Forklift Danceworks

11/22/2024

We’re Hiring! 🎉 Forklift Danceworks is looking for a Collaborative Learning Manager to join our team!

Applications are open! ✨ Visit our website for the full job description and details on how to apply: https://www.forkliftdanceworks.org/projects/were-hiring/

About the Role:
Forklift's Collaborative Learning Program (Co-Lab) is a transformative creative process that uses inquiry and collaboration to deepen connection among a wide range of communities. As an integral member of the Forklift team, the Collaborative Learning Manager manages and oversees Co-Lab. Success in this position includes growing Co-Lab by building effective relationships with collaborating organizations and clients, designing and implementing Co-Lab programming, managing programmatic staff, and working with the executive leadership team to meet and exceed Co-Lab annual revenue goals.

Help us spread the word by tagging someone who would shine in this role!

11/15/2024

Happy National Philanthropy Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible impact that giving, collaboration, and community support have in building a brighter future. To everyone who has given their time, resources, or energy to a cause close to their heart—you are the change-makers, and we’re grateful for you!

At Forklift Danceworks, we’re proud to use the arts as a bridge to bring communities together. Projects like “The Way of Water” highlights the urgent climate-based water issues through the voices of those most affected, bringing their stories to life in a way that inspires understanding and action.

Thank you for being part of our journey!

11/08/2024

Ever danced through your feels to Chappell Roan? 💃💖

Now’s your chance to experience her album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, like never before! Join us Wednesday, November 20th, from 5–6:45pm at Equipment Room with Erin Walter from Parker Woodland spinning the vinyl. 🎶

Come for the high-fidelity sound and iconic album vibes, stay for curated cocktails, bites, and happy hour specials—all in Austin’s first all-vinyl listening room. Best part? Every ticket supports Forklift Danceworks and our mission to activate communities through collaborative creative processes.

Tickets are limited—grab yours now and don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event! Click the link below to purchase your tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/36cdacb9-7f4c-4b5f-b3cd-9bd667eadd8b

11/08/2024

Forklift Danceworks presents "For the Love of My Horse" on Saturday, December 7th — a special celebration of community and connection. Listen to the stories of riders and their equine companions with an afternoon of storytelling, good company, and even better BBQ.

If you're interested in attending this event, please contact us at [email protected].

For the Love of My Horse is supported by The National Endowment for the Arts, The Texas Commission on the Arts, The Meyer Levy Fund, Lynne Dobson and Greg Wooldridge, and donors like you!

10/23/2024

We’re thrilled to support Shuronda Robinson, our esteemed Lift a Fork emcee and generous donor, as she spearheads True to You: Women of Influence—a 3-day virtual event from Nov 7-9.

Shuronda has consistently demonstrated leadership with purpose, crafting spaces for women to fully embody their power without compromise. True to You stands as a bold reclamation of leadership, wealth, and justice, designed for women ready to transcend societal barriers and lead with authenticity.

Join Shuronda for three transformative days to explore:

Purpose: Define your vision and success on your own terms.
Possibility: Break free from limiting beliefs and embrace your power.
Power: Build wealth with integrity and lead with love, creating lasting impact.

This event isn’t just another gathering—it’s a movement. If you’re a woman who seeks leadership rooted in spiritual alignment, justice, and transformative wealth, then this is for you. 💫

🔗 Learn more and register here: https://www.shuronda.com/

Let’s amplify this movement together. Share with others who need to hear this message. Together, we rise. 🙌🏽💪🏽✨

10/16/2024

Join us at The Contemporary Austin's very first "Perspective Tour," led by our Founder and Artistic Director, Allison Orr!

Perspective Tours is a new program by The Contemporary Austin, featuring a series of talks and tours where guest artists and curators share their insights on the museum’s exhibitions. In this debut event, Allison will bring her unique perspective to the public artworks of Carl Cheng, exploring how her own creative practice intersects with the themes of movement, machinery, and the natural world in time-based public projects and performances.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience art from a fresh perspective and connect with the work in an engaging new way! Grab your *free* tickets through the link below:
https://bit.ly/3zZn9h7

10/14/2024

Forklift Danceworks is proud to be one of 50 local organizations chosen to receive a Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grant from the City of Austin Office of Sustainability and Office of Resilience! 👏

This grant funding will support "The Way of Water: Colorado River," a project exploring Texas’ Colorado River and the work of the people who steward it. Through inclusive, free, community-based dance programming, The Way of Water: Colorado River will deepen understanding of the challenges confronting and stimulate dialogue and action regarding the future of the Colorado River, one of Texas’s most valuable resources.💧

