On Textile Art, Immersive Installations and Identity: Molly Sydnor
In this interview, Dallas-based artist Molly Syndor swaps notes on her recent installations with Future Front, as well as her approach to art-making in Texas.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, Future Front worked with Dallas-based artist Molly Sydnor on a solo installation—Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone!—at The Future Front House, as well as a group show—Hot Texas Summer—at The LINE Austin.
In this interview, Molly swaps notes with our team on these installations, as well as her approach to art-making in Texas.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Molly Margaret Sydnor (she/her) is a Dallas-based multidisciplinary fine artist with an eye for fiber. She received a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2015.
Originally brought to Dallas for a career in product development specializing in interiors, textile, and rug design, Sydnor has traded in her 6-year corporate career to creative marketing for non profits. She is an advocate for adults with disabilities, and has transitioned her professional career to focus on DEIB&A. Molly runs Local Queer Collective and her work can be found locally in Austin at The Little Gay Shop or in Dallas at Sweet Tooth Hotel.
ABOUT MOLLY’S ART SHOWS WITH FUTURE FRONT
✰ Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone! on view at The Future Front House at East Austin Studio Tour 2022
As a solo installation by Molly Sydnor, Oh the Places You Could Have Gone! is a direct response to perceptions of excess.
Through a rainbow immersion of mixed textures, childlike color and play, Molly Syndor’s optical illusory takes you into a false sense of reality. Intended to evoke an experience of both a calming sense of order yet extreme maximalism. The very colors, lights and textures that invited you in are now doing the most.
This overindulgence seeks to question if we are enjoying the experience or overwhelmed by the sensation of consumption. It’s meant to evoke the push-and-pull dualities of the real and the illusory, the tactile and the intangible, the relationship between childhood freedoms and adult restrictions.
Sydnor manipulates your physical sense of space, too, employing different translucencies, sproftacchel shapes, familiar youthful textures and lights. Ultimately, this immersive installation illustrates the Places you Could have Gone (if you were not restricted by self-created boundaries).
✰ Hot Texas Summer 2023 Group Show at The LINE Austin
A testament to Future Front’s vibrant artist community and the multicultural roots of Texas art, HOT TEXAS SUMMER features works by women artists in Texas, including: Molly Sydnor, Chantal Lesley, Steph Granillo, Tumi Adeleye, Tanya Zal, Darcie Book, Calder Kamin & Ani Bradberry.
Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone! on view at The Future Front House at East Austin Studio Tour 2022
Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone! on view at The Future Front House at East Austin Studio Tour 2022
Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone! on view at The Future Front House at East Austin Studio Tour 2022
Q — What was your inspiration for “Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone!”?
A — My work pulls inspiration from both past projects i've made as well as experiences around me. When I was recruited for the grant that led to this installation, it was right after finishing my installation with Sweet Tooth Hotel in early 2021. By the time I pitched "Oh, The Places" to be considered, it was Fall 2021. I had just completed a container install and considering the grant required an Austin-based installation, I had to take experiences into mind while conceptualizing. My experience from the long-draining install nights from Sweet Tooth, in combination with the speed and efficiency of installing in a container, I combined the two. Once I knew my buil- out, it was easy to take a concept I had always wanted to make and go from there!
Q — Your work takes a unique approach to themes like anxiety and narrative identity, while also exploring textures, fabric and color in vibrant and immersive ways. What role does color play in your life?
A — It’s funny. Installing my work drives my anxiety, but not making art does as well. In a way, the duality of the push and pull between being so busy that I’m anxious and having too much free time that I’m anxious plays a major role in how I make my artwork.
My work draws viewers in. The goal is to bring you in and then talk to you about complex ideas. My pieces for Future Front, in particular, are very overwhelming after a while. But when you first come across the work, it’s very fun and innocent.
So, I like the trickery of bright colors and fun textures. I utilize that in my work quite a bit! Ultimately, color is everything to me. Color is a necessity in my life. It brings me comfort.
Q — How often do you create public installations? What is your process typically like from start to finish?
A — I started large public installs in 2019. I had always shown my work "publicly,” but felt it was extremely difficult to get funding to do them. In 2019 I wanted so badly to make a large install and no one would let me show in their space, so I did a giant pop-up in my condo. It was a game-changer and helped put me on the map.
Since then, I’ve done about 10 public installs! The process can be extensive. Usually I start out with grant-writing and try to find funding. That is the biggest part of installs, because once I know my budget, I can conceptualize how big or small the install can be. In the end, it’s always worth it. I always feel incredibly accomplished and love sharing my concepts with the public.
