ART & CULTURE GUELPH CANDIDATE SURVEY

As Guelph residents go to the polls on Monday, October 24th in the first municipal election since the start of the pandemic, we wanted to ensure that arts and culture remain a part of the campaign conversation in light of the pandemic’s impact on these sectors. 

All candidates registered with the city (and not withdrawn at the time of the survey’s release) were asked the following questions: 

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?
  2. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?
  3. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?
  4. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?
  5. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Listed below are their answers, organized by Position/Ward, and unedited. Answers are presented in the order received.

CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR

DANNY DREW

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Disco Elysium. It’s a gestalt of all it’s different media.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Guelph Poetry Slam at the Cornerstone (Sep 17)

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Of course, there’s funding. 

Another way, though, municipal governments can help a local culture thrive is by removing barriers to artists to create. Sometimes that takes the form of stepping out of the way; a negative freedom. Sometimes it means taking active steps to produce the conditions that let a person be free; positive freedom. A couple examples: If someone can’t afford a roof over their head, or food in their bellies, they’re a lot less likely to be able to spend time and energy on creative endeavours or intermingling with other people. I intend to make a great numbers of changes that ought to lead to a more affordable city. E.G. imposing fines on grocery stores and restaurants that waste food and massive taxes on those that have multiple properties or keep properties vacant.

If what’s supposed to be the cultural centre of town is a wasteland of locked and empty commercial spaces, the areas between choked with dozens of cannabis stores and a tangle of unaffordable restaurants and bars, it doesn’t exactly promote the congregation, communication, and collaboration that can really make for a lively scene. Mind you, a number of galleries have been opening in recent times, but those are more akin to the final link in a chain that’s still broken in the middle. That being said, even a vibrant ‘cultural centre’ wouldn’t be ideal, as just one leads to homogeneity and stagnation. Altering zoning laws and drastically improving transit, along with my proposed policies for commercial property taxation and co-op formation could revitalize downtown Guelph, as well as make it more accessible, while at the same time opening up the possibility of de-centering downtown as the focus of all the government’s attention.

I could go on, but I do want to be respectful of your time.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Absolutely. One of the myriad reasons I’m running for mayor is to try to reverse the trajectory that in my estimation Guelph is on culturally. One where everything is drained of colour and music and life in service of property owners and development concerns.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

One thing that this questionnaire has had me musing on: A sketchpad city. A whole municipality turned into a medium for visual art. Total decriminalization of graffiti on any public surface.

It sprang from the idea of a designated public art space. It would have to be well considered since ridiculous amounts of street art could interfere with the visibility of important signage, but I think that such a thing could not only lead to an interesting aesthetic quality, but could really change the way people relate to of ‘public property’ on a visceral level. People don’t often conceive of or treat public property as really theirs -everyone’s, that is. With any real sense of collective ownership and responsibility. Something like this might help people in this town get better at graf, too. The local skill is a bit lacking in this candidate’s opinion.

 I doubt it would get through council, but it’d be an interesting discussion at the very least.

More generally: I believe that if we have the resources to live with reasonable comfort, people can both build communities and have the mental and physical space to let creative energy flow. These elements together will bring about an arts & culture scene that’s robust and organic; “cash for art” helps, and as stated I intend to maintain or even increase such funding, but isn’t enough, and a forced culture is no culture at all.

As an elected representative, I’ll be doing my damnedest to have the municipal government step in where needed to make sure everyone has what they need to live, and to step out of the way where it’s not needed.

SHELAGH MCFARLANE

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

I am not running for or against any issues. I am running to restore the local government tier and regain political, judicial & fiduciary control for the people who live in Guelph. Right now, we are under a global agenda via the CITY corporate partnership (PPP) & this must end if you want local funds or support for Art.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Again, my role as Mayor would be to remain impartial – to serve & protect Guelph from global takeover under Agenda2030 orders. My personal preferences or experiences will not affect how I perform this duty for the people of Guelph.

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

By providing them money quickly & easily; allow them to be creative & unrestricted by global SDG GROSS monetary future commitments. Government does not “grow” a cultural program, you guys do – but a Mayor can fully support this with a building/location to host you & funds etc. so the spirit of art can remain intact – to be enjoyed, not “monetized”.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

I will commit to restoring the “Office of the Mayor” & all local government official duties – & inherent financial control – to make sure there is LOCAL FUNDING to support you. You won’t get anything if all money gets funneled to foreign global projects via the CITY Corporation, the way the system works now.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

I will support you and YOUR visions and ensure that you are not financially or locally restricted from doing all that you wish to do. I choose to govern by consent, not personal opinion or dictatorship. I look forward to meeting you all & working with you – Thank you for all you bring to Guelph. <3 

CAM GUTHRIE

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

The “Sudden Garden” in front of Guelph’s Farmers Market has always been incredible to me. I find myself stopping and pondering on it so many times. It’s reminded me of how our city is growing, and the responsibility we have to each other including animals and the protection they deserve. There’s so much more to give examples of, but you only asked for one, so that’s it! 

