Guelph Municipal Election 2026: Arts & Culture Candidate Survey Results

Leanne Caron: I commit to this

Ken Yee Chew: (no response)

John Edward Krusky: (no response)

Ryan Meunier: (no response)

Evaristo Ramos Jr.: (no response)

Rajee Sinha: (no response)

Tammy Corbin: (no response)

Dan Gibson: (no response)

Daniel Kaufmann: (no response)

Marcel Dion Lambert: (no response)

Owen Martens: (no response)

Evan Silva: I do not commit to this

Dave Williams: (no response)

Mustafa Zuberi: I commit to this

Mike Barber: I commit to this

Michelle Bowman: I commit to this

Troy Bridgeman: I do not commit to this

Greg Cox: (no response)

Morgan Dandie: I commit to this

Kim Fry: I commit to this

Rodrigo Goller: (no response)

Barbara Mann: I commit to this

Alec Purves: I commit to this

Phil Allt: I commit to this

Kevin Bowman: I commit to this

Annika Maldonado: (no response)

Michele Richardson: (no response)

Marty Williams: I commit to this

Linda Busuttil: I commit to this

Brendan Clark: (no response)

Jesse Guite: I do not commit to this

Ali Malik: I do not commit to this

Derek McCaughan: (no response)

Michael Agueci: I commit to this

Xandine Arnott: I do not commit to this

Greg Cawsey: I do not commit to this

Dakota Cherry: I commit to this

Jon Christensen: I do not commit to this

James Doran: I commit to this

Cathy Downer: I commit to this

Wesley Harris: (no response)

Danny Lui: I commit to this

Dylan White: (no response)

Rebecca Adam: (no response)

Shane Coulis: (no response)

Luke Devos: (no response)

Katherine Hauser: I do not commit to this

Helen Liu: I commit to this

Laura McQuillen: I do not commit to this

Leanne Caron: I commit to this

Ken Yee Chew: (no response)

John Edward Krusky: (no response)

Ryan Meunier: (no response)

Evaristo Ramos Jr.: (no response)

Rajee Sinha: (no response)

Tammy Corbin: (no response)

Dan Gibson: (no response)

Daniel Kaufmann: (no response)

Marcel Dion Lambert: (no response)

Owen Martens: (no response)

Evan Silva: I commit to this

Dave Williams: (no response)

Mustafa Zuberi: I commit to this

Mike Barber: I commit to this

Michelle Bowman: I commit to this

Troy Bridgeman: I commit to this

Greg Cox: (no response)

Morgan Dandie: I commit to this

Kim Fry: I commit to this

Rodrigo Goller: (no response)

Barbara Mann: I commit to this

Alec Purves: I commit to this

Phil Allt: I commit to this

Kevin Bowman: I commit to this

Annika Maldonado: (no response)

Michele Richardson: (no response)

Marty Williams: I commit to this

Linda Busuttil: I commit to this

Brendan Clark: (no response)

Jesse Guite: I commit to this

Ali Malik: I commit to this

Derek McCaughan: (no response)

Michael Agueci: I commit to this

Xandine Arnott: I commit to this

Greg Cawsey: I commit to this

Dakota Cherry: I commit to this

Jon Christensen: I commit to this

James Doran: I commit to this

Cathy Downer: I commit to this

Wesley Harris: (no response)

Danny Lui: I commit to this

Dylan White: (no response)

Rebecca Adam: (no response)

Shane Coulis: (no response)

Luke Devos: (no response)

Katherine Hauser: I commit to this

Helen Liu: I commit to this

Laura McQuillen: I commit to this

Leanne Caron: I commit to this

Ken Yee Chew: (no response)

John Edward Krusky: (no response)

Ryan Meunier: (no response)

Evaristo Ramos Jr.: (no response)

Rajee Sinha: (no response)

Tammy Corbin: (no response)

Dan Gibson: (no response)

Daniel Kaufmann: (no response)

Marcel Dion Lambert: (no response)

Owen Martens: (no response)

Evan Silva: I commit to this

Dave Williams: (no response)

Mustafa Zuberi: I commit to this

Mike Barber: I commit to this

Michelle Bowman: I commit to this

Troy Bridgeman: I commit to this

Greg Cox: (no response)

Morgan Dandie: I commit to this

Kim Fry: I commit to this

Rodrigo Goller: (no response)

Barbara Mann: I commit to this

Alec Purves: I commit to this

Phil Allt: I commit to this

Kevin Bowman: I commit to this

Annika Maldonado: (no response)

Michele Richardson: (no response)

Marty Williams: I commit to this

Linda Busuttil: I commit to this

Brendan Clark: (no response)

Jesse Guite: I do not commit to this

Ali Malik: I commit to this

Derek McCaughan: (no response)

Michael Agueci: I commit to this

Xandine Arnott: I commit to this

Greg Cawsey: I do not commit to this

Dakota Cherry: I commit to this

Jon Christensen: I commit to this

James Doran: I commit to this

Cathy Downer: I commit to this

Wesley Harris: (no response)

Danny Lui: (no response)

Dylan White: (no response)

Rebecca Adam: (no response)

Shane Coulis: (no response)

Luke Devos: (no response)

Katherine Hauser: I commit to this

Helen Liu: I commit to this

Laura McQuillen: I commit to this

Leanne Caron: I commit to this

Ken Yee Chew: (no response)

John Edward Krusky: (no response)

Ryan Meunier: (no response)

Evaristo Ramos Jr.: (no response)

Rajee Sinha: (no response)

Tammy Corbin: (no response)

Dan Gibson: (no response)

Daniel Kaufmann: (no response)

Marcel Dion Lambert: (no response)

Owen Martens: (no response)

Evan Silva: I do not commit to this

Dave Williams: (no response)

