Surrey Board of Trade Wants More Strategic Focus for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Surrey’s Economic Development Strategy

The Surrey Board of Trade has released its Tourism, Arts and Culture Recommendations to the City of Surrey, asking for a focus on a progressive, strategic tourism, arts and culture infrastructure strategy. “To ensure Surrey continues to be an opportunity city, an economic development focus on tourism, arts and culture, with a commitment to building or working on needed assets in collaboration with the private sector, is essential to supporting and attracting business and ensuring a sustainable workforce,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.

The Surrey Board of Trade’s Recommendation Paper explores the following areas:

1. Surrey as an arts capital

2. Surrey as a destination

3. Marketing/branding to businesses/residents

4. Supporting local artists

5. Surrey’s music city

potential

6. Capital assets that are needed such as a Performing Arts Centre “We are building a city of great cultural spaces, but there is still so much more work to do. The creation of new arts and culture infrastructure continues to lag behind population growth. For the next 10 years, it is vitally important that we focus on activating arts and culture infrastructure in all areas of Surrey.”

The Surrey Board of Trade is focusing on building momentum.

The Surrey Board of Trade indicates that municipal investment in arts and culture infrastructure unlocks and leverages much bigger dollars, resulting in the development of anchor spaces, major community arts centres, and incubator spaces.

“We are at a pivotal moment in our history to unleash the power of arts and culture in diversifying our economy and shaping our city’s identity.” In summary, the recommendations are to:

1. Ensure arts and culture infrastructure reflects demographic changes and population growth.

2. Infuse neighbourhoods throughout the city with creativity through accessible and vibrant spaces.

3. Protect and sustain our current arts and culture infrastructure.

4. Continue to invest in the creation of new tourism, arts and culture infrastructure, building on what we’ve learned over the past 10 years.

Full Report: businessinsurrey.com/policy/tac