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Live music just last weekend for the Jazz Festival and for the Hope on the Street fundraiser for Hope House to support efforts to address homelessness. The week before, I was at the Focus on Nature art exhibition at 10C showcasing young children in our city and their art! 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Funding is vital but so is bringing awareness to all different art or cultural programs and engaging with the broader community to make sure these areas are supported. I feel that as Mayor these past eight years I’ve accomplished those things well for the arts and cultural community. I’d also like to highlight that during the height of lockdowns during the pandemic, I specifically made an effort to always highlight artists so that we could do our best to support them. This included interviewing and broadcasting an important discussion with the previous executive director of The Guelph Arts Council and, funding I championed at city hall to help artistic and cultural stakeholders in Guelph. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Increasing. The reason I believe this will be possible, is due in part to the new municipal accommodation tax/fee being implemented across hotels, AirB&B and so on..which can help with raising hundreds of thousands of more dollars to help grow our cultural events and tourism into the future. Furthermore, I tabled a motion for the mural projects we’re seeing more of downtown and the feedback has been phenomenal from locals and visitors. I feel that needs, (at a minimum), to be maintained – however,  I’d like to see it increased on an annual basis too. Important to highlight is that funding can be increased through respectful partnerships alongside the upper levels of government or other stakeholders that wish to support the arts. I have built strong relationships with others that I feel will better position Guelph for furthering these  opportunities. A true review of the community benefit agreement we have with the Guelph Arts Council should happen immediately, giving an opportunity to see what the city can do better in supporting the organization.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

My vision is: That the arts and culture community feels truly supported, and that our collective excitement embraces new opportunities to celebrate the arts each and every day, in each corner of our community. 

Here are some ideas of supporting such a vision: The arts and cultural programming has always made Guelph unique and attractive to many, yet I believe firmly more needs to be done. I’d love to see more events, and I’d like to see the default integration of more arts and culture into the many things our city does. City hall needs to set the example. I’d like to open up city hall (or other city assets) to more art exhibitions on display, booking new and emerging artists for events and I’d like to continue the push to make Guelph a formal “Music city” which Councillor Gordon and myself tabled this past year for serious discussions at city council. The new income derived from the MAT fees should also go towards capital upgrades in our open spaces overseen by the city. Parks across the city should have power outlets for pop up concerts or art displays and investments need to be made to make it happen. Easy and quick changes to dedicate parking spaces downtown for musician load-in and the load-up of gear needs to happen. And lastly, I think we need to take the equity lens on other artistic or cultural events more seriously in which they may have been underrepresented in the past. 

Thanks for the questions and if anyone needs me further, I’m available at: www.camguthrie.ca

Take care,

Cam Guthrie 

JOHN EDWARD CRUSKY

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Personally, I am a fan of the illustrations and paintings of Norman Rockwell. His artwork, while under appreciated by critics, depicts North American culture in an honest and humourous manner.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

The last time that I was in Kingston, Ontario region I attended the 1000 Islands History Museum located in Gananoque.  

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Municipal governments can certainly play a role in promoting local artistic and cultural events. The municipality can also provide funding to artistic and cultural events which will draw tourism, and provide a return on that investment. Guelph is a vibrant and active community, and arts and culture clearly mean a great deal to many local residents. I believe in supporting people working in these types of programs.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Unfortunately, my campaign is based upon fiscal accountability and economic recovery from several years of pandemic policies in Ontario. While arts and culture are very important to the community we live in, and while I support these initiatives in the long term, I am committed to cutting operating costs and lowering municipal taxes in the short term. We are looking at possibly two or more years of a financial recession. I believe local artists should support a strong local economy, and understand these types of prioritizations.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Art and culture certainly do play an important role in any community. While I cannot commit to maintaining or increasing funding during the financial recession which we are experiencing in Canada, in the long term I am committed to helping local artists, stage performers, musicians, and other people working in the arts, culture and entertainment sector to be successful in their business and career pursuits; and I am committed to promoting artistic and cultural events in the City of Guelph.

CANDIDATES FOR WARD 1

ERIN CATON

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

I’m not going to be able to narrow it down to just one. I have used art as my connection to past hardships through my tattoos. My three favourites are a teacup given to me by my Grandmother before she passed, an octopus rocketship (that’s what you get when you bring a 3 year old to a tattoo consult) I am in with my daughter signifying our journey together after I was cleared from cervical cancer, and art of my baby who passed imagined as a superhero. I did a video about my tattoos and their background on my instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChYQ5Z0p7-f/

I am a photographer and my favourite series I created was a 25 piece set that told the story of a ballerina living in a post apocalyptic world in San Francisco, trying to warn others of the dangers of pollution. A friend and ballerina, had been diagnosed with breast cancer and we made the series as a fundraiser for a nonprofit group called BC Action who raises awareness of environmental causes of cancers. She did all the pieces while undergoing chemotherapy, surgery and radiation treatment. You can see the series and read the full story here: https://medium.com/apocalyptic-ballerina/apocalyptic-ballerina-the-finale-86865eaa5a21

Most recently, my friend Jason Sims did a limited colour illustration of my portrait, which I shot myself for my campaign sign. I wanted something unique and creative, because that’s how I feel about my policy and approach to city issues. Also, using less inks made my signs more cost effective than if I had used a full colour photo. I like the marriage of creativity and cost effectiveness. I feel I am at my most creative when under constraints. My friend and campaign manager Brit Hancock did the sign design and it’s definitely outside the norms of typical politics. I feel that suits my style completely. I’m not a status quo type of person. I want to excel,  and feel my sign should reflect that. You can see the art progress as an animation and sign on my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiTeGqlp7al/

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Covid and a lack of accessible options for my environmental sensitivities has limited my ability to attend a lot of artistic and cultural events. I recently attended the Metaphysical Market and bought a gorgeous piece from an artist who sells her work under the name “The Clockwork Beetle”. My daughter and I love museums and nature pieces. The piece I bought is a fantasy reality mix of a scorpion and a butterfly. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChNxrjdJ4Ez/
  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Creating spaces for art to exist and thrive are the keys to growing cultural programs. I would love to have covered open air markets with removable wall panels similar to the Aberfoyle market in parks throughout the city. This would give an opportunity for artists of all types to be able to showcase and sell their work as well as cultural events to have space everyone can access safely. Art should be thought of as a necessity instead of a luxury. Art is a mental health tool and a path to reconciliation with Indigenous communities. We should have installations in our parks created by Indigenous artists and functional art for kids to interact with. Not only does a vibrant city filled with art make the residents feel happier and more content, it increases tourism and helps the economy. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes. I would seek out provincial and federal funding as well. I would like to create more youth programs in the city and I feel that art is a big part of mental health for kids and youth especially. As more of these options get cut from schools, we need to pick up the slack.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

