Visit Our East Austin Location on 12th Street
Future Front’s community studio is located at 1900 E 12th Street (also known as Dozen Street) within East Austin’s historic African-American Cultural Heritage District.
As we learned from conversations with former Six Square Executive Director Nefertitti Jackmon, Preservation Austin board member Miriam Conner and KAZI Station Manager Reno Dudley, historic East Austin has been defined by much more than the ramifications of the City of Austin’s 1928 City Plan, the rising pressures of gentrification, as well as the recent (and controversial) acquisition of 70% of land parcels on 12th Street by developers at Eureka Holdings.
Despite the lack of visible investment from local government and institutions (only 16% total of landmarks in all of Austin are BIPOC) in preserving East Austin’s history, the area’s roots are vibrantly tied to:
cultural centers and historic spaces like KAZI, the George Washington Carver Museum, The Dedrick Hamilton House (where The African American Cultural and Heritage Facility now stands) and Austin’s first university, Huston-Tillotson University
nationally known icons like Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Jackie Robinson and Dr. JJ Seabrook
The African American Cultural Heritage District in Austin, Texas, stands as a powerful reminder of the rich history, culture, and contributions of the African American community to the city.
Located in East Austin between I-35 (West), Manor Road (North), Airport Boulevard (East) and East 7th Street (South), this district is more than just a geographic area—it is a living narrative of resilience, creativity, and community pride that has shaped the identity of Austin for generations.
Planning a visit? We’re neighbors to many creative spaces and small businesses, as well as organizations that champion the District’s heritage. Scroll and click on each image for more details.
Future Front is open to all on East 12th Street.
Our 1940s building is nestled within Austin’s African-American Cultural Heritage District, and we hope to live up to the legacy of our block.
From soil to cement, our building has a long history that precedes us (from its first owner Vera Barton to the We Rise mural). We acknowledge and honor our neighborhood’s German immigration origins in the 1800s), legacy of Black entrepreneurs following the 1928 City Plan in the 1950s, as well as the diverse Indigenous peoples and all elders—past, present and future—who have shaped and continue to shape this land on which we gather, too.
We invite you to celebrate their active cultural contributions and traditions. Make space and tend good relations here and now.
Through this creative space in East Austin and our flagship programs, we create:
Educational opportunities for creative skill-building and creative wellness
Fund community cultural events
Develop community-building educational resources
Offer subsidized access to arts and culture public space
Nurture free, public arts programming
Experiment with community-driven and creative place-making and place-keeping models—together.
