A Letter From The Director: On Federal Programs & Funding Freezes
In response to recent rollbacks and bans on federal diversity programs and federally funded grant opportunities across the country, we recognize that our communities are yet again facing unprovoked and unsettling harassment around cultural expression and identity.
Unfortunately, these federal bans are all too familiar, borrowing from Texas’ adoption of similar policies. Future Front has a few funding sources impacted by these changes, and we will, as always, let you know if anything escalates into a space of emergency.
In the meantime, nothing has changed at Future Front.
Continue reading for a note from our Executive Director, Jane Hervey.
“In 2016, our independent local film program was temporarily blocked from The Bullock Museum’s public cinema by Governor Abbott on the accusation that our work insulted stay-at-home mothers.
As bizarre and unthinkable the claim, that was not the first or last time that this love letter of an arts and culture project was irrationally (or dangerously) politicized due to bias.
The experience, however, remains sticky in my memory for its lessons.
When I’m confused, it’s been strong evidence that the brain can be soft-wired for misplaced hate over curiosity. When I feel intimidated or done, it reminds me that community love letters are still worth writing, especially for those who need to read them.
As artists and creatives, we are often tasked with reflecting our communities, our culture, our histories and the future. It is not—and has never been—an inconsequential or easy time to do so.
We will continue writing our proverbial love letters around here. Thank you for writing yours.”