I’ve mentioned these in the answers above, but open air markets, specifically in the Innovation District in Ward 1 would be a great starting point. Having sliding scale booths so that people just starting out could get a leg up on their careers would be amazing. Clothing artists, makers and food businesses could all be in the same area which would create a festive atmosphere that would bring Guelph a lot of acclaim. I see this feeling a lot like the Portebello market in London with an eco Guelph twist. It would be an initial investment in the city budget that would also be an income source. I would have the city research the best possible locations and urge council to buy the property or parcels of land. The best case scenario would be to build on land already owned by the city and combine fixing food deserts with pop up farmer’s markets, plus commercial availability to areas that don’t have many walkable options like Auden Rd, Starwood Dr., Watson Rd, East Grange Rd and similar areas of other wards. 

I would propose mixed use developments so that everywhere in Guelph has the same feel as downtown. It’s proven this is better for our economy and cheaper for the city to maintain. So it just makes sense to bring art, culture and food to all corners of the city and not just focus on downtown. 

DAN GIBSON

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

My wife and I have a canvass painting in our home or the Quebec City Lower Ward where we spent our Honeymoon and 5 Year wedding anniversary.  It is a truly special place for us and always reminds me of how blessed and fortunate we are to have the life we live.  

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

My wife and I are regular concert goers (during non-covid times) as well as cultural event attenders here in Guelph.  We regularly attend county music concerts as well as musicals and performances.  In January 2019 (the winter before COVID) we attended the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra while on a business trip. 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

I believe Guelph has done a good job promoting and growing cultural programs through the use of our Community Wellness Grants and Community Benefit Agreements. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes, I’m committed to maintaining arts funding in our community. .

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Arts and Culture are just that……..Culture.  They are socially driven and socially appreciated. At it’s core, art is to be appreciated by many, but not necessarily all.  That’s the “eye of the beholder” beauty of art.  And while local government has a role to play in supporting arts and culture in a community, I’m cognizant of the desire for artists to remain independent of government expectations.  A big part of being an artist is pushing the idea of free expression and (in my experience), there are limits to when government can/cannot be promoting all messages (through funding).  I’m committed to protecting this space for artists to have this complete freedom of expression, while still maintaining opportunities to promote cultural events in our city through grant funding.

DHRUV SHAH

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

I am lucky to have been born & grew up in a multi talented family. My father has an interest/hobby in performing as a Drama artist. We are a big family: 2 uncle & 4 aunt & my Grandpa wrote 50 children’s story books. He exposed me to all kinds of Singing, Drama & street Skit. I was part of few children’s dramas that I cherish as my childhood memories.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

This year, I served as volunteer stage operation manager for Two and half days at The Guelph & District Multicultural Festival. In this position I coordinated more than 60 performances and presentations from different diversified cultures.

And recently work as a volunteer in the #HopeInTheStreet event for the Hope House fundraising event where we have a variety of performances by local Music Band.

I also attended The 2022 Guelph Jazz Festival 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

My suggestion to the local government to support local seasonal festivities like Summer concert, Fall festival, winter chores event to collaborate with City Of Guelph and Province. Plan summer Art &Craft Fair, Local Library & park facility to use to encourage local artists & Talent. I am a very active & resourceful person to bring multicultural groups together.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes I will do my best, I love to maintain & like to encourage local Gulph city artists to bring their talent to share with the community. I like to promote local singers, native dance artists, craft creators, performing artists to bring their culture to share with Gulph community to bring togetherness & unity.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

My vision is to collaborate with every ethnicity to participate in community cultural events. Encouraged to add Local Artist Show in local Public Library & Children art & craft exhibition in park so community can support by buying local artist artwork, local Art in Park Fair to showcase performance art, Singing, instrument Playing for all ages no boundary to show your art that I personally believe.

I like to provide a stage/place to each & everyone in my town/City to show talent that they have & learn to respect each other’s culture. Specially for senior citizens who can come & show their talent.

Love You Guelph

MICHELLE BOWMAN

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

A replica of the 1888 ‘Sunflowers’ by Vincent van Gogh hung in the sunroom of my grandmother’s cottage where I spent summers as a child.  It was lost in the shuffle when the cottage was sold so I plan to paint a version for myself.  The sunflower is the symbol of the Green Party of Canada – my inspiration for entering politics. 

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

I went to see a performance at the Guelph Little Theatre.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn some of the actors were from a High School in Georgetown where I’d seen them perform annually for a few years before.  It was inspiring to see how their confidence and skills had grown over the years.   

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

I think it’s important to educate taxpayers on the social and economic benefits that creative activity and production create.  A recent quote posted by ‘culturedays’ on Instagram really resonated with me: “We learn about stories and journeys through arts and culture.  So in order to know where we’re heading, we need to keep documenting our stories.  That’s what arts and culture is.  The documentation – just in different forms that speak to each of us”

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes. 

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

As an environmentalist, I’m drawn to how ‘green’ arts can be (writers, musicians, plastic arts, film) relative to other sectors.  During my campaign, I hope to have children draw their vision  for Guelph and have spinning competitions with my spiral logo.  Tait Wilman’s ‘Leave No Trace’ work aligns closely with my vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph.    

CANDIDATES FOR WARD 2

RAYMOND SARTOR

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Ken Dandy Christmas at the Mill which I personally commissioned as the cover of the 2000 Christmas Wishbook by Sears Canada . Ken and I became good friends through this project . Ken was a wonderful ambassador for the City of Guelph .

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Several including Banksy in Amsterdam   

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Cultural programs are essential to our way of life .

