Surrey Art Gallery Seeks Passionate Volunteers for Tours

The Surrey Art Gallery is actively recruiting volunteer tour guides, inviting art enthusiasts to participate in training starting on January 15, 2026. No prior experience is necessary; individuals simply need a passion for contemporary art and a willingness to engage with school groups during weekday tours.

Located at 13750 88 Ave., the gallery seeks volunteers to lead educational tours that foster critical thinking, cultural literacy, and creativity among students. These tours, designed for school groups, incorporate interactive discussions and hands-on activities that enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of art.

Evelyn Zaklan, a docent with 27 years of experience at the gallery, emphasizes the rewards of this role. “It can be fulfilling for those who enjoy working with children and learning about contemporary art, while also making new social connections and building skills in art education,” Zaklan noted. She highlighted the ongoing opportunities for learning, including workshops, training sessions, and interactions with artists and curators.

The gallery’s volunteer programmer, Johanna Lasner, explained that new docents will receive comprehensive support through a structured program. This includes studying contemporary art, education theory, and effective touring methods. New volunteers will also have the chance to observe and assist in tours before leading independently, learning under the mentorship of seasoned docents.

For those interested in becoming a volunteer, additional details can be found on the Volunteering at the Gallery page at surrey.ca, or inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

As the gallery celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it continues to showcase contemporary art from local, national, and international artists, including digital and audio installations. Currently, the exhibition Kinesthesia: Body as Form features a diverse array of artists and groups exploring the theme of movement through various mediums such as sculpture, painting, textile, photography, film, and virtual reality. This exhibition is on display until December 14.

Kinesthesia brings together an eclectic grouping of artists, including All Bodies Dance, ĀNANDAM dance theatre, and many others, all contributing to a vibrant dialogue on the human body’s capabilities and expressions. Each artist’s work acknowledges and celebrates the myriad ways the body interacts with space and movement.

By joining the Surrey Art Gallery as a volunteer tour guide, individuals can play a pivotal role in enriching the cultural landscape of the community and inspiring the next generation of art lovers.