Community Engagement for Artists: Building Roots, Not Just Reach

Building Roots, Not Just Reach is a practical workshop on building deep, loyal audience relationships through intentional community engagement without relying on constant social media output. This session teaches artists how to create true cultural value through story, reciprocity, and localized relationship-building.

This workshop is designed for arts professionals of any medium—performers, visual artists, filmmakers, designers, teaching artists, literary artists, culture organizers, and nonprofit creatives—who seek more sustainable ways to build audiences, collaborations, students, donors, or buyers.

Presented by Morgan Teel

Morgan Teel is a choreographer and founder of Dance Waterloo, a nonprofit that expands access to contemporary dance through community-rooted performances and education in spaces ranging from public parks to cultural venues like the Dougherty Arts Center. Her work prioritizes clarity, curiosity, and relationship-building, inviting audiences to feel connected to dance without needing prior knowledge or permission to participate.

Alongside her artistic work, she designs corporate community engagement programs that build meaningful relationships between employees and the local organizations supporting Austin’s cultural and social needs. As a Certified Enneagram Coach specializing in time management for creatives, she helps artists protect their energy and build sustainable practices that support long-term growth. Morgan serves on the Keep Austin Beautiful Corporate Advisory Council, reflecting her belief that strong artistic ecosystems are built through intentional care for both community and place. www.morgen-teel.com

Instagram: @enneagrammorgan

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance please contact (512) 974-3917 or Relay Texas 7-1-1.
For more information or to request a language interpreter, please call Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. Requests for interpretation services should be made at least five days prior to the meeting or event you plan to attend.

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Host or Publisher The Dougherty Arts Center