Government along with the private sector need to encourage means and ways for it to flourish .

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes – Absolutely.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Guelph has been and continues to be culturally rich . If elected I will vote YES to important continued funding to ensure cultural growth .

BILLY COTTRELL

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Though I’m a big fan of all art forms, music has always been my go to. Live music is one of my favorite escapes.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Depending on when this is released I Have tickets to see Laura Jane Grace perform on Sept 13. Prior to that was the Jalopy Jam Up at the Rockton fair grounds on August 27th , which included multiple art forms and styles. From custom fabrication, various forms of paint and paintings. As well as live performances 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Local art based events are some of the most mutually beneficial events a city can have. The overhead is fairly low and even lower with sponsorship for the events. These events support artist, but also support the businesses in the area by bringing in more foot traffic to their business. This helps generate revenue for all involved.  So it only makes sense for local governments to hold events that promote local artist and the arts.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

As I stated earlier supporting and promoting the arts is a no brainer. Of course I will. 

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Guelph has always been an arts and cultural hub. As it grows we need to embrace these aspects. Given the new ward boundaries putting Ward 2 in a fairly unique place of being among the most culturally diverse wards we have  I would love to see more events and shows that bring artists and their community together. 

ELIA MORRISON

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

There are too many to choose! I don’t think I could point to any one artwork that has helped to inform who I am today, as I’m constantly absorbing art in all of its different forms – paintings, photography, film, music, fashion, or graphic design, we unconsciously ingest and experience art moment to moment as we go about our lives.

To point to one movement, I would say that the blending of arts and activism in the 80s and 90s by Queer Canadian artists – especially throughout the AIDs crisis – has influenced me more than most. I grew up exposed to much of this art, and have always made the connection between art and activism. Artists have the unique privilege of reflecting society back on itself, exposing inequalities and prejudices, and forcing discomfort.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

I just attended the opening of the AGG’s current season of programming, which I would highly recommend. A highlight of the works on display was a large cyanotype print of a giant hogweed plant by Anahita Norouzi, a somewhat ghostly image of a plant that has a personal  connection for the artist but also speaks to the ideas of place/displacement, colonization, and what it means to be “foreign” or “invasive” both as a human and as a plant.

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

By funding them.

The arts are present in every aspect of our lives, and yet we de-value them as simply a hobby or pastime that doesn’t merit fair payment. Our city has a reputation as an artistic city, but that has nothing to do with our leadership. The artists that live and work here should be supported and valued in the work they do to make Guelph a better place to live, and the city should provide real levels of funding to arts organizations and programs, as well as allowing art to actually *happen* in our city wherever artists see a need or a space to create something.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Absolutely, we need to increase funding immediately!

I’m currently an employee of an arts organization and will likely have to give up my job there if elected so I can avoid conflicts of interest and advocate for better funding and support for the arts.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

In my current position as Technical Director at Ed Video Media Arts centre I am able to bring a unique perspective to this. As an arts manager I deal every day with the challenges of operating an arts organization in a city that doesn’t provide proper funding. As an artist I understand how vital it is for there to be places to work and create that are accessible and affordable. I speak every day with artists who are deeply committed to their work, but also discouraged by how hard it is to simply get by as an artist with the quickly rising cost of living and housing becoming more and more unaffordable.

My vision of Guelph includes well funded arts organizations, including the GAC as a granting body at the local level, and full control of city owned spaces handed over to these arts organizations to ensure their limited budgets are not wasted on paying rent but instead doing the vital work of supporting artists. I would like the city to support affordable spaces for art to be created, for bands to practice and record, for films to be made. I want our downtown core to be a car-free or car-lite area with spaces for people to congregate and for artists to perform or share their work without the need for cumbersome permits or the need to compete for limited space that is currently taken up by cars and parking.

My vision of Guelph is a city that places the value on people, not profit, understanding that there is inherent worth in every person and if we give them the chances to create and experiment our whole city is made stronger and a better place to live.

RODRIGO GOLLER

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

The Foundation series by Issac Asimov first ignited my curiosity about how we govern ourselves. I am an avid reader, and historical fiction and science fiction novels in particular have helped me stay curious about governance, and how governments have and continue to evolve. This curiosity factored in my decision to run for local government.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

I attended the Great Escape Fall Fair at the Elliott earlier this month. I went with my toddler and I enjoyed listening to The British Invasion and speaking with volunteers, staff, residents and other guests. My toddler went on his first ever horseback ride and ejoyed petting the animals and having ice cream. This summer my family also enjoyed going to Hillside and the Multicultural festival.

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

We need to have well equipped cultural venues like the River Run, the Sleeman Centre and the Guelph Museum. We also need to provide outdoor event spaces like Riverside Park, which attract events to Guelph. By improving these venues and open spaces, we can support community organizations to host more cultural events, and we can attract more artists to perform in Guelph. I support public art, and I support including arts as part of our sports and recreation programming at the City of Guelph. I also think that libraries and our museum needs to be adquately funded, to provide every Guelph resident with access to art and information. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes. We need to ensure that in these financially difficult times, we support our cultural institutions, including our libraries, museums and theatres.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

I love parks, and the trails that connect to rivers and other parks. I would like to see the City continue to invest in outdoor art installations, including more statues in our parks and murals along our trails and under bridges and rail crossings. We need to encourage the unique connection that we have to the land, and art installations and performances are an excellent way of doing this. I also believe that arts and cultural programming aimed at children and youth is very important.

