NXTHVN
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New Haven, CT 06511
| Founders | Titus Kaphar and Jason Price |
|---|---|
| Location | 169 Henry Street New Haven, CT 06511 |
| Website | https://www.nxthvn.com |
NXTHVN (pronounced "Next Haven") is a nonprofit arts organization located at 169 Henry Street in the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven, Connecticut.[1] Founded in 2018 by artist Titus Kaphar and private equity professional Jason Price, NXTHVN provides mentorship and resources for emerging artists and curators.[2][3] The 40,000-square-foot facility, housed in two repurposed factory buildings, contains 19 artist studios, a gallery, co-working spaces, and a planned black box theater.[4] NXTHVN organizes public exhibitions, events, and a paid apprenticeship program for New Haven high school students.
NXTHVN was established to provide mentorship and career support for early-career artists and curators, particularly artists of color, addressing gaps in traditional art education.[5] Titus Kaphar, a Yale School of Art graduate and 2018 MacArthur Fellow, aimed to create a space that combines artistic development with community revitalization. Kaphar, known for paintings that critique historical narratives, partnered with Jason Price, a financial consultant with expertise in business strategy, to develop NXTHVN's innovative model. Jonathan Brand, a Canadian artist, was also a co-founder, though Kaphar and Price are the primary leaders.[6][7][8]
The facility, designed by architect Deborah Berke of TenBerke, opened in 2019 in two former manufacturing plants in Dixwell, a historically African American neighborhood with a rich jazz heritage but economic challenges due to deindustrialization.[9][10] The buildings, previously used for ice cream and laboratory equipment production, were reimagined as a multi-use arts hub. In 2020, Gagosian, Kaphar's representing gallery, endowed NXTHVN's apprenticeship program and supported professional development initiatives, including virtual studio visits.[11][12]
Programs
NXTHVN's core programs include:
- Fellowship Program: Annually, NXTHVN selects up to seven studio fellows and two curatorial fellows for a 10-month residency (August to May). Studio fellows receive a $35,000 stipend, 24-hour access to private studios (500–824 square feet), and subsidized housing. Curatorial fellows receive a $45,000 stipend, office space, and access to a resource library. The program includes professional development workshops, critiques by visiting artists, and mentorship. Fellows are paired with high school apprentices for mutual learning. The residency culminates in a group exhibition at a prominent gallery, often in New York.[13]
- Apprenticeship Program: New Haven high school students, primarily from African American and Latinx communities, participate in paid apprenticeships, working one-on-one with fellows to gain hands-on arts experience. Funded by Gagosian, the program fosters career exposure and community ties.
- Public Programming: NXTHVN hosts exhibitions, performances, and community events, such as the 2019 exhibition Countermythologies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility served as a pop-up vaccine clinic, reinforcing its community role.
- Business Incubator: Co-working spaces and business incubation offices support local entrepreneurs, promoting cultural and economic growth in Dixwell.
The facility includes 19 artist studios, a 3D printing lab, a gallery, and event spaces, with a black box theater under development.