Mustafa Zuberi: I commit to this

Mike Barber: I commit to this

Michelle Bowman: I commit to this

Troy Bridgeman: I commit to this

Greg Cox: (no response)

Morgan Dandie: I commit to this

Kim Fry: I commit to this

Rodrigo Goller: (no response)

Barbara Mann: I commit to this

Alec Purves: I commit to this

Phil Allt: I commit to this

Kevin Bowman: I commit to this

Annika Maldonado: (no response)

Michele Richardson: (no response)

Marty Williams: I commit to this

Linda Busuttil: I commit to this

Brendan Clark: (no response)

Jesse Guite: I commit to this

Ali Malik: I commit to this

Derek McCaughan: (no response)

Michael Agueci: I commit to this

Xandine Arnott: I commit to this

Greg Cawsey: I commit to this

Dakota Cherry: I commit to this

Jon Christensen: I commit to this

James Doran: I commit to this

Cathy Downer: I commit to this

Wesley Harris: (no response)

Danny Lui: I commit to this

Dylan White: (no response)

Rebecca Adam: (no response)

Shane Coulis: (no response)

Luke Devos: (no response)

Katherine Hauser: I commit to this

Helen Liu: I commit to this

Laura McQuillen: I commit to this

Leanne Caron: The arts sector is the glue that holds our community together and the catalyst behind so much of Guelph’s vibrancy and community spirit. The inspiration, empathy, and innovation the arts generate are a fundamental part of what makes Guelph great.

The arts reflect the rich culture, history,and creative expression of our collective experience as well as our diversity. In times of division and uncertainty, the arts bind us together and give us space to laugh, learn, wonder, and hope. They entertain and inspire us in the moment and beyond, creating visions for the future and leaving creative legacies that our city continues to benefit from.

In addition to making our city a great place to live, the arts bring strong economic benefits. Guelph’s arts scene is widely respected,and is a significant economic driver for our tourism, benefitting performance venues, hotels, restaurants, galleries, studios, commercial markets, and more.

The importance of the arts sector in our community just cannot be overstated.

Ken Yee Chew: (no response)

John Edward Krusky: (no response)

Ryan Meunier: (no response)

Evaristo Ramos Jr.: (no response)

Rajee Sinha: (no response)

Tammy Corbin: (no response)

Dan Gibson: (no response)

Daniel Kaufmann: (no response)

Marcel Dion Lambert: (no response)

Owen Martens: (no response)

Evan Silva: I think that art serves to inspire and instil pride in people. I would like to see more public pieces of art in our city, especially wall paintings and traditional statues.

Dave Williams: (no response)

Mustafa Zuberi: The arts help make Guelph a place people are proud to call home. They bring people together, give local talent a chance to grow, support local businesses and attract visitors. A strong arts community also helps us retain talented people who want to build their careers and lives here.

Mike Barber: There are many types of art and many different roles for them to play. Music, theater, dance and many more enrich the community of Guelph. We need to support local art.

Michelle Bowman: The arts increase wellbeing in Guelph through creative and new ways of community building. They also stimulate our economy by attracting residents and visitors to our downtown & other neighbourhoods. Accessible options mean that everyone in our community can participate.

Troy Bridgeman: Guelph’s artistic community is an essential element of the city’s identity. The arts contribute to nearly every facet of the city from it’s architecture to the multitude of artists who live here. Arts events and festivals enrich our community and draw people from far and wide to our fair city

Greg Cox: (no response)

Morgan Dandie: Arts are vital to keeping a community thriving and flourishing. Visual art, poetry, music, theatre, comedy and more are what bring us joy in life, and allow us to express a full range of emotions we sometimes can’t find words for. Humans thrive when creativity thrives. The Arts also allow us to express ourselves in ways that seem increasingly scarce in this century. People should be supported to create art, participate in art, heal through art, make a living through art. Art programs need to be financially supported in order to foster community well-being.

Kim Fry: I believe the arts are essential to a vibrant community. They bring us together, help us understand one another, preserve our shared stories, and—perhaps most importantly—help us imagine what is possible.

I say that as someone who is a poet and writer, and who has worked in the music industry as a Mom-manager and sustainability consultant. I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful music, writing, theatre, dance, visual art and more can be in connecting people across generations and backgrounds.

As Brian Eno put it, “What is possible in art becomes thinkable in life.” I think that captures why we need to support artists and cultural organizations: they challenge us to see our community—and our future—in new ways.

For me, investing in the arts is an investment in Guelph’s creativity, identity and quality of life. We should make sure artists have opportunities to create, perform and thrive, and that everyone in our community has the opportunity to experience the arts.

Quebec has understood for decades that culture isn’t just something we consume—it is something we build, invest in and export. They’ve made culture a major economic priority, and the results are significant. I think there’s a lesson there for Guelph: supporting artists and festivals isn’t just about enriching our quality of life; it’s also about building an economy around creativity.

Rodrigo Goller: (no response)

Barbara Mann: Not only do I agree with the facts in the introductory paragraph to this survey but, I know that along with their huge economic contribution to our community, the arts are important to our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual being. They bring personal enjoyment, growth, expression and inspiration. Art educates, honours and preserves cultural identity. Art validates emotions – allowing people to express deep feelings like sorrow and joy. I’ll never forget seeing the film set of Haven on Douglas St. and realizing how on afraid people must have felt during WWII. Art also connects people to ideas and builds community through collaborative works and performance. Art is accessible for ALL! Check out the various mediums in spaces like Art without Shame; The Guelph Museum; DiYode; Dance in the Park; Silence, 10C, The GBHS, Hillside; Eden Mills Writers and the Guelph Jazz Festival. Art also acts as expressions of identity and as meeting places. My recent visit to the Gryphon statue on campus resulted in a new friendship with a family from North Carolina. The arts just make the world a better place!