Molly Sydnor within Hot Texas Summer 2023 Group Show at The LINE Austin. Photo by Anne Deis
Molly Sydnor within Hot Texas Summer 2023 Group Show at The LINE Austin. Photo by Anne Deis
Q — Is creating a temporary installation different from other forms of artistic work you do? How so?
A — I personally enjoy working between temporary public installs and more permanent forms of artwork. Often, my work is hard to "upkeep,” and with temporary installs, sometimes damage happens and thankfully it’s not always necessary to fix it. The longevity of my installs comes from the memories and pictures people take and I’m satisfied with that.
I also like the aspect of reuse that comes along with my installs. Taking an install apart allows me to potentially reuse the materials in a new way—and reimagine them for other things.
Q — Do you have any advice for artists seeking funding via grants or other forms of support?
A — Years ago, I learned that being a full-time artist is sometimes more admin than it is art-making. I spend a good amount of my year applying for funding and opportunities and things. Even if I get something, I still have to continue applying throughout the year.
You’ll apply to 100 things just to get one—so apply, apply, apply. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that no one is going to just give you anything in this industry. No one will ever see the hours and emotionally draining things you put into your projects or the mental space these projects take up before, during and after.
If you are not willing to get your ego bruised over and over and over again, throw in the towel now. If you take anything personally, it helps to change your perspective, because this work is nothing but humbling and will knock you on your ass over and over. So, find a support system to catch you when you fall, because you will fall hard!
Q — Lately, we’ve been exploring what it means to nurture our metaphorical community garden. What does that mean to you?
A — Community is everything. Its both my biggest strength and weakness! I think often times we utilize our communities when we are most in need. Then when we feel amazing, or get new jobs, or new partners, or life throws us curve balls sometimes we can disappear from our community. I think this statement to me means tend to your community. Give as much or more than you get!
Molly Sydnor within Hot Texas Summer 2023 Group Show at The LINE Austin. Photo by Anne Deis
Want to stay involved with Future Front?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
The First-Ever Texan Feminist Throwdown: $14K Raised For Reproductive Rights in Texas
On January 22, 2023 we hosted our first-everTexan Feminist Throwdown—a community hoe-down for reproductive rights—on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
On January 22, 2023 we hosted our first-everTexan Feminist Throwdown—a community hoe-down for reproductive rights—on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Together, we celebrated the power we still hold to shape the future.
The 2023 Throwdown supported three nonprofit orgs working toward a better Texas, alongside a lineup of bands, DJs and inspiring speakers. Together, we raised a record-breaking $14,000+ for The Lilith Fund, MOVE Texas and Black Mamas ATX.
THIS THROWDOWN’S FIVE HIGHLIGHTS:
✰ No. 1 — 700+ Visitors & Donors!
Y’all showed up and out at Distribution Hall to fundraise and rage to performances by Taméca Jones, Bidi Bidi Banda, Gothess Jasmine, DJ Cassandra and more.
✰ No. 2 — $14,000+ Fundraised!
That’s the most we’ve ever raised in a single event!
✰ No. 3 — 3 Reproductive Rights Orgs Supported!
The Lilith Fund helps Texans pay for abortion when they can’t afford them and works to create reproductive options for all.
Black Mamas ATX provides culturally aligned & client-centered birthing and mental health services that support pregnancy and postpartum experiences.
MOVE Texas is a nonpartisan org working to build power in underrepresented communities through civic engagement, leadership & issue advocacy.
✰ No. 4 — 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade!
Whew. We were grateful to share the day in creative, like-minded company, sharing resources, volunteering and dancing a little cumbia.
✰ No. 5 — It was a community affair!
This event came together, thanks to gracious contributions from our cohosts at OTHR Agency and event partners at Distribution Hall, Remi and Gold Florals, Creative Production and Design, Moontower Rentals and Sourced Craft Cocktails.
THANK YOU.
✹ If you didn’t make it, we’ve got your back with a Texan Feminist Resource Guide. ❣️ Enjoy.
*All photos by Tess Leslie Photos
BEHIND THE TEXAN FEMINIST INITIATIVE
At Future Front, our work is guided by a commitment to improving representation and resilience in our creative and small business communities. This has a distinct relationship to our understanding of social justice in Texas—which includes reproductive justice.
We envision a Texas that acknowledges and fights against the intersectional issues that affect our communities’ health, like access to reproductive cares, systemic racism, transphobia, abuse and violence, sexual miseducation and more. We envision a Texas without sexual stigma—a Texas that does not work to prevent all genders and sexes from receiving appropriate health services.
