National Convening on Community-Based Practice
About this Event
National Convening on Community-Based Practice
Calling all artists, civic leaders, scholars, and cultural workers — Join Forklift Danceworks in Austin, Texas this September for a national convening featuring keynote speakers, artist panels, and public events that explore the growing national demand for models that bridge arts, civic systems, and community engagement.
Spanning a wide range of pedagogies and purposes including but not limited to:
- Public Policy and Civic Engagement
- Environmental Stewardship
- Health
- Education
- Community-based Arts and Cultural Practice
Over two days, we will explore how artists work with communities to build meaningful partnerships and respond to urgent social and civic realities. Through dialogue and exchange, the convening will surface shared values, examine tensions, and illuminate new possibilities for the field.
Participants and featured speakers will include innovative artists and thought-leaders such as Liz Lerman, Stephanie V. McKee-Anderson, Allison Orr, Marty Pottenger, Mark Valdez, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, alongside policymakers and educators from The University of Texas at Austin and more.
Forklift is joined by partners including: Wesleyan University’s College of the Environment, the Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College’s Dance & Drama Departments, and Planet Texas 2050.
This is a FREE event, but advanced registration is required.
What You’ll Gain
- New tools and approaches for community-based and collaborative creative work
- Insight into diverse practices across disciplines, sectors, and communities
- Real-world examples of projects in civic, health, environmental, and cultural contexts
- Connections with artists, community members, educators, and partners
- Fresh ideas and inspiration for your own work, research, or community engagement
About Forklift Danceworks
Forklift Danceworks is a nationally recognized leader in community-based performance, creating large-scale works with civic workers, residents, and institutional partners. Through long-term, embedded collaboration, Forklift transforms complex public systems into powerful, accessible artistic experiences that deepen public understanding and connection. Visit www.forkliftdanceworks.org for more information.
Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2026
*Schedule subject to change*
Info: Additional speakers, sessions, and evening programming locations will be announced closer to the event.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Welcome Event
Info: Registration, refreshments, and community gathering.
Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026
🕑: 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Morning Gathering + Opening Sessions
Info: Registration, coffee, welcome remarks, keynote presentations, and panel discussion.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Afternoon Sessions
Info: Breakouts, facilitated conversations, artist-led sessions, and convening announcements.
🕑: 05:00 PM
Evening Community Events
Info: Optional off-site dinner, performances, exhibitions, and informal gatherings throughout Austin.
Friday, Sep. 25, 2026
🕑: 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Morning Sessions
Info: Coffee, facilitated small-group conversations, artist-led activity, and featured presentations.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:45 PM - 05:00 PM
Afternoon Sessions + Closing
Info: Collaborative discussions, participant sharing, and closing reflections.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