Alec Purves: When we invest in the arts, we invest in our economy, our well-being, and our identity. The arts break down barriers, bring neighbours together, and draw people to our city. That’s why a thriving arts scene isn’t optional — it’s core to a vibrant Guelph.

Phil Allt: The role of the arts is vital. The arts enriches a community. We are fortunate in Guelph to have the arts sustained by the University of Guelph and the plethora a of graduates in music, visual arts and writing who have remained her and contribute to our community.

Kevin Bowman: Expression, communication, advocacy, celebration, remembering, an opportunity to collaborate with others, etc.

Annika Maldonado: (no response)

Michele Richardson: (no response)

Marty Williams: It is an essential ingredient to a healthy and safe and welcoming city. Guelph has a long, proud history of promoting and producing art and music and theatre and dance. We would all be poorer without it.

Linda Busuttil: I deeply value the arts in all of it’s forms, and believe that it contributes to a healthy and vibrant community. I believe that it is through the arts that we are able to capture and share our story and make it timeless for others to interact with and learn.

Brendan Clark: (no response)

Jesse Guite: As a bass player in a local band, I know how much the arts can mean to both the people creating them and those enjoying them. Music, theatre, visual art, and other creative activities bring people together, give us ways to express ourselves, and make our city feel like home.

The arts also support local businesses and give people a reason to get out and enjoy Guelph. I see their role as an important part of community life, and I want people of all ages, backgrounds, and incomes to have opportunities to participate.

Ali Malik: I see artists as assets to the community, just like professionals in any other field. Arts and culture give people a chance to step away from their hectic lives and connect with something meaningful. They bring vibrancy and energy to the city, help shape Guelph’s identity, and contribute to overall quality of life. Arts also attracts new talent and supports a strong, engaged community.

Derek McCaughan: (no response)

Michael Agueci: Arts and culture are what make a neighbourhood feel like a community rather than just a place to live. They bring people onto the street, support local business, and give residents a reason to gather outside their own homes. As Guelph grows, our public spaces and streetscapes need to grow with that same creative energy, not just more density.

Xandine Arnott: I believe that art is a uniquely human experience. We can’t actually survive without the arts, as it’s our form of of expression, built into what makes us alive. Art is emotional, it’s transformative. Art can heal us and help us express our struggles. It can help us express our political outrage, or our hopes and dreams for the future. We share our darkest moments, and our greatest joys though our expressions of art. These are our stories, and every one of them holds value.

Greg Cawsey: Arts and culture are an important part of what makes Guelph a great place to live, work and visit. They contribute to our quality of life, strengthen community connections, support local businesses and can play an important role in growing our tourism economy.

I see arts and culture as part of a broader destination strategy for Guelph, alongside sport, recreation, festivals and other attractions. Cultural events, performances and facilities can give people a reason to visit Guelph, stay overnight and spend money in our local economy.

I believe we should be ambitious about the potential of Guelph’s arts and culture sector while also being responsible with public dollars. My approach is to look for ways to grow these opportunities sustainably and create a positive cycle where tourism and economic growth can help support further investment in our community.

Dakota Cherry: Art is vital to community, and to some, it is as important as the air they breathe. In my experience, art makes us feel deeply, reflect on the world around us, and envision new possibilities. It shapes our culture and politics, strengthens connection, and gives life a deeper meaning beyond simply surviving.

Jon Christensen: Guelph has an arts and music scene that punches well above its size, and it is one of the reasons people choose this city over the next one down the 401. I wrote that on my website before this survey arrived. The arts are what make a downtown worth walking to at nine on a weeknight. My wife and I run a business on Quebec Street. We know what an empty downtown costs. The arts are also the cheapest civic glue a city can buy. A festival, a concert band, a youth choir. They connect neighbours who would never otherwise meet, and they do it on budgets that would not cover a week of road salt.

James Doran: I see the arts as a vital part of Guelph in three interconnected ways: as a source of human expression and connection, as an economic contributor, and as an essential part of community well-being.

First, music, visual art, film, photography, dance, theatre and other forms of creative expression are part of what it means to be human. We have an innate need to create, share and connect with others. Supporting artists, arts organizations and the people who make creative activity possible is not an optional extra. A city that does not value its artists is failing one of its basic responsibilities.

Second, Guelph’s diverse arts scene drives economic activity. Performances, galleries, theatres, festivals and community events bring residents and visitors into local restaurants, shops and venues. Guelph also attracts filmmakers and content creators. With the right strategy, the City could grow our arts sector, generate new revenue and create opportunities across the broader arts community.

Finally, the arts contribute directly to mental health, recreation, belonging and quality of life. They also help community organizations build bridges between residents, civic leaders and people who need support. A strong arts sector helps make Guelph a healthier, more connected and more vibrant city.

Cathy Downer: I see the arts as an important part of what makes Guelph such a vibrant and welcoming community. As someone who attends many of our arts, music and cultural events, I see firsthand how they bring people together and create a real sense of connection.
The arts also contribute to our local economy. They attract visitors to Guelph, encourage people to stay and explore our restaurants and businesses, and help make our city a destination. Supporting a strong arts and culture community is an investment in both the quality of life of our residents and the vitality of our city.

Wesley Harris: (no response)

Danny Lui: Arts and culture aren’t an extra that we support only when times are good. They are part of what makes a city a community.
The arts bring people together, create a sense of belonging, support our local economy and give people opportunities to see the world through someone else’s eyes. They also make Guelph a place where people want to live, visit, study, work and build businesses.
That’s why Arts, Culture & Community is the first priority of my campaign. I believe a growing city needs to invest not only in the infrastructure that allows us to grow, but also in the people and organizations that make us feel connected to where we live.