MORGAN DANDIE

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

The Begging Bear on Gordon. Having the Begging Bear variously attired is a great conversation starter and an active way for the Gallery to be relevant. Until this question was asked of me, I didn’t realize that sculpture is the medium that has had the most influence on me personally. I thought of the various plays, concerts, dance recitals and competitions, the Picasso posters that have been part of my life since childhood, and then I started remembering all the sculptures that have struck me throughout my life. When the Art Gallery of  Burlington had the large orange angle iron sculpture installed, it was an instant landmark in the city. I see the Begging Bear as a symbol of the culture of caring in Guelph. Anticipating what the next “outfit” will be and talking about them is something I will always know as uniquely Guelph. 

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

I attended an author reading at Guelph Black Heritage Society this week and volunteering at Hope in The Street Friday night was then most recent artistic event. I attended most of the  Friday morning Tea ‘n’ Tales events at the Enabling Garden and the majority of the DGBA Friday Noon Hour Concerts. I volunteered for Art in the Street this year as well.

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Hiring local musicians and/or dance groups to provide atmosphere at the beginning of all events is a great way to highlight and grow awareness of cultural programs; knowing there is a possibility of actually making a living in the arts could provide more people with the courage to follow their artistic dreams. Supporting programs like Art Etc. on Saturdays at Hope House in every neighbourhood in the city would provide the space and connectivity people need to explore their creative side. Twice yearly improv team building events with City Council would be a great way to have Councillors understand the value of art and cultural events in day to day life.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

I would love to find a way to increase funding for the arts. Growing up in Burlington, we had a pride of the Burlington Teen Tour Band that extended through decades; my aunt is a Teen Tour alum who played alto sax in their first appearance at the Rose Bowl Parade. Guelph has a vibrant art and culture community that needs to be highlighted and celebrated at every opportunity.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Art and culture are a part of every aspect of our lives, whether we recognize it or not. I spend a considerable amount of time downtown and am consistently finding new examples of art to bring me joy. Sponsoring street art installations, of limited duration per artist, maybe on a seasonal basis, would be incredible. I love walking in to 10C and other downtown businesses that use their wall space to feature local visual artists. It would be amazing to do that for our musicians as well; have three or four local musicians work play on a loop in a store while people are shopping. The more we talk about how art and culture enhance local life, the more people will want to investigate and invest in the joys provided.

ROB OSBURN

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

The ambient music of Brian Eno has been a huge influence on me. Locally, the most recent art by ‘Lionel’ near The Bench “Where are you sleeping tonight?” has been a fitting and thought provoking commentary on the need for solving our homelessness issues. 

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Art in the Street this past summer.

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

By supporting and promoting events! More awareness = more engagement = more connectivity.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes! 100%

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

I am a creative in my “day job”. My life partner is an artist. We support the arts both personally and professionally. It is very important to me that arts and culture continues to be supported in Guelph and if elected I will be a strong supporter of it.

CARLY KLASSEN

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Emily Carr’s Indian Church painting – I first saw this painting as part of an exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada as part of a wider collection that featured Emily’s time in Northern BC. I think that it made me ask a lot of questions about the relationship between colonists and indigenous people but also nature and how human beings often see themselves as separate from nature, when really we are just a branch of it. 

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

I’ve attended a number of festivals over the summer that combined various forms of artistic endeavours including Hillside Festival, Marioposa Festival and Riverfest. 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

I think the most obvious answer to this is to fund more programs, but it’s also to make sure that communities are well-informed about what’s available so that they feel welcome to participate in their communities in different ways. The more people who are interested and willing to show up – the more opportunity there is to connect people to the wide range of artists and musicians in our community. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes. 

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

I want to see more art, music, culture all over our city. We have many talented people in this city and we should be actively supporting creative pursuits as much as possible. 

I’m not sure if the role of a city councillor is to outline their own vision, but really to bring attention to the vision of the city’s leaders in art and culture and help to bring it to life. In that light, I envision a collaborative relationship between our city and organizations and people that want to do more creative things. 

CANDIDATES FOR WARD 3

KEVIN BOWMAN

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

A good friend and travel buddy of mine creates drawings of the countries we have visited made up of sketches, words, phrases that were meaningful during the trip.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Hillside 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Raise living standards (including leisure time) while reducing the cost of living – otherwise known as public services eg. transit.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Arts and culture are how we express ourselves to our community. It is vital to our sense of identity and well-being but it cannot happen if people do not have the time and resources to express themselves. I will endeavour to eliminate the conditions that force people into living pay-cheque to pay-cheque or worse.

MICHELE RICHARDSON

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

I would have to say music. Ever since I can remember there has always been music in our household. A song can change your mood almost instantly. I am so envious of those who can play an instrument and/or sing. I LOVE to sing, unfortunately no one loves to hear me!

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Sadly, I have  not attended much of anything over the last few years due to COVID. I did attend a virtual concert by The Kramdens in January 2021.  I did have tickets to see James Taylor it was rescheduled several times and sadly we could not make the final date.

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Funding by local governments to maintain and grow cultural programmes is important. I would support this area. I would also support reduced rental fees for municipally owned venues to offer cultural/artistic events.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

As mentioned above I do support funding for growing the arts. Artistic and Cultural events are key to our community and we need to look at even more creative ways to be able to support these events and ensure they can be offered to everyone.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

My vision is to ensure artistic and cultural events are accessible to everyone. I would like to continue to see the variety of events be maintain or expanded. 

LUC COUSINEAU

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

The collaboration between Micheal Langan, Anishinaabe/Cree artist and interdisciplinary Cree visual artist Kent Monkman to put Monkman’s painting “The Scream” onto a series of 5 skateboards I find particularly compelling. Not only does the painting represent the reprehensible colonial treatment of indigenous people in Canada at the hands of the government and their agents (including the churches), but the translation of the painting to the usable and destructible medium of skateboards allows for a tactile experience to go along with thinking about how we might break down the systems that allowed residential schools to happen and continue to racialize and colonialize indigenous people in Canada.

