Arts Council of Surrey

The ACS has obtained another exclusive from the office of Mayor Doug McCallum: City of Surrey. The ACS is proud that he has selected both the SPOTLIGHT on the ARTS and our website to address the Surrey Arts & Culture community during this unprecedented time we find ourselves in with Covid-19.

The City of Surrey is very proud on how our artists and arts and heritage organizations are responding to the challenges of COVID-19. I am impressed by how they have found ways to share their work with us, including using alternatives to inside venues and avoiding the risks of social gatherings. We all benefit from the opportunity to learn about the heritage of our City, stretch our creative muscles, and experience the talents of Surrey’s local artists, actors and musicians. Their words, music and works of art, provides much needed respite and positive messages of connection into our lives.

Recent national studies of Canadian arts audiences confirm when arts venues reopen, audiences intend to return over time. This summer, to ensure our residents and staff remain safe, our civic cultural venues are closed. But we welcome the news the majority of those audiences are discovering new artists and fulfilling the need for experiencing creative expression, online.

Congratulations to the Arts Council of Surrey for launching a virtual gallery to host their annual juried art show, titled “ARTS 2020.” While we might miss the experience of visiting the wonderful Surrey Art Gallery this summer and mingling with artists and neighbours at the Newton Cultural Centre, the capacity of this digital gallery seems limitless. I invite you to join me exploring the 200+ artworks in this show. Everyone can discover even more online programming offered in the City at www.surrey.ca/onlineprograms

Over the summer many residents will be planning a “staycation” near their homes in Surrey.
There are many ways to enjoy the work of local artists and learn about the heritage of our City while staying outside. The Crescent Beach Pop-Up Gallery will soon be featuring a changing exhibition of artwork by local artists on its windows. The Surrey Arts Centre is also planning to host artwork on its windows facing Bear Creek Park. Some facades in our various town centre business districts are also exploring adding beautification features, so our residents can enjoy art while walking in their neighbourhoods. There are multiple driving tours to learn about the heritage of various neighbourhoods in Surrey now available. And of course, whether walking, by bicycle, or by car, most of our city’s public art collection is easy to experience.

I look forward to joining you online, and outside, enjoying our beautiful City and appreciating the gifts of our wonderful creative residents.

Doug McCallum: Mayor | City of Surrey