Dylan White: (no response)

Rebecca Adam: (no response)

Shane Coulis: (no response)

Luke Devos: (no response)

Katherine Hauser: I believe that the arts help give Guelph its personality. They bring people together, create opportunities for expression and connection, and help build the sense of belonging that makes a community feel like home. From festivals and live music to galleries, theatre, public art and grassroots creative projects, arts and culture are woven into how we experience our city.
They also contribute to our local economy, support artists and businesses, attract people downtown and into our neighbourhoods, and create opportunities for people of all ages to participate in community life.
I see the arts not as an extra, but as part of what makes Guelph a place where people want to live, work, visit and build a life.

Helen Liu: Is nice to health

Laura McQuillen: I think the arts are a huge part of what makes a community feel like a community. They give us places to come together and share our stories and experiences with each other. Artists and art organizations add so much to Guelph life. They make our neighbourhoods and public spaces vibrant and give kids, families, and seniors alike opportunities to participate and a sense of belonging. I believe the City has a role to play in supporting a strong and accessible arts and culture sector.

Leanne Caron: Funding. Funding is the umbrella challenge that drives so many of the important initiatives needed for artists to thrive. Funding to access affordable spaces for artists to create and exhibit, and funding to support beginning artists, coordinate and promote arts events, and elevate the achievements of our artists.

Ken Yee Chew: (no response)

John Edward Krusky: (no response)

Ryan Meunier: (no response)

Evaristo Ramos Jr.: (no response)

Rajee Sinha: (no response)

Tammy Corbin: (no response)

Dan Gibson: (no response)

Daniel Kaufmann: (no response)

Marcel Dion Lambert: (no response)

Owen Martens: (no response)

Evan Silva: Unfortunately, the use of AI is threatening the jobs of many professional artists. As a city, we need to avoid the use of AI in official designs and publications completely.

Dave Williams: (no response)

Mustafa Zuberi: Artists face many of the same affordability pressures as everyone else, especially the cost of housing, studio space and running a creative business. Guelph also needs to make it easier for artists to access funding, venues and opportunities. If we want to retain local talent, we need to make it possible for artists to build sustainable careers here.

Mike Barber: Affordability and places to perform and display their art.

Michelle Bowman: We are in an affordability crisis, so people are struggling to pay for food and shelter so have less money to spend on entertainment. Also, the contributions of the arts have historically been undervalued – this survey is helping dispel the myth that the arts are a bonus instead of a valuable part of our lives.

Troy Bridgeman: My biggest concern for all artists everywhere is the rise of AI and the decline in demand for creative work from humans. It is already happening. This is eroding the relative value of art and by extension the ability of artists to earn a living.

Greg Cox: (no response)

Morgan Dandie: Artists, like all precariously employed people, are being hit hard by the cost of living increases. Supply costs are up, and demand is fluctuating as more companies turn to AI instead of human-produced art. Finding space to create and share art of all forms is expensive and scarce, yet artists make ways to ensure our lives are enriched by their passions.

Kim Fry: Artists in Guelph are facing many of the same pressures affecting artists across Canada. Musicians, visual artists, performers, writers, filmmakers, dancers, theatre artists, and other creators are all dealing with rising costs, fewer opportunities, and increasing competition for limited funding, audiences, and professional opportunities.

AI is an increasingly serious concern. AI is increasingly being used to replace rather than support artists, producing music, images, writing, video, and other creative work cheaply and at enormous scale. There are also significant concerns about artists’ work being used to train AI systems without meaningful consent or compensation. This risks further reducing the economic value of human creativity at a time when artists are already struggling to make a living. Stronger protections around copyright, consent, attribution, and compensation are needed.

The trade relationship and increasing tensions with the United States are also having a real impact. Many Canadian artists depend on the U.S. for touring, festivals, exhibitions, performances, and other professional opportunities. Rising transportation, accommodation, insurance, and other costs are making touring increasingly difficult. For some artists, travelling to the U.S. is becoming impossible, while for others it has become a major financial burden.

At home, rising post-secondary education costs and the lack of affordable housing are making it harder for emerging and established artists to sustain their careers. Artists need affordable places not only to live, but often to rehearse, create, teach, store materials, and work. When these costs rise faster than artists’ incomes, creative careers become increasingly unsustainable.

Guelph artists are also competing with artists and organizations in communities that have more resources to invest in their cultural sectors, including marketing, venues, production, professional development, and touring. Guelph has an exceptionally talented and diverse artistic community, but talent alone cannot overcome a lack of resources.

Ultimately, these are not just Guelph issues—they reflect a broader struggle facing artists across Canada. Artists are being asked to create more while the costs of doing so continue to rise and opportunities to earn a sustainable income become harder to find. Supporting the arts therefore means recognizing artists as workers and ensuring they have access to affordable housing and creative spaces, education, funding, touring opportunities, and meaningful protection from technologies such as AI that threaten to further undermine the value of their work.

Rodrigo Goller: (no response)

Barbara Mann: I believe that
1) affordable, safe and accessible studios, rehearsal space and housing are foundations to success (continually shared by friends with or looking for any or all listed)
2)insufficient business skills such as marketing of oneself or being unaware of current and changing markets can increase financial hardships
3) a lack of support and censorship by institutions and galleries can stifle creativity and public educational opportunities – Imagine if the Maryland Historical Centre Director and Board had stopped Fred Wilson from his realizing his artistic vision.
4) that while social media has expanded the reach of artists it has also resulted in many challenges including but not limited to
a) greater competition to remain visible and thus time is taken away from producing the art (shared by a painter friend of mine)
b) infringement on copyrights because it is easier to plagiarize (shared from a music friend of mine)
5) digitization of art and AI are having negative consequences such as not needing traditional skills (recently experienced by a fabulous line drawing artist I know)
6) that all of the above can result in mental health challenges

Alec Purves: Financial support, promotion and lack of venues.

