NEXT GEN RADIO IS A FIVE-DAY, AUDIO FOCUSED DIGITAL MEDIA PROJECT

OUR THEME FOR 2023: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF “HOME”?

A drag queen in a large blonde wig speaking into a microphone as she addresses the crowd. In her other hand she holds a purple butterfly net behind her head used to collect money.

ST. LOUIS ARTIST SHARES HIS SENSE OF HOME THROUGH HIS PAINTINGS OF THE AMERICAN WEST

Pictured is Next Generation Radio participant Kait Lavo.

by MARK BURBRIDGE

Artist Kevin Haller travels across the Great Plains region, highlighting his attachment to countryside living.

Three giant onigiris sit in the center of a grassy landscape. A far off mountain range and large clouds into the distance of a bright blue sky. A Japanese fire truck with the words Izumi written on it sits on a road in front of the onigiris.

‘A REALLY MAGICAL THING’: FOOD TRUCK OWNER CHANNELS JAPANESE HERITAGE IN ST. LOUIS

by SADIE WITTENBERG

Through a food truck named for his mother’s hometown in Japan, Kurt Bellon channels nostalgia by sharing food with the St. Louis community.

HOW A BURLESQUE DANCER FINDS HOME WHEREVER HER BODY IS

by RO KELLY

One burlesque dancer finds home in her body while traveling for her craft.

A SKATER’S SANCTUARY IS GONE, BUT THE COMMUNITY CREATED IS STILL HOME

by OWEN HENDERSON

A historic St. Louis church-turned-skatepark caught on fire in June 2023 leaving just a shell of a building and charred rubble. Skateboarders like Avian Duke no longer have a physical home, but he says the heart of the skating community remains.

AFFTON RESIDENT FINDS COMMUNITY IN ENGLISH FOLK DANCE

by TRACEY SHANKLIN

Amanzi Umoya has lived in many places but never felt at home in any of them. That changed when they accepted a contra dance invitation.