Two Wyndham based artists, Justin Enrico Legaspi and Ming Liew, have been selected to take part in the Kickstart professional development program presented by Next Wave. The program provides valuable opportunities to develop their creative practice, build professional networks and connect within the arts sector.

Justin Enrico Legaspi is an interdisciplinary artist, writer and youth advocate.  He explores the persistence of retro internet and consumer cultures. His work with youth is concerned with access and visibility in arts education.

Ming Liew is an artist-researcher whose practice spans moving image, experimental film and archival research, examining Chinese diasporic identity across cultures, ideologies, and histories.

Wyndham City supports local creative talent and strengthens the pathways for early-career artists to develop their practice and contribute to Victoria’s contemporary arts landscape.

The Kickstart program is an eighteen-month artist development and mentorship initiative that supports early-career artists to develop and test ambitious new work.The program received 136 applications from across Victoria. 

The 2026–27 program brings together eight early-career artists from across disciplines to develop new work for public presentation while building creative networks, strengthening professional skills and exploring new opportunities for their practice.

Through mentorship, curatorial and production support, professional development, peer exchange and networking, participating artists are supported from the early stages of an idea through to its development and public presentation.

Celebrating 25 years of championing emerging talent, Kickstart has supported hundreds of artists, producers and arts leaders in the early stages of their careers, many of whom have gone on to shape Australia’s arts sector.

Next Wave’s home at Brunswick Mechanics Institute serves as a creative hub for workshops, conversations, experimentation and community engagement, connecting artists and audiences through shared creative experiences. The program will culminate with artist sharing their work in November 2027.

For more information visit : https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/arts-culture/residencies-commis…