Phil Allt: Financial support and studio space

Kevin Bowman: limited time due to work and other commitments, limited resources, limited space to do creative work, etc.

Annika Maldonado: (no response)

Michele Richardson: (no response)

Marty Williams: Lack of venues, lack of funding, lack of understanding that what they do is essential work.

Linda Busuttil: Space.
From the artists that I know and support, affordable, accessible, suitable and safe work space and storage is always at the top of the list. As our city changes with housing pressures there are growing impacts on the availability of affordable spaces.
This is nothing new, as with the development of the Guelph Youth Music Centre it started with a survey of space needs in the city back in the early 90’s.

I have also heard of the need for additional support for collectives that facilitate community events and income generating opportunities and administrative supports and workshops for grant writing, tax and business planning.

I also have heard that the tariffs have impacted supplies and artists.

Brendan Clark: (no response)

Jesse Guite: Affordability is a big one. Artists have to cover the same housing and everyday costs as everyone else, while their income can be unpredictable. Finding affordable places to rehearse, create, perform, or display their work can add another challenge.

Getting noticed and getting paid fairly for their work can also be difficult. Fees, permits, and complicated processes can make putting on an event harder than it needs to be. I would want to hear directly from local artists across different disciplines about the barriers they face and where the City could make practical improvements.

Ali Malik: Artists in Guelph face many of the same challenges as everyone else mainly affordability and the rising cost of living. It’s hard for them to find affordable places to live, and it’s also difficult to secure studio, rehearsal, or performance spaces because those costs are high too. Income can be unstable, especially for artists who rely on seasonal or project-based work. Getting consistent opportunities or audiences is also a challenge. Overall, the cost of living, limited space, and unstable earnings make it tough for artists to grow and stay in the community.

Derek McCaughan: (no response)

Michael Agueci: The same affordability pressures hitting renters and young families are hitting artists even harder. Studio space, live-work space, and even just a stable place to create are getting squeezed out as costs rise. Guelph also doesn’t have enough flexible, affordable venues for smaller or independent artists to show and sell their work.

Xandine Arnott: Guelph thrives on our arts & culture, and yet city hall demonstrated a deliberate disrespect to an artist in residence over this past term. It’s clear that our current council has not respected the role and impact the arts have in our daily lives. When I attended the Kiwanis Music Festival earlier this year with my daughter, I noticed a large amount of empty seats and very little attendance from current council members. Prior to my daughter taking part in the Kiwanis Choir at her school, I hadn’t seen much about it, and honestly I have only known about most Arts organizations here in Guelph because of having worked for the Guelph Farmers’ Market. We just don’t put enough stock in pillars of community like the arts.

Greg Cawsey: Artists and arts organizations face many of the same pressures affecting residents and businesses across Guelph: rising costs, access to affordable space, administrative and permitting challenges, and uncertainty around long-term funding.

Access to suitable and affordable facilities is particularly important for artists and organizations trying to build sustainable programs and attract audiences. I have been part of event planning prior to teaching and understand the importance of funding commitments for future planning.

I also believe the City should consider how its policies affect the cost of creating and presenting arts and cultural activities. There are opportunities to make better use of existing municipal resources, improve access to City spaces and reduce unnecessary administrative barriers without necessarily requiring significant new spending.

Dakota Cherry: As artists themselves identified through Culture Plan 2030, affordability is one of the greatest challenges facing the sector. This particularly affects artists who are precariously employed through contract work or competing for limited grant funding. Rising housing and studio costs, alongside unstable incomes, make it increasingly difficult for artists to live, work, and build sustainable careers in Guelph, as I’ve observed with my own friends.

Jon Christensen: I went through the council record before answering this. Council approved Culture Plan 2030 unanimously in 2023. Two years later the 2025 budget stretched its seven-year timeline to fifteen, and the City’s own July 2025 progress report says the initiatives deferred “for at least 10 years” include grants at the level of comparable cities, new studio and rehearsal space, and new public art. Full implementation is priced at $1.9 million a year. Meanwhile requests to the Community Grant program hit $983,000 this year. The fund covers 52 per cent of them. Arts groups compete in that one pool with food banks and shelters, and the City’s own consultant found a single pool “disadvantages smaller and grassroots groups.” So the challenges are the ones you already know. Space. Every rehearsal room and studio is getting priced out. Money that arrives late and cannot be planned around. And a plan the City adopted but has not funded.

James Doran: Artists face three connected challenges: earning a sustainable income, being noticed in a crowded marketplace, and adapting to rapid technological change.

I understand these challenges first-hand as an artist, musician and recording artist. Turning creative work into a business takes enormous dedication. Artists often spend as much time promoting, booking, selling and administering their work as they do creating it, sometimes more. Even then, earning reliable revenue and breaking through the noise is extremely difficult. Any support they can get from the City and funding agencies is welcomed!

Generative AI has complicated this landscape by making it possible to produce large amounts of creative content quickly and cheaply. At the same time, I believe there is a strong appetite for art grounded in genuine human experience. I have spent considerable time learning different forms of AI and adapting some of my artistic activities to this new reality, while deliberately preserving my traditional approach to writing and recording music. AI is not the end of art. It is a new landscape that artists will navigate in different ways, without abandoning what already works.

City Hall also has a role. It should be a facilitator for artists and arts organizations, not another barrier. Guelph needs an economic development strategy that recognizes arts and culture as a productive sector. That means reducing unnecessary red tape, making City processes easier to navigate, promoting local artists and events, investing in strong community-led initiatives, and viewing tourism through an arts and culture lens. These steps would help Guelph artists become more visible, reach new audiences and build more sustainable careers.

Cathy Downer: I think one of the biggest challenges for artists is simply the cost of living and cost of having a place to create. Affordable studio, rehearsal, exhibition and performance space is difficult to find, and that affects artists across many disciplines.
There are also challenges in making a living from the arts. The cost of producing and presenting work has increased, while artists and organizations are often working with limited resources.

