Surrey Art Gallery Welcomes Volunteer Tour Guides for January Training

The Surrey Art Gallery is actively seeking volunteer tour guides as it prepares for its upcoming training program set to begin on January 15, 2026. This initiative invites art enthusiasts to engage with school groups during weekdays, guiding them through exhibitions that showcase contemporary art.

Volunteer Role and Responsibilities

No prior experience is necessary to apply for this role, making it a perfect opportunity for those with a passion for art. Volunteer guides, also known as docents, will lead interactive tours designed to foster students’ critical thinking, cultural literacy, and creative abilities. The gallery, located in Bear Creek Park, emphasizes the importance of discussion and hands-on activities during these tours.

With a tenure of 27 years as a docent, Evelyn Zaklan highlights how rewarding this position can be for individuals who enjoy working with children while expanding their own knowledge of contemporary art. “There’s always something new and exciting happening at the gallery,” Zaklan remarked. “We are constantly learning through ongoing training, workshops, meeting artists and curators, and working alongside each other.”

Training and Support for New Docents

According to Johanna Lasner, the volunteer programmer, new docents will receive comprehensive support, including a structured program that covers contemporary art, education theory, and touring techniques. Trainees will have the chance to observe and assist experienced docents before leading their own tours independently, ensuring they are well-prepared for the role.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer guide are encouraged to apply before the training program commences. Additional details are available on the Volunteering at the Gallery page on the Surrey city website or by contacting [email protected].

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Surrey Art Gallery, which has established itself as an award-winning venue for contemporary art from local, national, and international artists, including works in digital and audio formats. The current exhibition, titled Kinesthesia: Body as Form, explores the intersection of visual art and dance. Running until December 14, this eclectic showcase features a diverse array of artistic expressions that celebrate movement and the human body.

Participating artists in the Kinesthesia exhibition include All Bodies Dance, ĀNANDAM dance theatre, Justine A. Chambers, and others, bringing together a rich variety of sculptures, paintings, textiles, photographs, films, and even virtual reality experiences.

With its ongoing commitment to community engagement and education, the Surrey Art Gallery remains a vital cultural hub, encouraging new generations to appreciate and think critically about contemporary art.