The Future for Future Front
Austin creative collective pushes past funding loss with summer events
Future Front Texas has a full summer ahead of it.
Local creative organization Future Front Texas (FFTX) — which offers workshops, professional development, and platforms for women and LGBTQ+ artists — has shared its full summer of programming, including premier annual event, the Front Festival.
This is a big year for FFTX, not just because it's the organization's 10th anniversary, but al because it recently lost $65,000 in federal funding due to national rollbacks and bans on DEI-related projects. FFTX has not announced any changes as a result of the funding loss, but encourages small businesses and artists to keep showing up to events and becoming members to continually support the organization's work.
Although it comes last in the season, the Front Festival is the main event this summer, with four nights of fun from August 28-31. The festival sets up music, film, and art events, plus some pool parties, in venues around Austin. So far, all that's available is a save-the-date notice, but a lineup is right around the corner. The deadline for applications to participate is June 30. The lineup for 2024 included musicians Promqueen and P!nkstar, visual artists HardShapes and the Early Era Collective, death-curious film After We’re Gone, and more.
Early-bird presale passes ($10-50) are available at thefrontfest.com. According to a press release, the festival and its partnerships distribute an average of more than $25,000 to emerging creatives annually.
The announcement includes information on five other events between now and the festival:
- June 26: Small monthly Swim Sessions start at the Line Hotel, with women and queer DJs playing poolside. $10, last Thursday of every month.
- June 28: FFTX plans workshops, 30-plus pop-up shops gather for a market, and attendees bring blankets for the Pride Picnic at Pease Park. Free, open to all ages.
- July 17-19: Chef Deepa Shridhar prepares a multi-course South Indian-Texan menu for Y’all Dinner at the Future Front House. Food will be accompanied by natural wine tastings and a martini menu. This fundraiser supports the evening’s talent and FFTX's free arts and culture programs. Starting at $161.90 including fees.
- July 26: FFTX joins Hot Summer Nights, a donation-based music festival at the Red River Cultural District, for a night market.
- July, various dates: FFTX presents Community Clubs at The Future Front House. Weekly creative sessions and clubs tackle topics like quilting, gardening, zines, a Shabbat supper club, and more.
Finally, Future Front has started its annual open call for artists, running through June 30. Works may be featured in future programs and an FFTX artist residency.
Memberships and event tickets aren't the only thing keeping the organization afloat. FFTX's corporate sponsors include Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the Line Austin, the Contemporary Austin, Texas Commission on the Ats, the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division, Pease Park, Red River Cultural District, and Topo Chico.
“The independent artists, musicians and filmmakers that join us at The Front Festival are unmatched,” said Future Front executive director Jane Hervey in the release. “Every summer, without fail, I’m reminded that the community will always keep local art and creativity alive and well. We’re proud to be a part of this one.”
D.R.E.A.M.S. by Camilla Falsini is coming to Austin.Photo courtesy of the Balloon Museum
"Mariposa" by Christopher Schardt made its debut at Burning Man and is now part of the Balloon Museum's Let's Fly exhibit. Photo courtesy of Balloon Museum 
"Swing" by Motorefisico — part of a different international exhibition — shows scale as a child explores.Photo courtesy of the Balloon Museum