Surrey Art Gallery Invites Volunteers for Tour Guide Training

Surrey Art Gallery is actively seeking individuals to become volunteer tour guides as part of its upcoming training program. Starting on January 15, 2026, the gallery invites art enthusiasts to apply for this role, which requires no prior experience but a genuine passion for art. The gallery, located in Bear Creek Park, aims to enhance the educational experience for school groups visiting its contemporary art exhibitions.

Volunteer guides, often referred to as docents, play a pivotal role in leading tours that engage students through discussions and hands-on activities. The goal is to foster critical thinking, cultural literacy, and creativity among young visitors. Evelyn Zaklan, a docent with 27 years of experience at the gallery, emphasizes the rewarding nature of this position. She notes that it provides opportunities to work with children, expand knowledge in contemporary art, and build meaningful social connections within the community.

“There’s always something new and exciting happening at the gallery,” Zaklan stated. “We are constantly learning through ongoing training, workshops, meeting artists and curators, and working alongside each other.” This commitment to professional development ensures that volunteers grow alongside the dynamic art environment.

The gallery’s volunteer programmer, Johanna Lasner, highlighted that new docents will receive comprehensive support throughout their training. Participants will engage in a program of study that covers contemporary art, education theory, and effective touring methods. Additionally, they will have the chance to observe and assist with tours before leading them independently, benefiting from the mentorship of seasoned docents.

Individuals interested in contributing to the Surrey Art Gallery’s mission are encouraged to visit the Volunteering at the Gallery page on surrey.ca for more details or contact [email protected].

Established in 1975, the Surrey Art Gallery is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It has earned recognition as an award-winning venue for contemporary art, showcasing works from local, national, and international artists, including digital and audio art.

This fall, the gallery features an exhibition titled Kinesthesia: Body as Form. This eclectic showcase brings together artists and groups whose practices celebrate the human body’s various forms of movement. The exhibition features a diverse range of artistic expressions, including sculpture, painting, textile art, photography, film, and virtual reality. Visitors can experience Kinesthesia until December 14, 2023.

Artists participating in Kinesthesia include notable names such as All Bodies Dance, ĀNANDAM dance theatre, Justine A. Chambers, Brendan Fernandes, and Tanya Lukin Linklater, among others. The exhibition aims to explore the intersections of visual art and dance, highlighting the dynamic ways artists engage with the concept of movement.

As the Surrey Art Gallery prepares for this exciting training initiative, it remains committed to fostering a vibrant art community and enhancing educational opportunities for future generations.