*This event is part of Open Learning, Future Front’s ongoing series of programs on creative work, craft and community-care.
A Portal Home: Photobook Release
PRESENTED by FUTURE FRONT & jeffrey jin
Join photographer and Future Front Resident artist Jeffrey Jin for a flip-through of their newest photobook, A Portal Home. In conversation with fellow Austin photographer Eli Durst, Jin will guide us all through the intricacies of their practice and the nuances of capturing both community and the self.
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HOW TO ATTEND
This event is free and open to the public, with no RSVP required.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jeffrey Jin (b. 2003) is a queer, Chinese American photographer born and raised in the suburbs of Houston within the confines of a pious Chinese church community. Since taking their first "Are You Gay?" quiz at age twelve, religious faith has been supplanted with a devout interest in both analog and digital mediums as tools to strengthen identity and preserve what’s most familiar: their family and queer friends of color. In doing so, their work unveils narratives surrounding upbringing, corporeality, and a deep affection for the physical and digital landscapes they inhabit—from Texas' winding roads to the Internet’s deep caverns.
Their images have been featured in publications including Dazed, Far-NEAR, and Nowness, and have been exhibited across Houston, New York City, and Shanghai. They are an alumnus of the Eddie Adams Workshop, a member of Diversify Photo, and are currently in their final undergraduate year pursuing Asian American Studies and Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin.
PREPARE YOUR VISIT TO THE FUTURE FRONT HOUSE
The Future Front House 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.
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 future front’s artist residency
Annually, we work with 15 artists in residence. All based in Austin, Texas.
Collaborating within our programs or with our partners—like The Contemporary Austin, The LINE Hotel Austin and Pease Park—our Resident Artists work with us to create everything from public workshop series to custom playlists to life-size installations.
Designed distinctively for emerging visual and sound artists with community practices in Central Texas, the program includes structured, year-long professional development from Future Front’s staff and partners, as well as group exhibitions within Future Front’s programs.
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, ArtsHERE, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Texas Commission on the Arts, The LINE Hotel Austin, Pease Park Conservancy, the Red River Cultural District, Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, Topo Chico, as well as Future Front’s donors and members.