The work of both of these artists, in different mediums and in different ways, in deeply important to the ways that Canadians need to thinking about our colonialism (past and present) and its effects on everyone

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

In August of this year I travelled to Halifax with my partner and we happened to be there during a publicly-funded (locally, provincially, and federally) electronic music festival in a downtown park. For several nights in a row the free festival showcased electronic music and put it on display in a public and accessible location. All kinds of people attended. It was brilliant.

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Nothing happens without money, so fund them is the most straightforward answer. If we look at the city budget in broad strokes, a very small reduction in any of a number of very well funded city budget lines could go a very long way in funding artistic and cultural programs across the city, and provide access to funding for cultural events that are happening in neighbourhoods across the city that need that funding to expand and attract others

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes, I believe that there are places where we could spend a little less to help fund arts and culture events that the science tells us not only contribute to the economic health of our communities, but also serve to reduce other, less desirable activities that cost money to control and prevent. It is good long-term and community focused policy to fund arts and culture in our city. 

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Research on the place of arts and culture, public animation, urban recreation, and inhabitant access to events and public art and culture offerings is very clear that these things contribute in significant and important ways to the health, well-being, and perceptions of cities and their inhabitants. My vision for the place of art and culture in Guelph is integrative, not just in all parts of the city, but of the vast array of art and cultural traditions that we have in this city. As a young adult I was immersed in a thriving metal music scene in Guelph, and I believe strongly that his type of niche culture contributes in really important ways to the city’s ability to attract the social and economic value that goes along with art and cultural participation. I would love to see a more public, more accessible, and more used way for the city to promote cultural and art events to all inhabitants, to help us make sure that everyone in this city knows about its rich cultural diversity.

SAM ELMSLIE

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

A close friend of the family, Canadian artist Anthony Batten, kindly gave me an oil painting  he did of the south shore in Quebec. It reminds me of my childhood, sitting in the backseat during the long drive between Northern New Brunswick and Montreal. Sadly, this artist has since passed. 

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

I attended an art opening for a great local artist named Amber Ozols, at 42 Carden Street in downtown Guelph in early spring of this year. You might recognize some of her art from the pillars near the post office downtown.

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

I think cultural programs will only grow if there is visible support for them. Local governments can provide financial assistance in some circumstances. Improved local government services can absolutely help with permits and navigating the bureaucracy that can be involved with some programs or events, and use past experience to advise on best practices and possible obstacles. It’s important for those in government to help amplify the message and existence of these programs, and finally it’s key for members of local government to attend cultural programs and events, of which I think they do a very good job. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

I would absolutely commit to ensuring that arts funding in the community is a priority, and to collaborating and communicating with the local artistic community at every opportunity. Local artists are my friends and neighbours and I want to support them.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Art and culture permeates every aspect of Guelph, and it should. I want to be as supportive to the art and cultural community as I possibly can. As an elected representative, I will listen to the arts and cultural community. I’ll be responsive, and helpful when I can, whatever that looks like. Finally, I recognise that as an elected representative, I also work for the artistic and cultural community, and therefore owe them the best I have to give.

CANDIDATES FOR WARD 4

ADRIAN SALVATORE

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

I appreciate many mediums of art, music however, is the most personally impactful. Classical music is especially moving to me, of which Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto #2 has been the most personally influential piece. When I listen to it, it evokes introspection in a meaningful way. I also enjoy similar pieces of music as they promote mindfulness and focus. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Piano Concerto #2 performed live by the TSO, where I am a regular attendee. 

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Back in August I was delighted to see Rajvir Jawanda perform at the River Run Centre. The music was from Rang Punjab De. It’s excellent that our community has plenty of diverse culture and music!

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

For cultural and artistic programs to get attention, grow, and provide the most benefit to the community it’s essential to focus on awareness first. I’ve spoken to many residents who were not aware of many of the cultural communities in Guelph. The first step to having more community members involved, is to have them aware! The City also must focus on supporting programs and ensuring that there is adequate public space for programs and events. This includes parkland, recreational, and other multi-use spaces. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

With an understanding of the role that funding plays in making many events and programs possible. I am supportive of providing appropriate funding where it is practicable.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Art and culture have a very key role to play in Guelph, and are an extremely important device for community building. I will support arts and culture in Guelph foremost by being an advocate and promoting awareness of events, programs, and other ventures. My focus will also be on ensuring there is a strong dialog between organizations and the city to ensure that as spaces are developed or changed that we are considering them also, through the lens of how they can be leveraged for arts and cultural events. Lastly, I am supportive of the community grant program.

LINDA BUSUTTIL

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Music, opera having heard Pavarotti in his home town of Modena, the Vincero, Nessun Dorma, in Turandot is pure power for me

Cello, all my children were cello and violin with the Suzuki Sting School, Kiwanis and Youth Orchestra, I love cello music

I have a number of Maria Pezzano pieces and commissioned her to paint furniture for my children, I love the vibrant colours and life that comes from her canvas.

I have a beautiful encaustic piece of an Italian piazza by Carolyn Riddell that I have hung strategically so when I look down from my second level I feel like I am home in Italy, looking into the piazza from a balcony

My children have all participated in pottery, my creations are not so good, my youngest continues in her pottery classes and has a passion for the medium

My two daughters participated in Guelph Dance, the eldest when the Youth Dance Program first started, I love all forms of dance expression

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Kween’s Black Heritage Dance at the Village Fall Fair on Saturday, September 17th, and the Chinese Cultural Dance Company

for something more formal, I am an Art Gallery of Guelph Board Member and attended the Community Corn Roast & Fall season Launch, opening season reception for Anahita Norouzi’s and other artist works

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Ideally I think that every community should have an arts event, local/ neighbourhood artists recognized and displaying their work. While we have Art on the Street, Pottery Festival and others, these are not distributed throughout the city. I think that the city should have a vision that a healthy community and community building includes the arts and that there could be assistance for local neighbourhood events/ festivals to draw people out, raise awareness of the arts and information shared with families on opportunities for children and adults.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes absolutely! I deeply value the arts in all its forms to the development of children, youth and our community.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

As a school board trustee and UGDSB board chair I have always raised the importance of the arts in education and also the visible value, in school operations. As a parent at John McCrae I was part of the Art Image program for students that introduced various arts ans mediums and included the historical and artistic context. I have also advocated for schools to own and display art and that sculptures be added to the school sites to acknowledge the land and peoples and our education today. I think that there are opportunities for the municipal government to partner with school board to promote and support access to arts programming, ie offered at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, AGG.

