Since 2013, we have employed Gallery Animateurs to enhance the in-gallery experience at the Varley Art Gallery, interacting with visitors in welcoming, stimulating and inspiring ways. This program is made possible through the Canada Summer Jobs program, funded by the Government of Canada.

In 2024, a record number of 60, 000+ people attended the Varley Art Gallery. Our Gallery Animateurs interacted with approximately 6,400 people exploring the gallery’s summer exhibitions,  To go boldly and Summer Solstice. We design all of our programs to reflect and support the diverse communities of Markham. As English and Cantonese are the first and second mother tongues spoken in Markham, during the summer Gallery Animateurs led free tours in English and Cantonese to  220 participants. To further engage visitors, they developed a free bingo game and a “Find the Artwork” activity, rewarding participants with stickers and buttons upon completion.