Arts Umbrella has been changing the lives of children in Metro Vancouver for over 30 years and this tradition will now carry over to the city of Surrey as of Fall 2011.

Thirty-four tuition-based classes will be offered each week at two locations, Central and South Surrey. The priority: to establish opportunities for children to participate in the arts in their own neighbourhoods.

Surrey is quickly becoming the fastest growing city in Canada. It is currently the second largest in British Columbia and demographers predict that in a few decades it will take the title of the largest city in British Columbia. The City of Surrey has seen a rise of students in the Surrey school system; the largest increase in the province.

The City of Surrey has developed the “Child and Youth Friendly City Strategy”, recognizing the importance of healthy youth development. Since 2009, Arts Umbrella has been working with the Surrey School District to deliver art programs to Surrey kids free-of-charge.

What does this mean to Arts Umbrella? Opportunity, the chance to continue to “inspire kids for life” and positively impacting the lives of future generations of citizens. Arts Umbrella is proud to be a part of promoting culture, personal growth and well-being, economic vibrancy and skill development.