September 23–25, 2026 | Thompson Center, the University of Texas at Austin
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.
Registration has reached capacity, but we encourage you to join the waitlist. When space becomes available you will be notified.
*Although 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. While Forklift is actively seeking funding to offset travel costs, resources are currently limited.
Featured Speakers
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.
In Partnership With
The Bailey College of the Environment at Wesleyan University | Frontera Arts | Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Texas at Austin | Austin Community College’s Dance & Drama Departments | Planet Texas 2050
Funders
Greg Wooldridge & Lynne Dobson
The Meyer Levy Charitable Trust
This project is supported in part by an Elevate Grant of Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment
Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
Help make this national convening possible, while connecting your organization to leaders in arts, education, civic engagement, and community-based practice.
Regional Network Partners
Regional Network Partners play a vital role by amplifying the Convening through their networks and providing promotional, outreach, travel assistance, presenter support, and other in-kind resources that increase access, participation, and representation from communities across the country.
Spread the Word to your Networks
Access graphics, sample language, and promotional materials in our media kit.
