From T-Shirts to Community: How Future Is Color Is Redefining Creative Spaces

In 2020, Erwin Hines, a creative director with a background in design, found himself grappling with the murder of George Floyd and the systemic racism that permeated America. As a Black man, he felt compelled to express his emotions, and his medium of choice was a T-shirt. What began as a personal canvas for his thoughts quickly turned into a movement, selling 5,000 shirts in just two days. But Hines didn't stop there. He transformed a small garage in Barrio Logan into a gathering space, which eventually became Future Is Color, a collective focused on creative and cultural design, serving as a lounge, shop, listening room, and community hub.

The Genesis of Future Is Color

Hines's journey started with a simple T-shirt that read, "Respect the people, Not just the culture." The overwhelming response led him to donate all proceeds to organizations working for change. With his full-time job providing financial stability, he could afford to give back entirely. As he delved deeper into understanding systemic issues, he opened his garage doors to the community, fostering conversations and connections.

"Slowly, every weekend, I would just open up the space, even if we weren’t folding shirts, just to be down there and engage in conversation," Hines recalls. This organic evolution laid the foundation for what would become a thriving creative space.

Building a Community Hub

The garage transformed into a living room-like environment, complete with couches, books, and a Bluetooth speaker. It became a place where people could hang out, read, and engage in meaningful dialogues. The introduction of music, particularly jazz, added another layer to the space's purpose. Jazz nights became a staple, embodying the principles of improvisation and collective harmony.

"Jazz is a liberative music and framework. Improvisation is learning how to interact with people who might not be like you, but you have to come together and just improvise on how to make something beautiful," Hines explains. This philosophy extends beyond music, aiming to create proximity and empathy among diverse individuals.

The Artistic Practice of Gathering

Hines views gathering itself as an artistic medium. The Studio Sessions series, which includes live music, warehouse gatherings, intimate listening rooms, and open studio times, is designed to foster connection and dialogue. These sessions are not just about entertainment but about creating opportunities for people to be present with themselves and others.

"It was utilizing these spaces to create opportunity for real proximity, and the music became more of a conduit for people just being together," he says. The space has also partnered with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, further cementing its role as a cultural hub.

Decentering the Founder

A key aspect of Future Is Color is its deliberate effort to decenter Hines from the organization. He borrowed the name from a program he started with his sister, which aimed to educate young people about their own stories. By doing so, he ensures that the collective can be carried by others, allowing it to evolve organically.

"I’m a shy dude," Hines admits. "I never wanted to be defined as just this thing, so make it something outside of yourself." This approach has allowed Future Is Color to become a community-owned entity, where anyone can take on its mantle.

The Influence of Upbringing

Hines's upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio, played a significant role in shaping his worldview. His parents owned a development company that built affordable housing, and his grandparents ran landscaping and exterminating businesses. They instilled in him the value of giving back to the community. His aunts provided him with books on Black history, nurturing a deep understanding of his heritage.

"If you have, you give," he recalls. "You give from your excess, back to the community because we have this responsibility." This ethos is evident in every aspect of Future Is Color, from its educational roots to its community-focused programming.

Rewriting the Story of Self

Hines's work is rooted in the belief that "the environments we inhabit teach us who we are." He has spent years rewriting the narratives imposed by society, embracing his multidimensional identity. He acknowledges that this process is ongoing, even seeking therapy to understand himself better.

"I feel free. Not in the current system, though," he says. "I feel liberated enough and free enough mentally, but not physically because of the existing system that we live in." His vision of collective liberation is one where everyone can experience true freedom, not just a select few.

Looking Ahead

Future Is Color continues to grow, hosting events that bring people together in meaningful ways. From jazz nights to community conversations, the space is a testament to the power of creativity and connection. As Hines puts it, "I can’t be free until everybody’s free." This philosophy drives his work, making Future Is Color a beacon of hope and a model for community-driven design.

For those looking to get involved, Future Is Color offers open studio times and regular events. It's a place where art, music, and dialogue converge, creating a space for healing and growth. As Hines's journey shows, sometimes a simple T-shirt can spark a revolution, and a garage can become a sanctuary.