Wesley Harris: (no response)

Danny Lui: One of the biggest challenges is creating the conditions that allow artists to actually do their work.
Artists and arts organizations face the same affordability pressures affecting everyone else, while also dealing with challenges around sustainable funding, affordable space, access to venues and opportunities to develop and present their work.
I also think we need to look at arts and culture as part of Guelph’s economic development. Supporting artists isn’t only about grants. We should be asking how the City can remove unnecessary barriers, make better use of spaces, encourage collaboration and help create opportunities for artists and cultural organizations to become sustainable and grow.

Dylan White: (no response)

Rebecca Adam: (no response)

Shane Coulis: (no response)

Luke Devos: (no response)

Katherine Hauser: Some of our most creative people can also be among our most vulnerable. Artists enrich our community enormously, but creative work does not always come with predictable income or financial security.
In Guelph, the rising cost of living and housing, limited access to affordable studio, rehearsal and performance space, and the costs involved in creating and presenting work can make it increasingly difficult for artists to remain here and continue their practice.
I think we also need to recognize that supporting artists is not only about funding. Access to affordable spaces, opportunities to share their work, fewer unnecessary administrative barriers, and stronger connections within the arts community can all help create an environment where artists are able to create, participate and thrive.

Helen Liu: Place for rent.

Laura McQuillen: One challenge is being able to afford to continue to live and do their work here. The cost of living, studio, and performing space, and other basic costs can make it difficult to build something stable and sustainable. We need places where artists can create, rehearse, perform, exhibit and connect with the community without those spaces being financially prohibitive.

Leanne Caron: There are lots of ways the City can support arts and artists in Guelph! The City has an important role to play in sponsoring festivals and performances, acquiring public art, managing heritage conservation, providing access to public spaces and buildings, creating community grants, and supporting children’s programming. More specifically, I believe the City should split community benefit grants to differentiate between arts and culture and social benefit organizations. I also support partnering to create a community arts centre. Arts and culture are listed as key priorities on my website at leannecaron.ca.

Ken Yee Chew: (no response)

John Edward Krusky: (no response)

Ryan Meunier: (no response)

Evaristo Ramos Jr.: (no response)

Rajee Sinha: (no response)

Tammy Corbin: (no response)

Dan Gibson: (no response)

Daniel Kaufmann: (no response)

Marcel Dion Lambert: (no response)

Owen Martens: (no response)

Evan Silva: I’m completely against the use of AI art by the municipal government, and I would support more wall paintings and aesthetically traditional statues in public places.

Dave Williams: (no response)

Mustafa Zuberi: As someone who has worked for the City of Guelph’s Recreation Department, I understand the untapped potential of hosting events and concerts at the Sleeman Centre. I’d like to see the Sleeman Centre used more often for concerts and other cultural events, bringing more entertainment to Guelph while supporting local businesses and strengthening our arts and culture community.

I would support stable funding for arts organizations, make City spaces more accessible, and reduce unnecessary fees and permitting barriers. I’d also work with local artists to understand their needs and promote Guelph as a destination for arts and culture, helping retain local talent while supporting tourism and businesses.

Mike Barber: I will first listen to what is being asked and where it is being asked. The city has many different areas it needs to work on. Supporting culture and art is one of them.

Michelle Bowman: I have committed to championing all four of the arts and culture commitments in this survey. Balancing the city budget is an immense challenge – property tax levies are unsustainable and there is an infrastructure budget deficit. I would like to see the Guelph arts community help the city tackle the affordability and climate crises and more.

The arts community can engage our community with social, environmental and economic commentary in accessible, creative, educational and innovative ways. Potential topics include homelessness, food insecurity, severe weather events, biodiversity loss, Vision Zero (goal of no transportation fatalities) and could be explored through a variety of artistic mediums.

Troy Bridgeman: I would like to commit more money to the arts in Guelph but I am not prepared to make promises I can’t keep. That is why I, reluctantly, didn’t answer ‘yes’ to the first question. We face many serious issues such as homelessness, food insecurity and rising debt. I will, of course, advocate for more spending and support for the arts and I see it as a way to generate funds for the city and other underfunded programs. Music and arts festivals, some of which are listed at the bottom of this form, can draw people from outside the city to visit and spend money here.

Greg Cox: (no response)

Morgan Dandie: I commit to advocating and voting for the initiatives proposed in the commitments: modernizing the Community fund, expanding City in-kind support, and properly funding and budgeting for the Culture Plan 2030.

Kim Fry: If I elected, I will be a strong champion for arts and artists in Guelph. I believe Guelph should be a city that actively champions its artists and recognizes that arts and culture are not a frill; they are a core part of what makes a community vibrant, attracts people to our city, and contributes to our local economy.

If elected, I will make supporting artists a priority and look for practical ways that the City can help create the conditions for artists to build sustainable careers here.

Housing is one place where we can be innovative. I would push for the development of an artists’ housing cooperative, with affordable housing combined with dedicated studio, rehearsal and creative spaces. Federal programs now include significant funding for new non-profit co-operative housing, including the $1.5-billion Co-operative Housing Development Program, as well as other federal affordable-housing programs.

I would work with local housing and arts organizations to see whether we can bring those resources to Guelph and develop a model that could serve as an example for other communities.

I will also push back against the idea that the arts are somehow optional. Artists are workers, entrepreneurs and contributors to our local economy. When we invest in artists, we support venues, restaurants, hotels, festivals, technicians, designers, printers, retailers and many other businesses. Guelph’s own Culture Plan recognizes that investment in culture brings benefits through tourism, creative-industry development, talent attraction and the city’s reputation.

