Arts Umbrella

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Arts Umbrella is a vibrant, multidisciplinary arts education centre dedicated to helping young people discover and develop their creative potential. For nearly five decades, it has served children and youth ages 2–22 across Metro Vancouver, offering high-quality training in Art & Design, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Film.

As Canada’s only not-for-profit organization of its kind, Arts Umbrella provides accessible, professional-level arts education to nearly 20,000 young people each year. Through classes, workshops, and community programs, it creates inclusive spaces where participants can build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

By making the arts accessible to more families, Arts Umbrella helps remove barriers to participation and ensures that creativity is not limited by circumstance. Its work matters because engagement in the arts supports young people’s emotional well-being, self-expression, and personal growth—empowering them to thrive both inside and outside the studio.

"What makes your organization’s work important in Surrey and area?"

Arts Umbrella’s work in Surrey and the surrounding area is important because it helps ensure that children and youth have access to high-quality arts education in communities where opportunities can be limited. Surrey is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse regions in Metro Vancouver, and many families face financial, cultural, or geographic barriers to extracurricular programming. By partnering with local schools and community organizations, Arts Umbrella brings arts programming directly into neighbourhoods where it’s needed most. This approach removes barriers to participation and creates inclusive, culturally responsive spaces where young people can explore their creativity, build confidence, and connect with others. This work matters because access to the arts supports not only creative development, but also mental well-being, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging—helping young people in Surrey thrive in meaningful and lasting ways.

"What programs or services do you currently offer?"

Arts Umbrella offers a wide range of arts education programs for children and youth ages 2–22 across Metro Vancouver. Its core programming spans four main disciplines: Art & Design – visual arts instruction including drawing, painting, sculpture, and portfolio development Dance – training in styles such as ballet, contemporary, and modern dance, from beginner to pre-professional levels Theatre – acting, performance, and theatre creation for young performers of all experience levels Music & Film – opportunities for musical training, composition, and introductory film and media arts In addition to studio-based classes, Arts Umbrella also delivers outreach and community-based programs in partnership with schools and local organizations. These programs are designed to reduce barriers to participation and bring arts learning directly into communities. Together, these offerings provide accessible, high-quality arts education that supports creativity, confidence, and personal development in young people at every stage of their artistic journey.

"Who benefits from your work?"

Arts Umbrella’s work benefits children and youth ages 2–22 across Metro Vancouver, with a focus on ensuring that young people from diverse backgrounds have access to high-quality arts education. Participants include beginner learners discovering the arts for the first time, as well as more advanced students pursuing intensive training in disciplines such as visual art, dance, theatre, music, and film. Many of the young people served face barriers to participation, including financial constraints, limited access to local programming, or lack of exposure to the arts in their schools or communities. Families and communities also benefit. Parents and caregivers gain access to enriching, structured programs that support their children’s development, while schools and community partners are able to expand creative learning opportunities. More broadly, the impact extends into the wider community by fostering creativity, confidence, and well-being in young people—skills that support their growth in school, relationships, and future careers.