The Front

The Front is an artist-led nonprofit exhibition space dedicated to cultivating the growth, stability, and accessibility of contemporary art in New Orleans. Our mission is to provide support and visibility to professional and emerging artists, prioritizing opportunities for BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and women artists. We believe that art should reflect and represent our communities, showcasing the diversity of the human experience.

The Front is a New Orleans art collective dedicated to making art accessible to all and showcasing the diverse cultures of our neighborhood. We represent voices from various backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA, women and gender non-conforming artists, and other boundary-pushing creatives.

Since 2008, The Front has fostered innovative exhibitions, lectures, screenings, performances, and career building programs, always free and open to the public. We support artistic exploration outside of commercial constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, aiming to create a sustainable cultural economy that addresses racial inequities, economic disparities, and accessibility barriers.

We provide equal opportunities for underrepresented artists to exhibit & share their unique perspectives. Last year our gallery featured a range of artists, with over 50% of exhibitions highlighting BIPOC and LGBTQIA artists. Our 2024 programming explored themes rooted in Black Southern heritage, Creole perspectives, African ethos, and the Black female experience. Our most recent artists have explored subjects such as queer dislocation, personal archives & experiences, sexual agency, and environmental narratives.

Testimonials

"The Front plays an integral role in providing a space for local artists to grow and flourish in the city of New Orleans. What they do for our community is crucial" -Emily MacKenzie

"I look forward to the openings at the Front every second Saturday. The art they showcase is always amazing." - Sarah Fouts