Photography by Turk Studio
This summer, AURORA will bring back Art Quest, the organization’s annual initiative focused on expanding access to art and technology through free public programming across Dallas. Since launching in 2022, Art Quest has combined interactive events, artist commissions, and educational workshops to engage communities while drawing attention to the ongoing digital divide and unequal access to arts programming.
The 2026 edition will feature a series of events in Pleasant Grove, South Dallas, and Bachman, each designed to connect participants with artists and creative technologies in accessible, community-centered ways. Central to the program are scavenger hunt–style experiences in Pleasant Grove and South Dallas, where participants will follow clues throughout the neighborhood for the chance to win commissioned artworks by regional artists.
Programming begins June 6 from 5–9 p.m. at the Trinity River Audubon Center, followed by a July 18 event from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the African American Museum of Dallas. On August 1, multimedia artist Karla Ramirez-Santin will lead a public workshop from 1–3 p.m. at the Bachman Branch Library.
Additional workshops scheduled throughout the summer will introduce participants to creative technologies and contemporary media practices. On May 22, DJ Leo J will host an Intro to DJing workshop at Gallery 86, while artist Nick Bontrager will lead an Intro to 3D Printing workshop July 25 at the South Dallas Cultural Center.
Art Quest continues AURORA’s broader mission of merging art, technology, and public engagement through projects that prioritize accessibility and participation. By bringing artist commissions and educational programming directly into neighborhoods across Dallas, the initiative encourages audiences to experience technology and contemporary art outside traditional institutional settings.
All Art Quest events and workshops are free and open to the public. More information will be announced throughout the summer on AURORA’s website.