarship, fostering meaningful dialogue and connections.
- Throughout the festival, visitors can explore a dynamic range of work, including:
Performances in dance, theater, and music, highlighting student talent and interdisciplinary collaborations. - Exhibitions featuring thesis projects from students in design, fine arts, and interior architecture.
- Symposia and talks that provide insight into contemporary artistic practices and research.
“By expanding into the second-floor galleries, we’re providing even more space for innovation and dialogue, reinforcing the Corcoran School's role as a hub for artistic exploration,” said Lauren Onkey, Director of the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. “The festival showcases bold ideas and diverse voices, offering visitors a window into the future of the arts."
The NEXT Festival will be open at the Corcoran’s Flagg Building, located at 500 17th Street NW, from April 24 through May 16, 2025, with gallery hours Wednesday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m. The festival’s full schedule, including performance dates and symposia details, will be available in the upcoming festival guide.
Tickets for the NEXT Festival Extravaganza, the festival’s kickoff celebration, are limited, and attendees must register in advance by Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Guests may register for up to six attendees.
For more information about the 2025 NEXT Festival and to register for events, visit https://corcoran.gwu.edu/next-festival.