We envision a Texas where spaces that prioritize individual agency and the communication of truthful, responsible information thrive. We envision a Texas where abortion is decriminalized. We envision a Texas where we can speak for ourselves.
So, annually, we collaborate with women and LGBTQ+ creatives, small business owners, leaders and like-minded orgs to share resources and explore reproductive health equity in Texas—through everything from creative guides to cool parties, fundraising $25,000+ for community initiatives.
And you are always invited to join us. Share what you can, send us hot tips and tell your friends!
The 2022 Impact Report: Future Front's First (Full) Year
In 2022, Future Front was delightful, delicious and dangerously juicy! From welcoming a record-number of vendors at The Front Market to bringing back The Front Festival in its true form, this year was a big one.
This was our first full year as Future Front Texas, y’all.
And it was delicious, delightful and dangerously juicy! From welcoming a record-number of vendors at The Front Market to bringing back The Front Festival in its true form, this year was a big one.
Continue reading for some of our 2022 highlights—and set aside a minute to get cozy & celebrate.
Our 3 big wins:
Our TOP 10 growth moments:
No. 1 — We hosted our first full year of programming as Future Front, with more than 46 public markets, festivals, shows and community gatherings, opening up more than 1,250 opportunities for women and LGBTQ+ creatives.
No. 2 — The Front Market hosted its first Spring and Fall Season for the first time since shutdown, welcoming a record number of 406 vendors across both seasons.
No. 3 — After three years scaled down or shut down, The Front Festival came back to its true form as a four-day, end-of-summer meeting of minds. The festival welcomed 800 attendees at The Line Hotel, The Contemporary and Parish ATX, exhibiting 33 artists.
No. 4 — More than 77 volunteers, board members, community curators and collaborators joined us throughout the year to fundraise $16,500+ for our programs and contribute 750 hours of support to the community.
No. 5 — For the first time ever, we worked on collaborative, community-based curatorial projects with The Contemporary Austin, Fusebox Festival, The Museum of Human Achievement, Luck Reunion, Visit.org and OTHR Agency. Through these projects, we connected creatives in our programs to new opportunities and nurtured community resources like free exhibition space and The Texan Feminist Throwdown. We also curated some of our most dynamic performances yet, featuring national names like La Goony Chonga and Juliana Huxtable.
No. 6 — We co-hosted our first-ever Pride Picnic with Pease Park, curating 30+ LGBTQ+ artists and small business owners, as well as two workshops on clay-making and plant-swapping with The Little Gay Shop and Black Trans Leadership Austin.
No. 7 — We turned our headquarters into a mini-residency, welcoming immersive takeovers from designer Lucid Voyage Boutique to community org Good Group ATX to installation artist Molly Sydnor.
No. 8 — We used all of our programs to support Texas community initiatives, from packing 100+ sexual and menstrual health kits with Birds ‘N Bees Box to coordinating 50 lunches between Free Lunch ATX and Austin EMS for vulnerable neighbors in our community.
No. 9 — We presented Texas-based filmmaker LINDSEY L33’s Abortion Pills Are Here To Stay. (The films have had more than 325,000 views in this year alone!)
No. 10 — We piloted our first iteration of Community Clubs, which saw 12 different Future Front members host free programming for more than 300 community members in Austin. Glorious!
Editor’s Note: You can read our quarterly impact reports in more detail here.
your attention maDE THIS POSSIBLE!
❤️🔥 We would like to thank our 2022 staff, board, friends and members for their support.
🌪️ We are also grateful to our partners and friends—particularly Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Anis Day & Night, The Line Hotel, OTHR Agency, Pease Park and Fusebox Festival—for their continued collaboration.
🤠 Together, we are nurturing vibrant spaces and opportunities for women and LGBTQ+ creatives in Texas, y’all!
Do you want to get involved in 2023?
Become a member or donate to our end-of-year fundraiser. You can also explore all of the other ways to join us here.
The Front Market's Fall 2022 Season: The Official Recap
From November 12 to December 10, we took over Ani’s Day & Night for eight days, welcoming 180+ vendors and 4,000+ visitors.
From November 12 to December 10, we took over Ani’s Day & Night for eight days, welcoming 180+ vendors and 4,000+ visitors.
Keep reading for a full look at this season’s impact.
All photos by Yvonne Uwah and Jessica Joseph
this season’s five highlights:
✰ No. 1 — 180+ Vendors
We exhibited more than 180+ women and LGBTQ+ creators and small business owners across Texas.
✰ No. 2 — 4,000+ Visitors
We welcomed 4,000+ visitors in our backyard market at Ani’s Day & Night (4,500, if you include dogs).
