February 24 gathering of Surrey Muse. | Photo courtesy of Surrey Muse

On the fourth Friday of every month, a collection of authors, poets, performers and artists descend on the City Centre branch of Surrey Public Library to share some of their creative work, offer feedback and engage in discussion. The event, known as The Surrey Muse, was created two years ago by Fauzia Rafique, Randeep Purewall and two other co-founders, who felt that Surrey lacked a venue for artists to gather and collaborate.

“[We] were going to Vancouver and New Westminster, and thought why not take the initiative [ourselves],” says Purewall.

A chance to share

Fauzia Rafique, one of the four co-founders of the Surrey Muse, hosts an Open Mic session. | Photo courtesy of Surrey Muse

At each meeting of the Muse, three different people with three different creations – an author, a poet and a performer/artist – each present their work to the group. After each person presents his or her creation, there is space for a question and answer period.

Rafique explains there are two reasons for this approach. The first is to respect the artist. She says that the creator can have a personal and intense connection to the piece he or she presents and it is only respectful to give it time before they move on to the next presenter. She states this gathering provides an opportunity for the audience to revel in the creation and really let it sink in.

The second reason is to provide an opportunity to give feedback. Rafique says some artists who are just starting may not have a lot of venues to receive feedback and that the Surrey Muse is trying to fill this void. The audience can contribute ideas and respond to the presenter’s work based on how they feel. It is a beneficial process for all involved as it can teach each person more about their own work.

Across disciplines, across cultures

The presenters come from varying levels of artistic development as the group seeks to maintain an inclusive and non-elitist approach, according to Purewall. One recent gathering had a high school student who presented a manuscript that she wished to publish. He says that the Muse seeks to put the spotlight on up-and-coming artists and encourages the growth of an artistic community by giving constructive criticism and advice to those who want it.

In addition to featuring artists at different stages in their development, the group wanted to include creators from many disciplines to build a varied approach. Some participants found the group through advertisements in newspapers, while others saw something happening in the library and decided to join. By bringing together different disciplines, the gathering’s audience becomes more diverse.

Rafique, along with her co-founders, had recognized a void in the artistic community – there was nowhere for literary interactions that were multicultural. They have encouraged the creation of a multicultural environment at the Muse, which gives way to interesting discussions and ideas.

South Asian singer-songwriter Daksh Kubba spoke at the July 26 Surrey Muse. | Photo courtesy of Surrey Muse

Daksh Kubba, a South Asian Canadian singer-songwriter, musician and dancer sang some of his songs and explained his artistic journey at the July gathering of the Muse. Kubba says that the atmosphere of the Muse during his performance was different from other performances. For most performances, he says, the audience already knows what the performer will present – they just listen, clap and move on with their lives.

At the Muse he found a more analytical approach, where the audience asked what his piece means, and how that piece came to life. He says that it was an interesting and positive experience, a good place for artists to come together. Due to the open environment that encourages questions and sharing between the audience and creator, The Surrey Muse is a welcoming gathering place for people with a variety of interests and backgrounds.

The next meeting of Surrey Muse takes place Friday, September 27,

at the City Centre Library. Check

out surreymuse.wordpress.com

for more details.