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 keynote speakers, artist panels, and public events that explore the growing national demand for models that bridge arts, civic systems, and community engagement.

Through dialogue and exchange, the convening will surface shared values, examine tensions, and illuminate new possibilities for the field. Over two days, we 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, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, 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