✰ No. 3 — $1,000+ Fundraised
Thanks to donations at the door and our Holiday Raffle (championed by Tito’s Handmade Vodka), we fundraised $1,000+ for our programs.
✰ No. 4 — 6 Community Initiatives Supported
Throughout our Fall Season, we hosted six different community workshops and experiences from Gothess Jasmine’s first-ever Family-Friendly Holiday Drag Show to our 2nd-Annual Plus-Size Community Clothing Swap to a Period Kit Packing Party with Birds ‘N Bees Box.
✰ No. 5 — $11,000 In Commissions
It took a team of 250+ people and six months of collaboration to open The Front Market’s Fall Season for eight full days. The market’s buildout generated more than $11,000 in commissions and contracts for women- and queer-owned creatives and production teams in Austin, too.
THREE WAYS TO STAY INVOLVED:
✰ Head to thefrontmarket.com (click here) to tap into the Fall Season 2022 lineup at anytime.
✰ Shop this season’s lineup with our gift guide.
✰ Remember why spaces like The Front Market matter.
We dive deeper into what supporting women and LGBTQ+ vendors, as well as our local creative and small businesses communities, means at thefrontmarket.com/mindset.
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and friends.
✰
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and friends. ✰
It's crucial for us that The Front Market models more than lip service for women and LGBTQ+ voices in Texas.
We would not be able to use the market as a space to nurture movements and causes we care about without support from our sponsors, members, staff, volunteers, friends and you. Thank you.
The Front Market Gift Guide (2022)
Featuring 180+ women and LGBTQ+ creatives based in Texas from The Front Market.
It’s that time of year. With The Front Market’s Fall Season in full-swing, we’ve got you covered on gifts. Keep scrolling to browse every category in our official 2022 Gift Guide—and enjoy a few of our own special selections.
Sustain Local. Show Up. Check In.
Sustain Local. Show Up. Check In.
NO. 1 — ACCESSORIES
Featured Vendor:
Durable, heirloom hair accessories by Karst Essentials
Designed by Vanessa Martinez, Karst's mission is to make timeless pieces that are made to love for years to come.
Martinez adopted a strong personal association with jewelry as a young girl from her two grandmothers, who spent their time together sharing stories behind the pieces they wore and cherished. Her maternal grandmother loved collecting intricate hairbrushes, hair clips, and headbands and was never spotted without a beautiful piece in her hair; while her paternal grandmother proudly wore her heirloom jewelry full of stories and history.
“The clips that hold our hair each day, or the earrings we reach for every morning, undeniably become a coveted part of our uniform and daily ritual. Our mission is to make (not-so-boring) heirloom-grade accessories that are made to love and last for years to come.”
Featured Gift:
Karst Claw Clips ($15 to $30)
NO. 2 — ART
Featured Vendor:
Prints and homeware by Keiko Hayner Illustrations
Keiko Hayner is a freelance illustrator, located in Austin, Texas. Originally from Osaka, Japan, her work explores colorful, whimsical figurers and scenes using primarily watercolor, digital art and block printing. Her illustrations are inspired by people's stories, interesting events, mundane objects and her own imagination.
She got her start painting with watercolor in 2019 as a hobby, selling some prints to friends and family. She officially opened as Keiko Hayner Illustrations in 2020.
Featured Gift:
Keiko Hayner Prints ($18)
NO. 3 — APPAREL
Featured Vendor:
Hand-dyed silks by Soul Studio
Soul Studio produces nature-inspired goods that encourage sustainability and conscious consumptive practices.
Utilizing organic sources and non-toxic processing, their plant-dyed and botanically enriched products strengthen the connection between goods and their origins.
Featuring slow designs by the brand’s founder Melissa Hargus, each each piece of clothing is an original work of art.
Featured Gift:
Soul Studio Silk Tops ($125 to $325)
NO. 4 — Ceramics
Featured Vendor:
Ceramics by Corrie Pocta
Corrie Pocta is a ceramicist and leather designer based in Dallas, Texas.
With seven years experience as a public high school art teacher, she has extended her passion for art education through the founding of Trade Oak Cliff, an artist co-op studio, shop, and educational space. From Trade, she also teaches private and group ceramics classes.
Featured Gift:
Corrie Pocta Vases ($75 to $95)
NO. 5 — HOME GOODS
Featured Vendor:
Rugs and home decor by Molave
Created by Arnelle and Gianna, Molave is an exploration of textures and textiles. The brand’s collection is inspired by the people, places and cultures its founders encounter on travels—born out of a desire to cultivate a worldly, well-traveled home.