In 2018 during the municipal election I raised concern that the municipal Public Art Committee was focused on downtown art. As a west-ender I notice the complete lack of any art in the Ward 4. I would like to see public art in every Ward.

Culture Days are wonderful, but small groups, like the West Village do not have the resources to organize and pay for arts events. It took many years to get electrical outlets in Margaret Greene Park so the community could organize movie nights. While the grassroots vision might include Theatre in the Park, Music in the Park, the volunteers and community lacks resources to organize these events and the city has not made the arts an economic or cultural priority. This is something that I value, for the arts and for building communities.

CANDIDATES FOR WARD 5

LEANNE CARON

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Book of Kells and illuminated manuscripts (the detail, the colour, the medium)

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Art on the Street, Hillside – July 2022.   Elvis Costello – August 2022

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Promote through tourism, funding, partnerships with other orgs such as DGBA, and make sure that arts/cultural lens is included on all advisory committees

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

YES! 

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

My background and many family members are part of the arts community. It is part of our DNA, right back to our town “founding” by a Scottish novelist.  As a councillor, I will champion the development of an Arts Centre, ideally in either the Drill Hall, or current (soon to be former) Library to provide space for studios, lessons, public exhibitions. I cannot think of any other city our size who does not have a community arts hub.  In addition, funding through Community Grants will be strengthened, and greater promotion of our arts through the new Municipal Accommodation Tax.  

CATHY DOWNER

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

It is more a collection of art -the work of Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven. 

I was exposed to art at an early age as my father was an artist. We took regular trips to the McMichael Collection in Kleinburg. During this time our family often travelled to northern Ontario to visit family where we were surrounded by the beauty of nature. 

In my adult life, I frequently camped and canoed in Killarney and Algonquin Provincial Parks where the Group of Seven were inspired by the landscape and often visited to paint. The beauty of Canada’s northern landscape is difficult to express in words or even to appreciate with photos. With their unique painting style, these artist brought this beauty to life for everyone to enjoy. I continue to be in awe of their work today. When I see or am reminded of their work, I recognize how fortunate we are to live in a country with such incredible landscapes. It is humbling and I appreciate the value of artists in our lives to communicate our experiences in creative ways.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Guelph Jazz Festival

I  took a 3 day oil painting workshop on Manitoulin Island this past summer. It was the first time I had taken an art class since high school. I look forward to another! 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

The city currently assists cultural programs through Community Benefit Agreements (CBA) and Grants. I am looking forward to the completion of the Cultural Plan coming to Council in 2023 to hear the ideas from Guelph’s arts community about how we can further promote cultural programming in our community. We have a very vibrant arts community and I think this plan will assist us in being more intentional regarding our investments in the arts. I also think we need to leverage the arts in our community to promote Guelph as a destination for tourists. For example, the Doors Open could be combined with other cultural events the same weekend. I think a portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax should be invested in art/cultural venues to attract people to Guelph. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes, I have always supported the arts and the CBA’s and Grants should increase as the City grows. The arts community was hit hard by the pandemic and I brought forward motions to increase funding. My commitment will be the same if re-elected.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Arts, culture and heritage is the heart of our city. We have a vibrant arts and culture community. It is a creative expression of who we are and who we have been. Everyone has the opportunity to engage in the arts. We foster programming that is equitable and accessible. Arts and culture is important to our wellbeing as individuals and as a community. We understand that a community rich in arts, culture and heritage promotes tourism and attracts economic investments. 

We celebrate arts and culture by creating creative spaces, public art, festivals and an abundance of cultural activities. We acknowledge and are proud of our heritage and the indigenous history on these lands. 

———— 

I want us to be more inclusive of our Indigenous history and welcoming art from other cultures that are represented in Guelph today. I believe this is happening in many arts groups and organizations. I will continue to champion arts, culture and heritage and foster collaborative relationships to realize not only my vision but that of the community. I have advocated for the development of the Cultural Plan. It will set the stage for strategic investments in the arts and I am committed to ensure the recommendations are implemented. I have also been an advocate for heritage preservation, most recently bringing forward motions to create a heritage district on the Ontario Reformatory lands and will continue to make heritage a high priority.  

ALEX GREEN

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

When I was a student at UofT, there was a painting of Margaret Atwood hanging at the end of a hall in Victoria College. I don’t think I appreciated it enough while I was there, but it always stuck with me, and now I realize it’s because it was a great piece of art created to honour another great artist. That’s wild.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

It wasn’t a big event, but I recently saw a group of amateur singers give a recital in a church. The acoustics in the church were great, and it really helped all the singers to project. 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

The biggest thing they can do is use their platform and their reach to highlight and advertise the cultural programs that already exist. There are so many things that slip under people’s radar. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

I’m fully in favour of increasing funding for the arts.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

More festivals. Every couple weeks there should be a gathering with music, food and maybe dancing, where visual artists can set up booths and sell their wares. More culture for the masses, more money for the artists. Everyone wins.

In government, I’ll support that vision the best way I know how: By making a sound economic argument for it. That’s not the most exciting methodology, but when you can show people that they can have fun, support the arts, and improve the local economy, it’s really hard for them to argue against you.

