Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc.

Performing Arts Fort Worth

Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc. (PAFW) is the 501(c)3 non-profit organization that oversees the day-to-day operations and management as well as long-term capital needs of the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall complex. Since its founding in 1992, PAFW has paved the way for more than 7 million patrons, including ~1.8 million students and educators, to enjoy acclaimed programming in a world-class venue.

The mission of Bass Performance Hall is to serve as a permanent home to major performing arts organizations of Fort Worth and as a premier venue for other attractions so as to enhance the range, quality, and accessibility of cultural fare available to the public; to promulgate arts education; and to contribute to the cultural life of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the region.

Children’s Education Program

The mission of the Children’s Education Program (CEP) is to promote arts education at Bass Performance Hall. Since the first CEP presentation in October 1998, the primary objective has been to offer accessible, curriculum-related, age-appropriate arts education programming free of charge to all participants, with Bass Hall at the center as the ultimate “living classroom.” Every student has the advantage of attending live performances, workshops, camps, and other arts education experiences that for most would not be viable options if not for this program.

With a vision to serve "every student, every grade, every year", the CEP seeks to introduce the children in our community to a diverse range of live performing arts presentations at Bass Hall to enhance their education and cultivate meaningful life experiences. Each component of the CEP enriches STEAM education for participants, fostering academic excellence, self-esteem, and an appreciation for the arts while eliciting and inspiring artistic and creative expression in each student.  Because of the proven value of integrating first-rate performing arts experiences with academics as displayed by the CEP, Fort Worth ISD mandates that students in grades 1-5 attend their CEP grade-level performance each year as part of their arts education curriculum. 

While the CEP is an integral part of Bass Hall, it maintains its own support independent from PAFW. Since 1998, ~1.8 million students and educators have participated in the CEP because of funds raised from events like North Texas Gives to the Arts, as well as from generous foundations, corporations, and individuals just like you, who share our passion and commitment to arts education. All gifts from North Texas Gives to the Arts will directly support the CEP, which serves annually ~65,000 students in grades 1-12 and teachers from Fort Worth ISD and other public, private, and parochial schools across North Texas.

Each season, the CEP receives thank-you notes and testimonials from participants who are grateful for and impacted by the many programs it provides. The following were received in response to 2024-2025 CEP Season programs:

• “We are sending you a million "THANKS" to you, Children's Education Program at Bass Performance Hall…Everything about our experience was perfect: the length of the performance for our students, organization and efficiency of loading and unloading buses, friendliness (and patience) of everyone at Bass Hall, the curriculum provided, your help and quick response to emails.” --Kirsten E. DeGroote, 2nd Grade Teacher
• “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to bring our students to see The Music of Sam Cooke. As you know, Fred Moore High is an at-risk campus, and we face significant challenges in securing funding for outside educational experiences. Without the Bass Hall Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Children Education Program, we would not have been able to expose our students to the enriching world of theater. Out of our 60 students, not one has ever had the chance to visit a theatrical venue. This experience will not only inspire them but also foster a lasting enthusiasm for the arts. Thank you once again for your support and for helping us create these invaluable moments for our students.” --Kelly Fiore-Watson, Theater Arts and Special Education Teacher  
• “My students and I wanted to reach out and extend a HUGE thank you for such a wonderful experience! The opportunity to observe your enchanting performance of Peter and the Wolf with ASL interpreters was an incredible opportunity and the students have continued to bring up little instances from the show. Seeing my students enraptured by the performance and the interpreting team simply overflowed by little teacher bucket.” --Brittany Hamilton, American Sign Language Teacher