On June 28, a vibrant kickoff event marked the official launch of the DASH Pass program – a new initiative aimed at giving families, particularly those in underserved neighborhoods, access to some of North Texas’ most treasured cultural institutions. Standing for “Discovering Arts, Science & History”, the DASH Pass is more than just a card – it’s a gateway to possibility, wonder, and connection.

With support from the Rainwater Charitable Foundation (RCF), the DASH Pass is giving 550 families access to explore museums, gardens, and cultural landmarks – for free. But more than that, it’s a powerful step toward equity in cultural enrichment, and the success of the kickoff is just the beginning of something much larger.

Breaking Barriers, Opening Minds

In many cities, world-class museums and performance spaces are mere minutes away. But for too many families, those experiences remain out of reach. Financial constraints, transportation issues, and a lack of familiarity often create invisible barriers to participation in the cultural life of a city.

The DASH Pass was designed to dismantle those barriers. With access for eight people per visit (plus parking), the card empowers entire families to experience the rich arts, science, and history offerings in both Fort Worth and Dallas. From the Amon Carter Museum to the Perot Museum, from the Kimbell to the Fort Worth Zoo, families can explore up to 11 world-class institutions.

It’s a practical solution rooted in dignity and access – not just a one-time giveaway, but a sustained opportunity. And for each family that visits nine or more institutions, there’s even a prize waiting – a nod to the joy of the journey and the power of discovery.

A Community-Led Effort

Central to the success of the DASH Pass is the partnership with three trusted parent-facing organizations: United Community Centers, The Concilio, and Parent Shield. These nonprofits have deep relationships in the communities they serve, and they are instrumental in getting the passes into the hands of families who can benefit most.  The goal of this partnership with cultural institutions is to  increase access to enriching experiences to inspire children to dream big. 

June 28: A Day of Firsts

The Kickoff Celebration on June 28 brought energy and enthusiasm to the program’s public debut. Over the course of the day, 425 visits were logged across participating cultural institutions—a number that speaks to both the demand and the excitement surrounding the program.

At Kinfolk House, a vibrant community art space, five families stopped by – all for the very first time. A representative from the organization shared this powerful reflection:

“The DASH Pass June 28 kickoff celebration was wonderful! We had five families stop in with their DASH Pass. Altogether, we saw 7 adults and 6 children. More importantly than numbers, all of the visitors noted that they live nearby and had never heard of Kinfolk House but were happy to learn about the organization.”

That testimonial highlights the very essence of the DASH Pass: introducing people to spaces they may have walked past but never entered – and helping to ensure those spaces feel welcoming, inclusive, and exciting.

The Bigger Vision

While the June 28 kickoff was a significant milestone, it’s just the beginning of a long-term vision. Over the next five years, RCF and its partners hope the DASH Pass will catalyze something even larger:

  • More cultural institutions joining the network;
  • More parent-facing organizations coming on board;
  • Increased public funding to expand exposure opportunities for low-income families;
  • And ultimately, a broader inclusivity and access in the arts, sciences, and history sectors.

By tracking usage and outcomes, and listening to families and organizations along the way, the program will hopefully evolve to address even more barriers – whether that’s through transportation support, language access, or expanded outreach in communities.

Why Exposure Matters

Research shows that early and repeated exposure to cultural experiences significantly boosts children’s cognitive development, empathy, and academic performance. But beyond statistics, there’s a deeper truth: the arts, sciences, and history help us understand ourselves and our world. They spark questions. They foster curiosity. They build bridges across cultures and generations.

For a child who has never stood beneath the bones of a dinosaur, marveled at the brushstrokes of a Van Gogh, or laughed through a stage performance, these moments can be transformative. And for parents, these experiences can reawaken a sense of wonder, offer quality family time, and create new points of pride within their community.

Looking Ahead

With a soft launch on June 21 and an incredibly successful public debut on June 28, the DASH Pass program is already showing promise. It has the potential to become a model for cities across the country – proof that when access meets intention, entire communities can benefit.

As the summer unfolds and families begin exploring the 11 participating institutions, we’ll be watching not just the numbers, but the stories. Because behind every museum ticket is a child’s first memory of discovery, and sometimes all it takes is one moment of wonder to spark a lifetime of curiosity.

To learn more about the DASH Pass and how you can support its mission, connect with Rainwater Charitable Foundation or one of the partner organizations leading the way in Fort Worth and Dallas. https://rainwatercharitablefoundation.org/