CANDIDATES FOR WARD 6

DOMINIQUE O’ROURKE

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Seeing Les Misérables as a young person sparked my love of musical theatre. The sets, the soaring music, the compelling story continue to be one of my favourites. 

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

Youssef Karsh exhibit at Pier 21 in Halifax in July 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

In 2016 I was the principal researcher for a national report on Art and Belonging for Community Foundations of Canada in collaboration with CAPACOA (Canadian Arts presenting Association). It showed; “90% of Canadians say performing arts facilities are important to quality of life, sense of pride in community and economic development.” Therefore the city has a key role in creating and maintaining gathering spaces for art and festivals: performing arts facilities, museums, librairies, heritage sites, multi-use facilities, parks, etc. In fact, that report recommended using “the city as a stage.”  While the city is already involved in a mural project, artist in residence, Fourth Fridays, community grants and is committed to public art for large new facilities there are many opportunities for arts outside of traditional facilities.

With respect to programming, when I conducted the research for this project, I was really touched by the importance of intergenerational programming as well as professionally-led community-engaged arts programming for vulnerable seniors. I’d like to see that in the city’s programming, perhaps in collaboration with the GWSA. I like the idea of a culture pass for newcomers or marginalized groups to reduce barriers to accessibility. I would like to see more multi-cultural programming in our arts and culture spaces, including some programming in French. I would like to see permanent spaces for Indigenous art and opportunities to explore art as a vehicle for dialogue and understanding.

I think we can also raise awareness of the many wonderful local arts opportunities. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

I will commit to maintaining arts funding. We can explore partnerships that can create additional capacity or spaces. There may also be interesting opportunities in the City’s Economic Development and Tourism strategy to support and promote the arts.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Art is all around us: it’s the music in your headset, the sculpture on the sidewalk, the novel in your backpack, the play/festival/concert/art show on the weekend. Guelph offers a range of opportunities to access art every day in its facilities and its programming. As an elected official I will ensure we continue to offer excellent programming spaces and programs and that these are accessible to everyone. I will push for diversity in programming. I will promote events with my constituents and attend as often as I can. Arts and culture make a city  vibrant and attractive. That’s my vision for arts 

in Guelph.

MARK MACKINNON

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Two poems come to mind. The first is the famous Footprints in the Sand. The second is Taylor Mali’s performance of his slam poem, What Teachers Make.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

I visited some cultural tourist attracts while attending the AMO municipal conference in August 2022. Before then, my attendance at cultural events were all pre-pandemic 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

The Community Wellbeing Grant Programme is a great way that Guelph helps support cultural programmes. Additionally, the community benefit agreement the city has with the Guelph Arts Council ensures that residents have access to artistic engagement and collaboration.

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

Yes, I support continuing the GAC’s community benefit agreement and Community Wellbeing Grant Programme to ensure ongoing arts funding.

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Arts and culture is variable, engaging, dynamic, messy, and disruptive – as it should be. Art should be community driven and given latitude to grow and thrive. As a councillor, I have served on the board of directors for a local arts organisation, and I know that support through city grants is vitally important to the community. I will maintain my support for artistic opportunities and programme funding during my next term of council as well.

CRAIG DISERO

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

I was lucky enough to spend months backpacking through Europe and going to every possible gallery and museum I could think of. I still feel as though the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is something that has influenced me, my sense of awe and my appreciation for works of art. A close second would be the statue of David in the Accademia gallery.

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

With COVID and with raising my 3 children on my own, it has been quite a while since I have been able to attend any events. Probably taking the family for a tour of the Winston Churchill world war two bunker exhibit in London, England in 2018.

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Local government must provide opportunities for local programs for residents and provide cost effective options for residents. Whether through grant programs or other methods, it is imperative that our city government recognizes the value of our cultural foundations and programs. 

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

I will commit to at minimum maintaining arts funding while looking for new ideas as to how funding can be provided..

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

I see opportunities to engage more residents, especially new residents of Guelph, in our culture, our local artists and our history. This has to come through celebrating our uniqueness as individuals and as citizens of our unique city. I will advocate for better access to city funds and challenge those involved in our arts community to come to the city with new and better ways to engage our residents.

CHETNA ROBINSON

  1. What is a work of art, in any medium, that has influenced you personally?

Cy Twombly’s painting “Hero and Leandro” is such a moving and imaginative piece, I adore it. I have a book of Twombly’s art and whenever I get stressed or overwhelmed, I flip through it. Art has such an amazing ability to quell distress and recharge happiness. There have been moments when I have been overwhelmed by a task and taking a break to ponder Hero and Leandro has helped me to refocus. 

  1. What is the last cultural/artistic event you attended?

I went to the Eden Mills writers festival. I was initially there to volunteer for CFRU but took some time after to walk through and enjoy the festival, it was pretty amazing. I didn’t know we had local publishers and the books from PS Guelph and Gordon Hill Press were very cool. 

  1. How can local governments maintain or grow the cultural programs in their communities?

Allocating resources for public gathering and promoting awareness of local culture. Culture Days is a good example of this – the city website has links to local events but how great would it be if Culture Days was more than 3 weeks? If I get elected, I am going to actively hype local artists and events. Although to be fair, I’ll do that even if I’m not elected but it will reach more people if I’m a councillor!

  1. Will you commit to maintaining or increasing the current arts funding in your community?

For sure!

  1. Outline your own vision of art and culture’s place in Guelph and how, as an elected representative, you will support that vision.

Art is a vital part of our city’s character and economy. As councillor, I will organise cultural awareness programmes so that people can celebrate Wianki one month and Raksha Bandhan the next. I would also work with the trustees to promote a curriculum that includes cultural knowledge – like having art-related books in the school library or field trips to the civic museum. I would also platform and engage with local artists to get their work seen. 

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