“Molave is a sun-loving tree native to the Philippines and known for its strength, durability, beauty and ornamental potential. That's why the Molave tree spoke to us when we were creating this brand. Those qualities are inherent in all of our products, but also in everyone in our community—our artisans, our artists, and you. Our roots connect us to our heritage and the Earth, while our branches spread far to connect us all.”
Featured Gift:
Molave Textiles ($65 to $860)
Featured Vendor:
Textiles and wall hangings by TAWA Threads
Rooted in sentimental value, TAWA Threads’ collections feature designs that promote and envision a world where diverse groups feel supported, empowered and welcomed in the outdoors.
Founded by designer Tabria Williford, each product gives back to organizations who implement immersive programs centered around culturally mindful exploration, healing spaces and leadership development.
Featured Gift:
TAWA Threads Bandanas and Runners ($20 to $65)
NO. 5 — JEWELRY
Featured Vendor:
Earrings and statement pieces by YEAR 901
Founder of YEAR 901, Benh Pham makes jewelry with a fun and light-hearted twist. YEAR 901 uses traditional metalsmithing techniques including wire wrapping, hand forging and lost wax casting.
YEAR 901’s jewelry is inspired by bright colors, organic shapes, and playful details that are often overlooked in everyday life. With a focus on sustainability, the boutique jewelry shop takes pride in crafting each piece by hand with locally sourced items and recycled metals & materials as much as possible.
Featured Gift:
YEAR 901 Rings and Earrings ($25 to $350)
NO. 6 — SELF-CARE
Featured Vendor:
Journals and guided workbooks by Me-Est Me
Created by Shana Rehwald, The Me-est Me Journal is a guided workbook filled with self-discovery journal prompts and exercises to help you reconnect with yourself.
Perfect for anyone in a transition or ready to do the inner work. This journal is a pathway towards self-reflection, shedding old parts of yourself, and embracing your true self.
Featured Gift:
Me-Est Me Journal ($29)
NO. 7 — FOODS & SIPS
Featured Vendor:
Vegan cheeses by Peace Cheese
Created by Shana Rehwald, The Me-est Me Journal is a guided workbook filled with self-discovery journal prompts and exercises to help you reconnect with yourself.
Perfect for anyone in a transition or ready to do the inner work. This journal is a pathway towards self-reflection, shedding old parts of yourself, and embracing your true self.
Featured Gift:
Peace Cheese Mozz Moon ($6)
Featured Vendor:
Natural wines by US Natural Wine x Ani’s Day & Night
US Natural Wine is an Austin-based virtual bottle shop, delivering the most unique domestic wines and a few international favorites right to your door.
Popping up and partnering with Ani’s Day & Night on regular occasion, the brand features wine for everyone, or Wine for Y'all, as they like to say. We love buying domestic as often as possible, and believe you should too!
Their rotating inventory comes courtesy of partnerships with local distributors and their ability to buy direct from winemakers. This ensures the wines we offer are affordable, unique and pretty damn good.
Featured Gift:
Us Natural Wine Greek Wine Collection ($13.50 to $33)
NO. 7 — PETS, PLANTS & PAPER GOODS
Featured Vendor:
Sustainable pet goods by True Pup
Handmade in Austin, every product at True Pup is created with the planet in mind. From repurposing clothes and linens to stuffing beds with scraps and shreds, every dog bed, toy and collar features recycled goods.
True Pup’s treats are also made with 100% fresh ingredients & materials to ensure your pup has clean products going into their mouth.
Featured Gift:
True Pup Handwoven Rope Toys ($10 to $15)
Future Front’s Gift Guide features entirely women and LGBTQ+ vendors from The Front Market, which opens every Spring and Fall to feature more than 400 Texas-based creatives and small business owners per year.
Learn more here.
The Community Leaders of Color Mental Health Project Has (Thankfully) Returned
We are incredibly lucky—and grateful—to bring this resource back with 30 sessions available for six leaders for 2022.
Presented by Future Front in partnership with Colors of Austin Counseling, The Community Leaders of Color Mental Health Project is an ongoing resource for Black, Indigenous and non-white leaders of color pursuing racial justice in creative, community, business and work settings.
Since 2020, we have provided 175+ pro bono therapy sessions in Austin, Texas to 40 community leaders. We are incredibly lucky—and grateful—to bring this resource back with 30 sessions available for six leaders for 2022.
Keep reading for more details on how to request support or make a donation to this project.
WHY DOES THIS PROGRAM EXIST?
