The City of Surrey is pleased to announce that Streetrich Hip Hop Society and the Royal Canadian Theatre Company will be operating ‘Project 10660’, a new creative cluster for youth programming in City Centre.
Taking its name from its location at ‘10660’ City Parkway on a City-owned parcel of land, Project 10660 will provide space for youth arts programming located in a central, easily accessed area close to Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre and Youth Park.
“Repurposing this City-owned property will contribute to the further development of Surrey’s Cultural Corridor, and create a much needed venue to support art making and creative collaborations in City Centre,” said Mayor Linda Hepner.
Arts organizations have long expressed a desire for artist run spaces throughout the city. Proposals received from Streetrich Hip Hop Society and Royal Canadian Theatre Company set forth meaningful and engaging programs of youth-focused art workshops and mentoring opportunities: Streetrich programming will focus on youth engagement through hip hop dance, music and visual art workshops and training; Royal Canadian Theatre Company will offer youth mentorship in theatre production and use the space for theatre rehearsals and set construction.
“The Project will allow the City to engage the arts community and support outreach with a priority on working with youth. Further it will contribute to the City’s ‘Strengthening Youth & Communities through Art Strategy’ and build organizational capacity in the arts community,” said Councillor Judy Villeneuve, Chair of the Culture Development Advisory Committee.
The creation of a community operated creative cluster hub in City Centre is consistent with the vision outlined in Surrey’s Cultural Plan. Construction on the building is expected to begin in July 2016 to undergo improvements. Streetrich Hip Hop Society and the Royal Canadian Theatre Company expect to be in the space and operational before the end of the year.