As the City of Surrey announced the awardees of more than $600K in cultural and heritage grants for 2025, three Cloverdale organizations were listed as beneficiaries.
The Cloverdale Arts and Entertainment Association received $8,500, the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce got $5,500, and the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society was awarded $9,000.
In total, the city gave out $617,125 in grants to 94 arts, culture, and heritage organizations across the city.
“Supporting Surrey's arts, culture, and heritage groups is essential," Mayor Brenda Locke said in a press release. "These grants play a vital role in enhancing our diverse cultural landscape and providing residents with meaningful and memorable experiences.”
Locke added the grants help various groups put on a wide array of events across the city year round.
Grants are available in three categories: cultural celebrations, projects, and operating grants. Last year, city hall gave out nearly $650,000 to 87 different groups. Money goes to help put on events that include: live music, dance, theatre, visual arts, festivals, and others.
The Cloverdale Arts and Entertainment Association received their money to host Cloverdale Market Days. Market Days is a street festival that takes over 176th in downtown Cloverdale. The market focuses on “community enhancement” with local vendors and artisans and live music from local artists. Market Days takes place once a month from May to September.
The Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce got $5,500 to help with a new event, “Taste of Cloverdale.” The festival will “highlight the culinary arts in east Surrey” and help businesses grow in Cloverdale, Clayton, and Campbell Heights.
The Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society (FVHRS) was awarded $9,000 in grant money. FVHRS will use the money to once again host its “Cloverdale Station Summer Music Festival” on their patio at the rail yard. This free entertainment for the public will feature a number of local musicians. FVHRS runs old B.C. Electric Railway cars out of their Heritage Rail campus in Cloverdale, bringing to life a small piece of B.C. history and that of the electric railway.
“The Cultural Grants Program supports a wide range of artistic and heritage initiatives that showcase creativity, celebrate cultural heritage, and connect communities,” the city noted in its release. “By fostering artistic expression and celebrating heritage, the program enhances residents' quality of life and strengthens the capacity of organizations, programs, events, and activities dedicated to arts and heritage in Surrey.”
The city has given out more than 850 grants since 2013.
Visit surrey.ca/culturalgrants for more info.