☺ We know that BIPOC founders and leaders show up for our communities in times of crisis—often while managing their own trauma and sense of safety.
✰ We also know that BIPOC folks step up to represent their communities in big ways—and that act of collective care can be overwhelming.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Through this fund, we seasonally grant women and LGBTQ+ community leaders of color up to five sessions each of culturally appropriate crisis therapy with a therapist at Colors of Austin Counseling. We primarily help emerging leaders without insurance find the practical and emotional tools they need to navigate discrimination-based crises and conflicts within their work.
Because we envision a world where equitable access to mental health is normalized.
We envision a world where our communities are fiercely cared for—and racial justice work is followed by restoration.
We envision a world where BIPOC leaders in many community settings—from independent small business owners to grassroots nonprofit directors—receive the support they deserve, too.
HOW CAN YOU REQUEST SUPPORT?
No. 1 — Ensure you are eligible to apply.
You must be based in Austin, Texas.
You must identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color.
You must identify as a woman, trans, gender-non-conforming or LGBTQ+.
You must be leading or a part of a creative project, community project, work project or business that furthers racial justice.
No. 2 — Submit your request with our form.
This resource has been brought forward due to the organizing work of Colors of Austin Counseling’s Director of Equity Sandra Olarte-Hayes (she/her/ella)—a bilingual LCSW, therapist, and circle keeper in Austin, Texas—in collaboration with fellow Black, Indigenous and POC colleagues and therapists from the Colors of Austin Counseling staff. Once you apply for a session, you will be considered for placement with an available therapist in their network. Your request is entirely confidential.
Responses to your request may take five to seven business days.
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THIS WORK?
BEHIND THIS PROJECT:
Meet the fund’s founder, Sandra Olarte-Hayes.
Sandra Olarte-Hayes (she/her/ella) is a bilingual LCSW, therapist, and circle keeper in Austin, Texas.
Her healing work has focused on working with formerly and currently incarcerated individuals, young organizers, immigrant youth and families, and individuals on both sides of domestic violence. She also works with clients undergoing family conflict, depression, personal and intergenerational trauma, and racial and cultural issues. Sandra's work is grounded in anti-oppresive, feminist frameworks and she dedicates much of her energy to healing justice initiatives which bridge the gap between healing work and social change movements. She is deeply passionate about restorative justice and bringing healing to individuals on both sides of violence and strongly believes all change, both systemic and personal, are grounded in relationships, connection, and community.
Meet the fund’s underwriters.
Looking for more resources?
Learn about everything else we do at Future Front here.
The Return of The Front Festival: A Weekend of Abundance
From August 25 to 28, we took over The Line Hotel Austin, Parish and The Contemporary’s Laguna Gloria for four days of music, film and pool parties. More than 800 guests across Texas joined us to celebrate work by 35+ women and LGBTQ+ artists.
From August 25 to 28, we took over The Line Hotel Austin, Parish and The Contemporary’s Laguna Gloria for four days of music, film and pool parties. More than 800 guests across Texas joined us to celebrate work by 35+ women and LGBTQ+ artists.
Thanks to donations at the door and our pop-up bar by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, we also fundraised $500+ for our Creative Future of Texas Fund.
WANT TO REMINISCE? BASK IN THE VISUAL RECAP.
All photos by Jinni J and Manny Frayre.
You can still keep up with the ARTISTS ON OUR lineup, too.
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and friends.
✰
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and friends. ✰
Since 2015, the festival has seen more than 16,000 guests and showcased 550+ women and LGBTQ+ artists and artists since 2016. We would not be create this space without support from our sponsors, members, staff, volunteers, friends and you. Thank you!
On Navigating The Music Industry And Centering Joy: We Don't Ride Llamas
In this interview, Austin-based band We Don’t Ride Llamas shares their thoughts on making music that feels good and touring as a close-knit band.
This summer, we’re checking in with our members and friends on the meaning of abundance.
As we get ready for The Front Festival, we touched base with the four members of We Don’t Ride Llamas, one of this year’s official festival headliners. In this interview, the group shares their thoughts on making music that feels good and touring as a close-knit band.
For more details on The Front Fest, head here.
MEET WE DON’T RIDE LLAMAS.
Generation Z siblings, big brother, Chase (lead guitar), and sisters, Max (lead vocals), Blake (drums), and Kit Mitchell (bass guitar), make up the L.A. band, We Don’t Ride Llamas (WDRL). Avid readers, self-professed nerds, lovers of sci-fi, anime, fashion, and nearly every musical genre from punk to funk, the members of WDRL cannot resist any good story well told, especially those set to an engaging melody.