Learn more at www.AustinTexas.gov/FACE

10/10/2024

Curiosity, Empathy, & Joy: Our Founder & Artistic Director's guiding principles in creating impactful performances. Thank you, Bold Journey Mag, for spotlighting our fearless leader, Allison Orr. Click the link below to read the full interview and learn how she found purpose and what keeps her inspired: https://boldjourney.com/meet-allison-orr/

10/07/2024

Thank you, Dance Data Project for the awesome feature on Forklift Danceworks! 💙

Click the link below to read the full article and make sure to check out Dance Data Project's latest edition of "Point by Pointe," a special issue celebrating community engagement in dance.
https://www.dancedataproject.com/ddp-talks-to-allison-orr-forklift-danceworks/

09/25/2024

What an unforgettable night! ✨ Thank you to everyone who made Lift a Fork such a success. Together, we raised over $100,000 to support our The Way of Water: Global initiative! 🌎💧

From the incredible dishes by to the inspiring speeches by Robert Mace and Laura Bennett, this night was one to remember.

Swipe through for some of our favorite moments from the event! ➡️

We’re so grateful to all who attended and supported us from afar. Your generosity helps us continue creating art that inspires change. 💙

09/17/2024

🚨 Last chance! 🚨 Today is the final day to snag your tickets for Lift a Fork! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of art, science, and delicious food by Chef Michael Fojtasek!

✨ Attire: Speakeasy-inspired cocktail

🚗 Ride-sharing is encouraged!

Secure your spot now—tickets close at midnight! ⏳Link in bio!

09/06/2024

Chef Spotlight: Meet award-winning Chef Michael Fojtasek, the culinary mastermind behind Olamaie, Maie Day, and Little Ola’s Biscuits! On September 24th, he will be crafting an incredible three-course dinner with artisanal wine and cocktail pairings at our “Lift a Fork” fundraiser.

Known for his modern take on Southern cuisine, Chef Fojtasek brings passion and creativity to every dish he makes. We’re beyond excited to have him curate this unforgettable evening of food, drinks, and community!

Seats and tables are limited, so don’t wait – secure your tickets today! Reserve your spot and learn more about the event through the link below!
https://bit.ly/4e8vrl2

09/05/2024

Can't wait to have the fabulous ShurondaEverything as our MC Sept 24th! Lift a Fork

09/02/2024

On Labor Day, we honor the resilience, creativity, and dedication of workers everywhere. At Forklift Danceworks, we believe in utilizing the power of art to elevate the stories of those who build and sustain our communities on a daily basis. Today, we celebrate the workers who inspire us, and remind us that every movement matters!

08/29/2024

Time for a quick for our upcoming "Lift a Fork" event on September 24th! 🍽

We’re thrilled to announce that Shuronda Robinson will be our MC, with featured speakers Laura Bennett and Robert Mace. They’ll share their unique perspectives on water issues, perfectly aligning with Forklift’s “The Way of Water: Global” initiative—a multi-year project uniting communities, civic organizations, and advocacy groups to tackle climate-based water challenges.

Learn more about Shuronda, Laura, and Robert below:
- Shuronda Robinson, CEO of Austin Woman Magazine and founder of Adisa Communications, leverages her expertise in storytelling and communications to empower women and foster meaningful connections. A fourth-generation entrepreneur, she is committed to creating beauty and peace in the world through her work.

- Laura Bennett has dedicated over 20 years to nonprofit work, including fundraising for causes like sustainable water use and advocating for mental health and women's issues. She is passionate about educating Central Texans about sustainable use of our shared water resources.

- Robert Mace is the Executive Director of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and a Professor of Practice in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University. With over 30 years of water policy expertise, Robert is dedicated to preserving Texas' water resources, focusing on the impacts of climate change on water sustainability.

Learn more and purchase your tickets through the link below! ✨
https://bit.ly/47aQtNY

08/27/2024

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming “Lift a Fork” event on September 24th at ! ✨🍽️

This event will be an intimate, seated dinner with food and beverages crafted by the renowned Michael Fojtasek of Olamaie. The event will also spotlight Forklift’s “Way of Water: Global” initiative, which brings attention to the critical intersection of art and science. 💧

Seats are limited, so make sure to purchase your tickets soon! You can reserve your seat and learn more about the event through the link in our bio. 🔗

08/02/2024

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Don Duck Anderson, a Forklift star and a legend in his own time. Don had a huge heart, and anyone who met Don immediately became his friend. We will continue to share memories of Don as we honor all that he contributed to Forklift. Read this beautiful obituary and leave your own memories of Don on the memory page. Rest in Peace, dear Don.

Donald "Duck" Anderson was born on September 25th, 1967 and passed away on July 29th, 2024 at the age of 56