At this year’s NEXT Festival, students explored social justice issues entangled with climate change, fostered a return to craftsmanship while also experimenting with AI and technology, and dove into nuanced tales of queer identity. The festival included more than 47 physical exhibits, 22 live performances, and 4 panel and research-based presentations. It was a culmination of our students’ growth and exploration.
Here are just a few photos from the NEXT Exhibition, events and performances throughout the month of programming.

Mock-up of "Invisible Scroll 墨隐若现" by Xitong (Rocky) Yuan, BA ’24

”Golem,” a mixed media sculpture by Jack Pecau, BFA ’24 NEXT 2024 exhibition; photos by Denny Henry (Corcoran BFA ‘07)

"333," dance performance created by Alexia Papatsa, BA ’24 NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

“Cyclic City,” an immersive experience by JoJo Chen, MA ’24. Shown in NEXT 2024. Photo credit: Maria Luz Bravo, MA '17

NEXT 2024 exhibition; photos by Denny Henry (Corcoran BFA ‘07)

NEXT 2024 exhibition; photos by Denny Henry (Corcoran BFA ‘07)

NEXT 2024 exhibition; photos by Denny Henry (Corcoran BFA ‘07)

NEXT 2024 exhibition; photos by Denny Henry (Corcoran BFA ‘07)

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by William Atkins

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

NEXT 2024 Extravaganza; photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

NEXT Spring Dance Concert 2024; photos by Florence Shen

NEXT Spring Dance Concert 2024; photos by Florence Shen

NEXT Spring Dance Concert 2024; photos by Florence Shen

NEXT Spring Dance Concert 2024; photos by Florence Shen

NEXT Spring Dance Concert 2024; photos by Florence Shen

"Still in the Fight: The DC Statehood Movement." Photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

"Still in the Fight: The DC Statehood Movement." Photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17).

"Still in the Fight: The DC Statehood Movement." Photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

"Still in the Fight: The DC Statehood Movement." Photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

"Still in the Fight: The DC Statehood Movement." Photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

Annual Dudley Memorial Lecture featuring John Troutman: “Hellhounds and Salty Dogs: Building Restorative Blues History at the Smithsonian.” Part of NEXT 2024. Photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

Annual Dudley Memorial Lecture featuring John Troutman: “Hellhounds and Salty Dogs: Building Restorative Blues History at the Smithsonian.” Part of NEXT 2024. Photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

Annual Dudley Memorial Lecture featuring John Troutman: “Hellhounds and Salty Dogs: Building Restorative Blues History at the Smithsonian.”Part of NEXT 2024. Photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

Annual Dudley Memorial Lecture featuring John Troutman: “Hellhounds and Salty Dogs: Building Restorative Blues History at the Smithsonian.” Part of NEXT 2024. Photos by Maria Luz Bravo (New Media Photojournalism ‘17)

"Campfire" by Chris Combs - “Campfire” is an interactive work by Chris Combs. Touch the base to light its “fire.” The more people that touch it, the brighter it flows. Work shown at “Art After Duchamp,” a show curated by Corcoran students and presented with Washington Sculptors Group at NEXT 2024. (William Atkins/GW Today)

"Surface of Consciousness" by Judith Goodman. Judith Goodman’s “Surface of Consciousness” is an assemblage sculpture made of wood, paper, metal, wire and plaster. Work shown at “Art After Duchamp,” a show curated by Corcoran students and presented with Washington Sculptors Group at NEXT 2024. (William Atkins/GW Today)

"Projector" by Donna Cameron - Donna Cameron’s installation “Projector” is in Gallery 102’s black box. Work shown at “Art After Duchamp,” a show curated by Corcoran students and presented with Washington Sculptors Group at NEXT 2024. (William Atkins/GW Today)

"Hose Face" by Esperanza Alzona - “Hose Face” by Esperanza Alzona shows how a humble garden hose can take on a persona. Work shown at “Art After Duchamp,” a show curated by Corcoran students and presented with Washington Sculptors Group at NEXT 2024. (William Atkins/GW Today)

"Absent Limbs" by Penny Jacoby - Penny Jacoby’s “Absent Limbs” is a wall relief consisting of three legs from separate pairs of jeans. Work shown at “Art After Duchamp,” a show curated by Corcoran students and presented with Washington Sculptors Group at NEXT 2024. (William Atkins/GW Today)