The band also recently won an Austin Music Award and has been touring with Willow and Courtney Barnett.
No. 1 — WDRL just put out The Oracle. What went into making that EP? The sound feels so collaborative to the ear; did you all write in a different way for this one?
Well, we actually took each song from multiple weird, spiritual experiences that we had throughout quarantine. All of our projects are normally hands-on but we were marinating this EP for months. We’re super proud of it!
No. 2 —You’ve recently toured with Willow and are preparing for another tour with Courtney Barnett. Any favorite shows on tour so far? Any particular rituals or creative practices y’all bring to tour?
San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and Houston were some of our best shows, but the whole tour was lovely. The crowds were so warm, welcoming and ready to get loud! We always meet up before every show for warm ups and do a little pre-show meditation to get the vibes going on stage.
No. 3 — What does nurturing abundance in your creative life look like for WDRL as a family band?
We create a lot of spaces to thrive artistically from practice to personal writing! We just wrote two new songs that we’re super excited to release soon, as well as tons of new music. As a family, we’ve always pro-active about creative growth and synergy in our music. We believe that’s part of what makes our art so enjoyable to us.
No. 4 — What has art-making brought to your life? Anything in particular you’d like to share or reflect on?
It’s a pure and substantial source of joy in our lives for sure. We can’t remember a time when any of us weren’t not making something, even outside of music. Going in the studio to performing on stages is always a wonderful journey, but it’s also a job. It’s definitely built up our work ethic and enriched our zest for the industry. We’re really grateful to be able to do something like this and build a community around it.
No. 5 — What do you hope for the future of your creative work?
We are definitely going on a world tour! More tours just in general. We’re currently working on an album as well as our own personal projects outside of music. But, mainly, we want to play Madison Square Gardens, become Kennedy Center Honorees, participate in some movie sound tracks, and a few Grammies wouldn’t hurt either.
WANT TO ATTEND THE FRONT FEST?
Find more information at thefrontfest.com.
You can also keep up with what we’re up to at Future Front—from virtual events to membership—here.
On Texas Perreo And DJing Across Borders: Suxxy Puxxy
In this interview, DJ and host Suxxy Puxxy shares her thoughts on the art of Perreo, the beauty of communities united by Reggaeton and the resilience it takes to be an independent creative.
This summer, we’re checking in with our members and friends on the meaning of abundance.
As we get ready for The Front Festival, we chatted with Suxxy Puxxy, celebrated DJ and co-creator of Perreo Club. In this interview, Suxxy shares her thoughts on the art of Perreo, the beauty of communities united by Reggaeton and the resilience it takes to be an independent creative.
For more details on The Front Fest, head here.
MEET SUXXY PUXXY.
Sussie Ramirez (she/her) better known as Suxxy Puxxy is a promoter, manager and DJ from Monterrey, Nuevo León.
Suxxy (like her friends call her) started working in the underground party scene in Monterrey, helping produce events with local artists focused on bringing international talent in town. That's how she met Peligrosa, the Austin multidisciplinary latin collective. She started to work with them by planning a tour around California in summer 2018 and then working in a series of releases for Discos Peligrosa, which lead her to leave her hometown and move to Texas. Peligrosa members took her hand to start a new journey of her life which was the beginning of her Djing. Between a mix of her melancholy of missing home and her passion for Reggaeton, she started to throw Perreo parties, but what really set her aside was her way of mixing.
After the pandemic shutdown, alongside guest DJs and friends, she launched Perreo Club, an inclusive Latinx party based in Texas celebrating the culture of Reggaeton & Perreo.
No. 1 — Perreo Club’s been picking up speed the last few months! What went into co-creating the vibe/intention for this party? Any particular inspirations (both the obvious and the more obscure!)?
It kind of just came naturally. If you create it, people will come and there was an obvious demand for an inclusive Latinx space in Austin. We wanted to hold a safe space where people like us can come out and hear the music we grew up with, the music we like now and enjoy a night out with like-minded people.
No. 2 — Any advice for other aspiring creatives or DJs out there?
Keep going. Nothing comes easy. Every wall you may come across is a just boundary you push. Learn from your mistakes and don’t get discouraged by any set backs. Most of all, have a vision and stick to it.
No. 3 — What does nurturing abundance in your creative life look like right now? Got any rituals/practices you particularly love?
We’re really into practicing mindfulness and being open with each other about the obstacles we face. We find it easier to open up versus keep it all in. Take the breaks if you need them. Sussie is into working out and tarot reading. Find your safe space. Monique likes to wake up and meditate using sound bowls. We took an interview last week and set out our crystals. So, intention-setting, walks, therapy. Discover yourself during alone time. Put your mental health first.