We should also be much more ambitious about arts-based tourism. Guelph already has tremendous cultural assets. From Hillside to the Guelph Jazz Festival and River Run Centre to events and festivals throughout the region, we should be asking how we can bring more people to Guelph specifically because of our arts and culture, and ensure that visitors spend money in our hotels, restaurants and local businesses. The City already identifies tourism as an important economic-development priority and is working toward making Guelph a must-see destination in Ontario.

I would also look at what other mid-sized cities are doing and borrow the ideas that work. London has a Music Office that provides resources and opportunities for musicians and has deliberately integrated music into tourism and economic development. Kingston has similarly invested in a Music Office and a Film & Media Office.

I would explore whether Guelph could develop similar dedicated capacity; not necessarily by copying another city, but by finding a model that works for our size and our diverse arts community.

Finally, I would look for opportunities to grow film and television production in Guelph, making better use of our facilities, locations and local creative talent. Film production can bring outside money into the community while creating work for performers, filmmakers, technicians and other local businesses.

My goal would be to move the conversation from “How much can we afford to spend on the arts?” to “How can we use the arts to build the kind of city we want to be?” Guelph already has the artists, institutions, festivals and cultural infrastructure. We need to be more ambitious about supporting them, connecting them to economic development and tourism, and making sure artists can actually afford to live and work here.

Rodrigo Goller: (no response)

Barbara Mann: It is also important to me that the Culture Plan 2030 be implemented after so much work has gone into it. Therefore, there must be continual consultation with the creative community. I will continue to listen and bring artists voices to council. I will advocate for Guelph to provide supportive policy, funding and strategic partnerships to sustain creative cultural life in our community. Conditions that are inclusive, equitable, accessible and innovative for all disciplines.
I will endorse affordable housing for creatives. There are many models of artist work live, artist housing coop models and studio programs in other communities that I would like to explore replicating in Guelph. Hopefully, there is a way to find revenue to fund these. To share just a few.
http://lvactoronto.com/
https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/about-the-artist-studios.aspx
https://www.arcstudios.ca/
I will ask staff to research best practices from other communities to see if they are suitable for application in Guelph
https://artsincaliforniaparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-Implementation-Full-Application-and-Scoresheet.pdf

Alec Purves: * Permanent stage at Saint Georges Square.
* Better facilitating and venue use of Sleeman Centre
* Better promotion of events

Phil Allt: I will continue to support the arts as I have done all my life.

Kevin Bowman: By committing to and acting on the 4 priorities identified by the GAC in this survey. I believe the Arts Community knows best what it needs.

Annika Maldonado: (no response)

Michele Richardson: (no response)

Marty Williams: Find money. Find new venues. Promote the arts every chance i get.

Linda Busuttil: The city supports the Children’s Foundation Free to Grow program so that youth can access arts programming and provides funding through the Community Grants and Community Benefit Agreements to the Arts. While the Activating Community Micro-Grants is a relatively new and investment by the city, I would like to see this focused on Arts and Culture extensions exclusively through GAC.

I like also the idea of Cultural or Arts Districts. This being said I have concerns that these areas and the benefits that come from them, attracting tourists and income for example, are only concentrated in certain areas of the city of Guelph. I experience a lack of funding and an arts and cultural barren land in Ward 4 and as evidence is the upcoming Studio Tour with only one Zone 1, west of the Hanlon, artist to engage with.

As a citizen and councillor I am concerned with the lack of equitable arts and cultural development and support across the city. There is no public art west of the Hanlon.

Brendan Clark: (no response)

Jesse Guite: I would start by listening to local artists and arts organizations through regular conversations about what they need and where the City can help. I support making City spaces easier to access, simplifying permits, and reviewing fees that can make performances, exhibitions, and community events harder to organize.

I would also consider funding proposals based on clear costs, community benefits, and what we can responsibly afford. As a musician myself, I want Guelph to be a place where people have opportunities to create, share their work, and earn a fair living doing it.

Ali Malik: I support separating arts funding from social services because these sectors have different roles and shouldn’t be competing for the same resources. I also support easier access to City spaces at subsidized rates, not free, but affordable enough to reduce barriers while still covering staff costs. Sustained investment is important, but it should come with clear KPIs so organizations can show their impact and progress. Regular engagement with the arts community is also important to understand their needs, track results, and make sure the support we provide aligns with the city’s goals.

Derek McCaughan: (no response)

Michael Agueci: My ‘missing middle’ housing push isn’t just about affordability, it’s about the kind of mixed-use buildings that can include ground-floor studio and gallery space, the way many walkable cities do. This would help create environments more conducive to social interaction and the spread of creativity. I’d also push to make city processes for using public space (murals, pop-ups, temporary installations) faster and easier to navigate, and prioritize arts funding as part of the city’s cultural infrastructure, not the first line cut in a tight budget.

Xandine Arnott: While I can’t commit to splitting the Community Fund and doubling the funding budget, I am committing to the expansion of public community centers, which will greatly improve Guelph’s ability to provide arts spaces throught the City. New, active, Community centers means more spaces for galleries. It means more venues for workshops and shows. It means more opportunities to promote events. Paired with reliable communication between Arts & cultural organizations and city hall, I believe we can start taking steps in the right direction.

Greg Cawsey: I would support the arts through a combination of practical municipal support and a broader tourism strategy. One of my priorities is to explore using Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) revenue to support cultural programming, events and facilities that help attract visitors to Guelph. I see an opportunity to connect arts and culture with sport, recreation and tourism as part of a larger destination strategy.

My plan is outlined here:
https://gregcawsey.substack.com/p/building-guelphs-future-through-tourism?r=e5w5a&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

The goal would be to create a positive cycle of reinvestment: strategic investment helps attract more visitors and overnight stays; increased visitation generates additional MAT revenue; and that additional revenue can then help support further tourism, cultural and recreational investment.

