*This event is part of Open Learning—Future Front’s ongoing series of programs on creative work, craft and community-care—in support of History In The Making.
History In The Making: Community Panel
PRESENTED by TAYLOR DANIELLE DAVIS AND FUTURE FRONT
Join “History In The Making” curator Taylor Danielle Davis, alongside representatives from KAZI, Preservation Austin and more for a candid conversation on championing Austin culture and the storied history of our building's “We Rise” mural.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
① Community stories on cultural preservation, local advocacy and art from panelists Keyheira Keys (independent curator), Reno Dudley (KAZI), Miriam Conner (Preservation Austin, Creative Policy) and Nefertitti Jackmon (formerly Six Square)
② A deep-dive into the community-informed cultural preservation and public art process that led to “We Rise,” the historic mural housed on Future Front’s building
③ Exploration of History In The Making, the latest exhibit at The Future Front House
THE SCHEDULE
✸ 6:30 PM — Settle in for the panel and explore "History In The Making” with light refreshments.
✸ 6:45 PM — Panel begins.
✸ 7:45 PM — Panel ends. Feel free to stick around and explore the neighborhood.
HOW TO ATTEND
Tickets are sliding scale (suggested $10, minimum $1) or free with Future Front membership*.
Get Your Ticket below:
*If you are a Future Front member, please provide your name at the door for entry or head to members.futurefronttexas.org or futurefrontmembership.squarespace.com to access member rates for event tickets, applications & other perks at anytime.
ABOUT THIS SESSION’S SPEAKERS
Taylor Danielle Davis (she/her) is an independent curator and landscape designer living in Austin, Texas. After receiving her masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin she went on to work for a local Austin design firm, TBG partners where she works on projects such as parks, multifamily amenity courtyards, hospitals and trails. Her curatorial practice is interested in the nuance of artistic practice as it relates to unique life experiences. Working with different galleries she has curated group art shows in San Francisco and Austin. She serves as a board member of the Trail Conservancy in Austin and serves as the board chair for their Arts and Culture Committee and has worked with local Austin arts and culture groups such as AIPP and Future Front Texas.
Miriam Conner (she/her) has curated and organized art and experiences for over a decade. She has been in Austin for 31 years by way of New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from St. Stephens Episcopal High School, she received a Bachelor of Fine Art in Photography from the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles. After college, Miriam came home to Austin. She began managing the Pine Street Station (an Artist warehouse and gallery) for two years and has since planned countless art shows, in addition to co-founding Topology Art Warehouse. She has also worked with SXSW, Art Outside, Forklift Danceworks, Six Square – Austin’s Black Cultural District, and the City of Austin.
She founded Creative Policy, a firm recognized for its community-focused strategy that bridges policy-making and cultural engagement to achieve meaningful systems change. Additionally, she holds positions on the boards of Preservation Austin and Greater Austin Neighborhoods, and she has previously served as a commissioner on the City of Austin's African American Quality of Life Commission.
Keyheira Keys (she/her) is a dynamic curator, producer, and entrepreneur whose work bridges the worlds of art, storytelling, and cultural advocacy. Based in Austin, Texas, Keyheira's journey into the art scene began as a writer and curator, where her passion for amplifying underrepresented voices quickly established her as a powerful force in the community. Her commitment to public art advocacy and creative placekeeping took root after managing the celebrated 12th and Chicon mural, "We Rise," a project that continues to inspire and empower.
Keyheira's curatorial projects have graced notable spaces such as Big Medium’s East Austin Studio Tours, the National Portrait Gallery of London, Northern-Southern Gallery, the Downtown Austin Public Library, and the George Washington Carver Museum, and Soho House. She has collaborated with an array of incredible artists, including Leta Harrison, Dawn Okoro, Adrian Armstrong, James Gayles, and Tia Boyd, among others. Through her work, Keyheira challenges traditional notions of art and identity, aiming to create spaces where the richness and value of Black culture are celebrated unapologetically.
In addition to her curatorial achievements, Keyheira serves as a City of Austin Arts Commissioner, Assistant Station Manager for KAZI 88.7 FM, and Manager of Partners and Sponsors at Dream Con. Her multifaceted career reflects her commitment to creating opportunities where creativity, authenticity, and community intersect.
Nefertitti Jackmon (she/her) is a Cultural Strategist currently serving as Austin’s first Community Displacement Prevention Officer. Jackmon has been instrumental developing and leading programming and outreach, including the $300 million anti-displacement investments and strategies for Project Connect, described as a “comprehensive transit system expansion that will help transform Austin into one of the most sustainable, inclusive and innovative regions in the country.” In this role, Jackmon, worked with community members, consultants, and City staff to co-create an Equity Tool to inform investment priorities for anti-displacement funds related to Project Connect. This tool has been instrumental guiding the use of anti-displacement funding to benefit people most at risk of displacement. Prior to her current work, she served as the Executive Director of Six Square, Austin’s Black Cultural District.
With more than 30 years of service in the nonprofit sector she desires to see economic mobility opportunities as a foundation to tackle displacement pressures and provide opportunities to elevate cultural experiences and the presence of BIPOC communities.
MORE COMING SOON.
PREPARE YOUR VISIT TO THE FUTURE FRONT HOUSE
The Future Front House is located at 1900 E. 12th Street.
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 HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Curated by Taylor Danielle Davis, in collaboration with Do Not Disturb Collective, history in the making FeatureS artworks by Dontrius Williams, Constance Y. White, Jasmin Porter, Karin Moss & Salihah Saadiq. .
History in the Making poses two questions— What does Black History mean to you? How are you making History today? — as an expression of solidarity, a celebration of existence and a desire for life. For ourselves and the futures of those to come after us.
Presented in collaboration with curator Taylor Danielle Davis and Austin-based collective Do Not Disturb, this interactive exhibit features artwork from five emerging artists in the Texas South, whose mediums draw on visual archives. Following an opening night of music and libations, expect multidisciplinary talks and workshops with Austin’s creative community on the exhibit’s themes of cultural preservation and celebration through April 2025.
LOCATION: 1900 E. 12TH ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702
PUBLIC VIEWING HOURS: THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM CT
INTERACTIVE EVENTS SCHEDULE: FUTUREFRONTTEXAS.ORG/COMETHROUGH
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.