No. 4 — What has art-making brought to your life? Anything in particular you’d like to reflect on?
It’s easy to get lost in the journey and art helps keep us grounded and helps us stay true to who we are as individuals. In creating this space, we hope it inspires others to stay true to themselves as well.
No. 5 — What do you hope for the future of your creative work?
We want to cross borders! We’d love to be a space for international artists to come to Texas and we’d love to travel internationally to host inclusive spaces for more artists.
WANT TO ATTEND THE FRONT FEST?
Find more information at thefrontfest.com.
You can also keep up with what we’re up to at Future Front—from virtual events to membership—here.
On Directing For The First Time And Writing Everyday: Stephanie Halovanic
Director and writer Stephanie Halovanic shares her experience directing for the first time, as well as her thoughts on finding the courage to create.
This summer, we’re checking in with our members and friends on the meaning of abundance.
As we get ready for The Front Festival, we sat down with one of this year’s featured filmmakers, Stephanie Halovanic. Stephanie shares her experience directing for the first time, as well as her thoughts on finding the courage to create.
For more details on The Front Fest, head here.
MEET STEPHANIE HALOVANIC.
Stephanie (she/her) is a writer and director based in NYC and Austin. But Humble Sinners is her first film.
She's worked as a writer and art director in advertising and runs a photo and film studio called Halo House with her sister. She's interested in writing coming-of-age stories about every stage of life on stylized, art-directed backdrops. She was born in Dallas, studied print journalism in Missouri and became a grown-up in NYC.
Next, she hopes to make feature called Penance, a coming-of-age comedy about a Catholic school girl preparing for her first confession. Think Rushmore meets Pippi Longstocking meets the Sacraments. She also hopes to turn But Humble Sinners into a series.
No. 1 — Let’s talk script! What sorts of inspirations / musings led to the creation of But Humble Sinners?
But Humble Sinners is the product of practice. One night during the pandemic, I wanted to get better at writing dialogue. I opened my computer and just started to write. I wrote the first draft of But Humble Sinners that night, and I began directing straight on the page—thinking through colors and music and all of the things that make a script come to life.
I went to Catholic school my whole life, so the religious motifs are no surprise. And lastly, the adventures of female friendship are the building blocks of my life, so I am not a bit surprised that this fuels so much of what But Humble Sinners is.
No. 2 — From casting to crew, BHS was a community affair. Any advice for other indie filmmakers in Texas?
Making a film is the ultimate group project. My advice is to seek out people who are passionate and great at what they do. Then the hard part comes: letting go and trusting them to do their thing. So much about directing and making a film is listening to your instincts. When do you outsource something? When do you fight for an idea? When do you let an idea go?
For example, I was set on playing one of the nuns in But Humble Sinners, but I was a first-time director (really a “first-time” everything), and I had to let that go. And, boy, am I glad I did because I found the perfect nuns who have become life long friends and taught me so much about acting and art.
No. 3 — What does nurturing abundance in your creative life look like right now? Got any rituals or practices you particularly love around filmmaking (or otherwise)?
I try to write every single day. Just 20 minutes. I set the timer on my phone and open a page. The rule is no editing, only writing. Some days it’s torture and other days I go on to write for a whole hour(s). I wrote one of my favorite short screenplays with this method, with ideas that came from god knows where.
I find I’m less precious and more playful during these writing sessions. On top of that, I love taking classes and learning from new people. This fall I’m taking an acting class! And finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my main muse: New York City. From the top of the Empire State Building to my neighborhood curmudgeons, the energy of the city inspires me more and more every day.
No. 4— What has art-making brought to your life? Anything in particular you’d like to share / reflect on?
Giving yourself the freedom to create and to make just for you and no one else is mandatory to survive this crazy world. If you ever have an urge to make—paint, write, act, puppeteer—do it. When art calls, answer with an artist.
No. 5 — What do you hope for the future of your creative work?
I hope to make film and television that is weird and wacky and relatable—push myself to think experimentally and honestly. I hope to explore acting. I hope to write for the theater. Be in a play. Write a musical. I just want to keep going. More tangibly, I hope to shoot my first feature film in 2023 called Penance, a coming-of-age story about a little Jewish girl who converts to Catholicism so she can to go to confession and get a powerful penance.
WANT TO ATTEND THE FRONT FEST?
Find more information at thefrontfest.com.
You can also keep up with what we’re up to at Future Front—from virtual events to membership—here.