Public Art In Austin: Creative Community Talk
As our city grows and public funding changes, what is the state of public art? How can we find unique ways to expand the role that artists play in public life?
And for independent artists and creative types—with all the talk about public art opportunities in Austin—have you been wondering how public art applies to you?
Join special guest Sharon Louden, alongside friends from Future Front Texas, Raasin In The Sun, Austin’s Airport Passenger Experience and more for a candid and casual roundtable on Sunday, April 12 from 1 to 3 PM. Free for all.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Together, we’ll chat through:
the intersections of public art, public programming and public space
unique, real-life ways each artist and organization have structured projects to support public life and solve infrastructure problems, including deep-dives into:
recent public art projects at the Austin Airport
Raasin In The Sun’s ART FOR ALL initiative
ideas and recent experiments for sustainable creative work from Sharon Louden
case studies from recent Future Front programs
what you should be considering if you're going after public arts grants and public funding
All creative disciplines and experience levels welcome.
HOW TO ATTEND
FREE TO ALL, RSVP ENCOURAGED.
*If you are a Future Front member, this event is included with your membership. Head to members.futurefronttexas.org or futurefrontmembership.squarespace.com to access member rates for event tickets, applications & other perks at anytime.
PREPARE YOUR VISIT TO 1900 E 12TH
Future Front’s Community Studio is located at 1900 E. 12th Street. From soil to cement, the 1940s building has a long history that precedes us (including its first owner Vera Barton and the We Rise mural).
WHERE TO PARK: The Future Front House has a large paid parking lot across the street and is directly accessible by bus line. There’s also free parking up and down the street and in surrounding neighborhoods. Carpool, if you can! Head to futurefronttexas.org/contact for details.
WHAT TO DO: The Future Front House is located within the historic East 12th Street District, which is home to many other creative spaces and businesses, as well as organizations like Six Square. Explore the District while you’re around.
✸ Trona — cocktail bar — 1812 E. 12th St
✸ Nixta Taqueria — restaurant — 2512 E 12th St
✸ Comadre Panaderia — bakery — 1204 Cedar Ave
✸ Keep Looking Shop — zine bookshop — 1614 E 12th St
✸ Community Garden — café and bar — 1401 Cedar Ave
✸ The Plant Society — retail shop — 1912 E 12th St
✸ The Little Gay Shop & Redeemer — retail shop — 1902 E 12th St
✸ Sam’s BBQ & Austin Daiquiri Factory — restaurant & bar — 2000 E 12th St
✸ El Tigre Coffee Shop — coffee shop — 1614 E. 12th St
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES — ASL interpreters can be provided upon request. Si necesita traducción al español para participar en este evento, envíenos un correo electrónico a hello@futurefronttexas.org.
OUR COMMUNITY SAFETY GUIDELINES —
All Future Front staff, volunteers and guests will be required to practice mutual respect, as well as demonstrate an alignment with Future Front’s code of conduct and values: futurefronttexas.org/values.
Capacity is limited to reduce crowding of any kind and all events will be held in primarily outdoor and open-air spaces or have access to proper ventilations and well-maintained A/C systems.
At Future Front events, all guests are expected to follow Austin-local health and safety guidelines for gatherings, as well as practice consideration with the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and any other legal, mind-altering or dangerous substances and objects. This includes:
As Future Front strives to be a good neighbor, we also discourage the use of tobacco products on the property of nearby businesses and residences, to improve air quality, throughout our events.
Tobacco use and electronic smoking device use are not permitted at any time within Future Front properties and event spaces at least 15 ft from entrances, exits, operational windows, or ventilation system intake vents.
Littering of tobacco-related products on the grounds or parking lots is also prohibited.
Concealed or open weapons and firearms (including handguns) are not allowed at any Future Front venues.
GOT QUESTIONS? Shoot us a note at hello@futurefronttexas.org. We're happy to help and will get back to you!
BEHIND RAASIN IN THE SUN
Raasin In The Su bring art and community together to make Austin a more colorful and inclusive place.
Through our main programs — DAWN (public art), RISE (creative placemaking), SHINE (arts in education), RENEW (art maintenance), and RAY (our mural map) — we help creativity shine in neighborhoods all across the city. From murals painted under bridges to art projects in local schools, we turn empty walls and overlooked spaces into places filled with beauty, pride, and connection. We believe art can heal, inspire, and bring people together. Everyone should see their story reflected in the city they call home.
BEHIND FUTURE FRONT
Homegrown in Austin, Future Front is an award-winning cultural space and public exhibition series—with women and LGBTQ+ creatives at the front.
As a 501c3 arts and culture nonprofit, we produce two annual community-led exhibitions, The Front Market and The Front Festival, platforming independent artists and creatives across disciplines in Texas. Beyond our flagship exhibitions, we host seasonal shows and workshops at our creative space in East Austin, welcoming 20,000+ visitors per year.
Through these programs and a diverse network of partnerships, we invite the public (including you) to dream of a future where local art and creativity thrive in Texas—where we see ourselves and our cultures reflected in our communities.
FUTURE FRONT IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY The City of Austin Economic Development Department, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Texas Commission on the Arts, The LINE Hotel Austin, Pease Park Conservancy, Preservation Austin, Zoox, Movability, ART FOR ALL, Partiful, Moontower Rentals, Distribution Hall, Miscellaneous Rentals, Thirstday Tequila, the Red River Cultural District, Topo Chico, as well as Future Front’s donors and members.