25 Years of Creative Collaboration
For more than twenty-five years, Forklift Danceworks has activated communities through a collaborative creative process that advances civic dialogue, elevates community knowledge, and strengthens cross-sector collaboration. Through long-term partnerships and initiatives, Forklift expands access to arts experiences while supporting more connected, responsive communities.
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Complete our Forklift Fan Form and help us celebrate 25 years of creative collaboration.
Our Impact Over 25 Years
35+
collaborations
one-of-a-kind performance projects that share stories, build understanding, and create community
300+
partners
government entities, universities, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions
2000+
Classes & Workshops
teaching and training in Forklift’s method of creative collaboration
$3.8
Million Secured
in government and foundation grants to support Forklift’s mission
Twenty-Five Years of Practice, Partnership, and Public Impact
In 2001, Founder and Artistic Director Allison Orr directs In Case of Fire, her first site-specific dance created in partnership with a municipal agency. Over the next twelve years, Orr and her collaborators deepen this practice through long-term partnerships with city departments, including Austin Resource Recovery and Austin Energy. In 2014, Forklift expands its focus to creative placemaking, developing performance projects grounded in neighborhood stories, needs, and expertise. By 2020, the company is applying the Forklift methodology on college campuses and in communities around the world to foster civic dialogue, influence public behavior, and inform policy and systems change.
Building The Foundation (2001-2013)
In Case of Fire
In Case of Fire, a dance for thirteen City of Austin Firefighters, which culminates Austin’s Fire Prevention Week, is Forklift’s first production in 2001.
The Trash Project
The Trash Project, a dance for the employees of Austin’s Sanitation Department, premiers in 2009. The dance earns wide acclaim, and through the documentary film, Trash Dance, it is chronicled and celebrated worldwide.
Advancing Policy Change (2014-2019)
Play Ball
Commissioned by Six Square, Austin’s Black Cultural Heritage District, Play Ball celebrates historic Downs Field and leads to over $250,000 in funding to upgrade this historic Austin site.
My Park, My Pool, My City
My Park, My Pool, My City, a three-year initiative, drives deeper public awareness and action regarding Austin’s municipal pool system. The project contributes to the passing of a $40M bond for Austin city pools, the largest bond ever for Austin’s public pool system.
GLOBAL IMPACT (2020 AND BEYOND)
On Campus
On Campus, a series of collaborative projects at U.S. universities leads to greater visibility for campus staff and improved relationships amongst staff, students, and faculty.
The Way of Water
A multi-year global initiative, The Way of Water, launches in Austin, El Paso, Miami, and Venice, Italy. Working with numerous partners, including Austin Water and Watershed Protection Utilities, Bloomberg Philanthropies, El Paso’s International World Water Week, Miami-Dade County, and Venice International University, The Way of Water (italics)
contributes to greater water awareness, conservation, and stewardship of water resources.
