Explore 20 years of South Asian creativity in Surrey’s free photo exhibit, celebrating culture, dance, and the Monsoon Festival’s 10th anniversary.
A Celebration in Every Frame
If pictures could dance, sing, and laugh—this exhibit would be a festival.
This summer and fall, the Surrey Art Gallery invites you to experience 20 Years of South Asian Arts: A Photographic Journey, a vibrant collection of images that tells the story of South Asian creativity in British Columbia. On display until November 2, this exhibit is completely free to the public and bursting with colour, rhythm, and joy.
Two Milestones, One Celebration
The exhibit is a dual tribute—marking the 20th anniversary of the South Asian Arts Society and the 10th year of the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts. It’s more than a gallery show—it’s a heartfelt homecoming.
“I’m thrilled to bring these memories back to Surrey, where it all began,” says Gurpreet Sian, Executive Director of the South Asian Arts Society. “This feels like returning home.”
More Than Just Photos
Housed in the gallery’s Community Rails Space, the exhibit does more than showcase performances—it captures living culture. Visitors can expect striking images of Bhangra dancers, Qawwali singers, and audiences roaring with laughter at South Asian comedy shows.
But it’s not just about people. Carefully curated objects—like the dhol drum, the shimmering bells of ghunghroos, and traditional garments—offer a deeper look into South Asian heritage.
Don’t Miss the Highlights
Oct. 2: Gurpreet Sian shares stories behind the images at a free Artist Talk hosted by Surrey Art Gallery Association.
Oct. 25: A special event will mark the exhibit alongside the upcoming Kinesthesia exhibition.
A Festival to Remember
In parallel, the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts brings even more celebration to Surrey and Vancouver. From August 7 to 17, the 11-day festival will light up stages with theatre, comedy, dance workshops, and more—honouring the spirit of South Asian performance in Canada.
Whether you’re drawn by tradition or intrigued by innovation, 20 Years of South Asian Arts offers something powerful: a lens into a community that continues to move, inspire, and evolve.
Come for the photos. Stay for the stories.
