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 and their community partners in Austin, Texas, this September for a national convening featuring speakers, panels, and conversations that explore the growing national demand for models that bridge arts, civic systems, and community engagement.
The National Convening on Community-Based Practice is organized following the approach of inclusive, creative collaboration: expect to engage with peers on topics shaping this multidisciplinary field.
Through dialogue and exchange, the convening will surface shared values, examine tensions, and illuminate new possibilities for the field. Participants will share strategies, stories, and tools for building meaningful relationships between artists and communities.
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, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Michael Rohd, Asif Majid, Barbara Schaffer Bacon, Kenneth D. Thompson, Ebony Noelle Golden and Heidi Schmalbach alongside policymakers and educators from The University of Texas at Austin and more.
Forklift is joined by partners including: The Bailey College of the Environment at Wesleyan University, Frontera Arts, the Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College Dance Department and Drama Department, 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
*Registration has reached capacity, but we encourage you to join the waitlist. When space becomes available you will be notified.*
*While registration is free, we know that travel costs may be a barrier. We encourage attendees to explore travel or professional development support through local arts agencies, employers, universities, or regional partners. Forklift has pursued funding to offset travel costs, but resources are currently limited.
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 to the Conversation at the Butterfly Bar (Optional)
Info: Attendees will check in, grab a drink, and start the conversations! Patrizi's Food Truck will be onsite serving fresh, hand-pulled house-made pasta and classic Italian dishes. Location information available here: https://www.butterflybaraustin.com/
Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026
*Schedule subject to change*
Info: Additional speakers, sessions, and evening programming locations will be announced closer to the event.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Morning Gathering + Opening Sessions
Info: Registration, coffee, welcome remarks, presentations, and panel discussion.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
Info: There is an onsite cafe within the Thompson Conference Center. Lunch is not included with registration. Menu linked here: https://thompsoncenter.utexas.edu/cafe
Other locations nearby:
Snarf’s Sandwiches , Red River Cafe , Corner Kitchen , Taco Joint
🕑: 01:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Afternoon Sessions
Info: Breakouts, facilitated conversations, artist-led sessions, and convening announcements.
🕑: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Dinner at Clay Pit (Optional)
Info: Join us for dinner 'housed in one of the last original buildings at Guadalupe and 16th Street, Clay Pit remains both a piece of Austin history and a gathering place where community, culture, and unforgettable flavor come together.' Restaurant info linked here: https://claypit.com/
Plates starting at $32 pp + beverages or other add ons
Friday, Sep. 25, 2026
*Schedule subject to change*
Info: Additional speakers, sessions, and evening programming locations will be announced closer to the event.
🕑: 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
Info: There is an onsite cafe within the Thompson Conference Center. Lunch is not included with registration. Menu linked here: https://thompsoncenter.utexas.edu/cafe
Other locations nearby:
Snarf’s Sandwiches , Red River Cafe , Corner Kitchen , Taco Joint
🕑: 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
