The TechLab is the only dedicated physical venue for the production and presentation of digital art forms in a contemporary art museum in Canada.
Like other contemporary art museums, the Surrey Art Gallery proactively responds to new developments in art and provides visitors with opportunities to learn about and experience contemporary art using new medias. The TechLab was originally conceived in 1998 as a means to acquire the tools to exhibit digital artwork, build an audience for new media, and have an in-house specialist to assist Gallery staff anticipate and deliver programming using new technologies. In the spring of 1999, at the beginning of a year-long series of exhibitions and related programs featuring computer based art forms, the Gallery constructed a prototype digital media lab within its main exhibition hall. This initiative was made possible with funding from the City of Surrey's Millenium grant program, fundraising by the Surrey Art Gallery Association, and allocation of the Gallery's "Director's" grant from the Canada Council.
In 2002, benefiting from the redevelopment of the Surrey Arts Centre, the TechLab was redesigned with the input of media artists, as a purpose built venue, and opened as a permanent facility. Its original mandate, modified in the first two years with feedback from digital artists, continues in its present operation.
The Artists in ResidenceArtists are commissioned to work in the lab, dividing their work into three equal parts.
(1) Creation of new media artwork
(2) Interacting with the public (enabling visitors to see the process of digital art creation)
(3) Advising the Gallery in its planning for contemporary art exhibitions and programs using digital media.
The Artists' Mission
- Provide the public with an opportunity to view and understand how digital media is currently being used by artists (to show art in the process of its creation - as well as finished examples)
- Provide a forum for investigation, expression and dialogue on how contemporary culture and society is currently being affected by digital media
- Explore and present the possibilities that digital media opens for artists (and others) for communication, interaction and expression
- Prepare and assist the Gallery in identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities presented with the development of future exhibitions and other programming using digital media
- Provide a dynamic learning opportunity for both visitors and staff
- Attract new audiences and partners to the Surrey Art Gallery
Operation of the TechLab
The operation of the Media Lab has been under the direction of Liane Davison, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections of the Surrey Art Gallery, with day-to-day technical support provided by the Gallery Preparator. Staff from the City of Surrey IT (Information Technology Department) have assisted with more advanced technical requirements of the Lab such as the network. With each project, the resident artists have requested additional equipment be added to the Lab's inventory, and have in turn provided specific technical assistance with the Lab's operation.
