Bhangra dancers

Cultural Grants

Building community through arts and culture.

If you are hosting an arts or cultural activity in Surrey, you can apply for a Cultural Grant. By celebrating our diversity, we build trust and connection in our city. Cultural activities can mean different things to different people, so this grant covers a wide variety of activities run by not-for-profit organizations.

Eligibility

  • Registered or non-registered not-for-profit organizations hosting an arts or cultural event can apply. You do not need to be an incorporated society.
  • Activities covered can include: music, dance, theatre, literary, visual, media, inter-disciplinary, community-based and Indigenous arts and cultural celebrations and events that reflect Surrey’s diverse heritage and community. 

View in-depth guidelines for the Cultural Grants program.

Contact us if you have any questions

Email the Cultural Grants team at culturalgrants@surrey.ca or call 604-591-4850. We want to hear your ideas for bringing arts and culture to our community.

2024 grant applications

Deadlines

  • 2024 grant applications are due no later than October 3, 2023 at 11:59pm.
  • 2024 applications are now available online.

Information sessions

Join us to learn more about the 2024 Cultural Grants program. Registration is required. Email us at culturalgrants@surrey.ca to book your spot.

  • August 21, 6:30-8:00pm, Newton Recreation Centre
  • August 23, 6:30-8:00pm, Online (Microsoft Teams)
  • September 13, 6:30-8:00pm, Online (Microsoft Teams)

Grant mentorship

Book a 30 minute mentorship session with Cultural Grants staff for any questions about the application or eligibility.
Book now

Types of grants

There are three types of grants you can apply for. Review the guidelines below to learn more about eligibility criteria for each grant. Applicant organizations are able to apply for up to one Cultural Grant per year.

Project grants

Maximum $10,000

Project grants encourage partnerships and collaborations that result in cultural programs and initiatives.

Apply Online

Download budget spreadsheet (excel)

Read guidelines for your application.

Cultural celebration grants

Maximum $3,000

Cultural celebration grants support initiatives to provide audiences with an original artistic experience as part of a larger event.

Apply Online

Download budget spreadsheet (excel)

Read guidelines for your application.

Operating grants

Maximum $25,000

Operating grants support and sustain the work of mature, registered not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations that:

  • deliver consistent, meaningful, and original local programming,
  • demonstrate sustainable administrative practices and organizational structures, and
  • play a leadership role in enriching and enlivening Surrey’s cultural landscape.

Apply Online

Download budget spreadsheet (excel)

Read guidelines for your application.

Surrey Civic Theatres (SCT) rental subsidy

The SCT rental subsidy offers assistance to Cultural Grant applicants renting Surrey Civic Theatres. Based on availability, this subsidy will provide access to City of Surrey Civic Theatres venues, including: Main Stage and the Studio Theatre, both at the Surrey Arts Centre, and Centre Stage at City Hall.

Read guidelines for your application.

Previously awarded Cultural Grants