The Surrey Arts Centre’s main theatre is going to get a much-anticipated facelift this summer, thanks to community contributions, a just-announced federal grant and matching funds from the City of Surrey.Surrey North MP Dona Cadman was on hand at the arts centre Tuesday evening to announce funding of $118,075 will be contributed through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund toward the replacement of the aging theatre seats at the facility in Bear Creek Park.”Our government is supporting the Surrey Arts Theatre because we know how essential a vibrant artistic community is to strengthening our identity and our economy,” said Cadman, who attended the event in place of Fleetwood-Port Kells MP Nina Grewal.The seats in the main theatre are more than 27 years old and have long exceeded the manufacturer’s estimated lifespan of 20 to 25 years. A year-and-a-half ago the arts centre launched an ambitious campaign to raise funds for the seat replacement and other required theatre improvements. About $45,000 has been raised to date through that effort.The City of Surrey will match the federal funds, meaning it will only be a matter of months until the renovations can start.The replacement project will begin this summer and is expected to be complete by December. The main stage will be closed for about two months while work is done. The carpeting will also be replaced and the theatre will be re-painted.Seats can still be purchased for between $350 and $500 – depending on their location – and sponsors will get a dedication plaque on the arm of a seat that will remain for the lifetime of the seat.To buy a seat, go to www.arts.surrey.ca and click on the Seat Sponsorship button near the bottom of the page, or call 604-501-5566 and press ‘0’ for more information.
Theatre renovations a go for Surrey Arts Centre
Main stage seating to be replaced by later this year.
