Arts Council of Surrey

The Arts Council of Surrey is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the visual, performing, and literary arts in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Established in 1967, it operates as a member-based society. The council's mission is to foster awareness, appreciation, and pride in the community's artistic and cultural achievements.

Background and Mission

Since its inception, the Arts Council of Surrey has played a pivotal role in the local art scene by organizing and sponsoring numerous events throughout the year. These include participation in major community events like the Surrey Fusion Festival, Surrey Children’s Festival, Cloverdale Blueberry Festival, and the Surrey Association of Art Teachers student exhibit.

Activities and Events

The council is actively involved in promoting cultural activities, including a variety of workshops, classes, and exhibitions. It publishes a monthly newsmagazine, SPOTLIGHT on the arts, which covers current news and views on Surrey's vibrant arts scene. This publication is available both digitally and in hard copy.

Partnerships and Collaborations

One notable collaboration is with the Surrey Art Gallery, where they annually host the ARTS exhibition, an open-juried competition showcasing local artistry across multiple categories. This partnership facilitates the display of artworks both physically at the gallery and virtually on the council's website. The ARTS exhibition awards prizes in categories such as painting, drawing, photography, and digital media.

Membership and Community Engagement

The Arts Council of Surrey offers memberships for individuals, businesses, and groups, providing opportunities for both established and emerging artists to engage with the community. It encourages participation through submissions for exhibitions and encourages post-secondary students to participate with specific incentives.

Infrastructure and Facilities

The council operates out of the Newton Cultural Centre, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a gallery, conference meeting rooms, and a theatre/rehearsal hall. These spaces are available for rent and support a variety of arts-related activities.

Legal Status

The Arts Council of Surrey is registered as a Canadian nonprofit organization with a Business Registration Number of 118790690RR0001.

[1] https://artscouncilofsurrey.ca [2] https://www.instagram.com/artscouncilofsurrey/ [3] https://www.art-bc.com/places/surrey/arts-cultural-centres/arts-council-of-surrey-and-newton-cultural-centre/ [4] https://www.surrey.ca/sites/default/files/media/documents/ARTS-2025-Entry-Form.pdf [5] https://www.surrey.ca/arts-culture/surrey-art-gallery/exhibitions/arts-2025