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The Arts

Arts at Surrey encompasses a vibrant mix of music, literature, dance, film, performance and visual art for you to enjoy and participate in. We offer a range of classes, Students’ Union societies, performances, events, academic research and programmes – all of which are available to both arts and non-arts students. With so much happening on site, you won’t even need to leave campus to sample a bit of culture!

The Arts at Surrey

The University has a rich and vibrant community surrounding the Arts. This film walks you through some of the University's arts portfolio.

 

About the Arts at Surrey

The University of Surrey is committed to promoting the arts, both as a key academic discipline and through supporting the creative industries.

Whatever your interests, whether you’re a creative type or whether you enjoy the works of others, there’ll be something that you can get involved in.

To fully explore what’s currently going on, visit the Arts home page.

Events

Arts at Surrey hosts a vibrant range of:

  • Concerts
  • Exhibitions
  • Dance and theatre performances
  • Free lectures by eminent contemporary artists, sculptors and writers
  • Poetry readings
  • Film screenings
  • The biennial Guildford International Music Festival
  • The annual Guildford Book Festival

Ivy Arts Centre

Many of our events take place in the newly completed £4.5 million Ivy Arts Centre which is the latest addition to the University of Surrey campus.

Housed in a former sports building that became redundant with the opening of the University’s new Sports Park, the Ivy Arts Centre provides a theatre, studios, workshops, dressing rooms and various other spaces including a large wardrobe store, costume making room and laundry.

The theatre seats 200 people and includes a box office, foyer and bar area.

Performing Arts Technology Studios (PATS)

Located a short walk along the spine road from the main entrance and next to the NatWest Bank, this building is home to:

  • PATS Studio One – a flexible-capacity concert hall and sound-recording studio, seating up to 260. This is the primary performance space for music concerts at the University and hosts the weekly lunchtime and rush-hour concerts, which are free to all staff, students and the public.
  • PATS Dance Studio – a multipurpose rehearsal and performance space for dance and theatre. This venue is also used for regular film screenings.

Lewis Elton Gallery

If you are interested in visual art in particular, we have our very own on-campus gallery. The Lewis Elton Gallery presents a dynamic series of exhibitions featuring nationally and internationally known artists. Students are always welcome to come to private views, which are usually attended by the exhibiting artist.

Classes, workshops and rehearsals

There’s a diverse range of classes on offer, including painting and drawing, pottery, dance (everything from ballet to break-dancing) and music ensembles (including choir, orchestra and big band).

Ivy Arts Centre Opening Gala Night

This short film guides you through a tour of Surrey University’s new Ivy Arts Centre and showcases the highlights of the opening event.

 
Surrey has given me the chance to take part in more than just my degree.

Mark Grimmett,
Mathematics with Management

Your cultural life

Ways to join in with our cultural community

  • Visit our newly completed £4.5 million Ivy Arts Centre, which contains a 200-seat theatre
  • Experience concerts, dance and theatre performances, exhibitions, poetry readings and film screenings
  • Hear free lectures by eminent contemporary artists, sculptors and writers Participate in the biennial Guildford International Music Festival and the annual Guildford Book Festival
  • Take part in our diverse range of classes, including painting and drawing, pottery, dance (everything from ballet to break-dancing) and music ensembles (including choir, orchestra and big band)