I also support improving access to municipal spaces, streamlining permitting and identifying other practical ways the City can support artists and arts organizations.

I believe public investment should be transparent, accountable and focused on achieving measurable benefits for the community. I also believe that arts and culture should be part of a broader strategy to grow Guelph’s economy and attract visitors.

While I support increased and sustained investment in the arts, I cannot commit to automatically doubling the Community Fund or to an unconditional five-year funding commitment without first considering affordability, accountability, measurable outcomes and the City’s overall financial position. I believe we can be ambitious in supporting Guelph’s arts and culture sector while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayers’ money.

Dakota Cherry: I wholeheartedly support dividing the Community Fund into separate streams. As someone who has applied to this fund on behalf of Guelph organizations, I have always believed it is unfair to pit social service organizations against arts and culture organizations for limited funding. This is long overdue for reform.

I would also support stable, multi-year investment in Culture Plan 2030, practical non-financial supports such as improved access to City spaces and reduced barriers, and regular engagement with the arts community. Artists themselves understand the sector’s needs best, and they should have a meaningful role in shaping the City’s decisions.

Jon Christensen: Three concrete things, and a straight answer on the fourth.

First, the two-stream idea is right and it is already half built. The new Community Investment Strategy council approved 13 to 0 in June 2026 sets three priorities, one of which is “Connection, Expression and Belonging,” and says funding will be spread evenly across the three. I would push to make that an explicit arts and culture stream with its own envelope, so a youth orchestra is not scored against a food bank.

Second, the non-financial supports cost almost nothing and I will vote for them the first time they appear. The same June 2026 strategy recommends a City Fee program (fee waivers for City space, $50,000) and a microgrant program ($50,000), but both are marked “not in base budget.” That means they only exist if the 2027 and 2028 budgets fund them. That is the vote that matters. I will be a yes.

Third, stability. Council raised the Community Grant base to $500,000 in November 2024 and indexed it to inflation, and the new strategy moves to three-year grants. I will protect that base and that indexing through every budget I sit on. A cut in year two of a three-year grant is worse than never granting it.

On doubling the fund. No, not yet. I will not promise that number before I have seen the 2027 budget. I do not make promises on other people’s money that I cannot show how to pay for. My whole campaign is that a disciplined operating budget is what opens up the room to invest in things like this. If the discipline delivers, the arts are near the front of the line for what it frees up. I would rather earn that than promise it.

James Doran: If elected, I will champion Guelph’s arts and culture sector within City Hall and ensure it is a meaningful part of the City’s economic development strategy. I will advocate for simpler, clearer processes for artists and organizations to access grants, in-kind support, space, promotion and guidance. The City should be a facilitator, not a barrier.

I also support exploring two streams within the Community Fund: one for social and community projects and another for arts and culture. This would allow arts organizations to be assessed according to the needs and goals of their sector without placing them in direct competition with essential social programs.

Most importantly, I want the City to act as a genuine partner to community-led arts organizations. That means sitting at the same table, sharing priorities and identifying opportunities to work together. Arts groups should not have to spend all their energy competing over the same small pots of money. Coalitions are often better positioned to pursue larger provincial, federal and private-sector investments. The City can help convene those partnerships and support joint funding applications. Instead of competing over the same small pots of money, we should work together to grow the pie.

Cathy Downer: I will continue to listen to artists and arts organizations about what they need from the City. I was pleased to champion the creation of a Cultural Plan that recognized culture as its own area, separate from Parks and Recreation. I think that was an important step in recognizing the role the arts play in our community.
Looking ahead, Guelph’s bicentennial will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our history, our creativity and the people who make this such a special community. I would like artists and arts organizations at the heart of that celebration.
I would also continue looking for ways they can help address the challenges such as affordable space and opportunities for artists to create, perform and exhibit their work.

Wesley Harris: (no response)

Danny Lui: First, I will make sure the arts community has a voice at City Hall.
I want to work directly with artists and arts organizations to understand where the City can make the greatest difference — whether that’s funding, access to spaces, municipal fees and processes, or simply bringing organizations and potential partners together.
I am particularly interested in exploring ways to help emerging artists develop their work and build sustainable careers in Guelph. Sometimes relatively small investments, mentorship, access to space or the right connection can give someone the opportunity they need to grow.
I will also advocate for arts and culture to be considered as part of our economic-development strategy. A vibrant arts community attracts people, supports local businesses and tourism, and contributes enormously to the quality of life that makes people choose Guelph.

Dylan White: (no response)

Rebecca Adam: (no response)

Shane Coulis: (no response)

Luke Devos: (no response)

Katherine Hauser: I support the arts personally by regularly attending local theatre, live music and cultural events, and I believe showing up matters. I have always done this and, as a Councillor, I will continue listening directly to artists and arts organizations about the barriers they face and looking for practical ways the City can help.
I support stable, predictable investment in arts and culture, improved access to City spaces, and reviewing fees, permitting and other municipal processes that may create unnecessary barriers. I also support continued implementation of Culture Plan 2030.
At the same time, I believe funding decisions need to be made responsibly through the municipal budget process. While I support sustained investment in the arts, I am not comfortable pre-committing to a specific increase, such as doubling a funding envelope, without considering the financial implications alongside other City priorities.

Helen Liu: Once a month we need have a singing chance for everyone and every country.shadell family gate way is good place to rent.

Laura McQuillen: I would support stable, predictable funding, and advocate for affordable spaces for artists to create and share their work. Artists are an important part of the Guelph community and deserve a seat at the table and consideration as decisions are being made. I also think there are opportunities to make better use of public spaces and community spaces for arts and culture and to make sure people across Guelph have opportunities to participate and experience the arts. The arts are a piece of what makes a bright and vibrant Guelph community and I want to make sure they have a place in Guelph’s future.

Leanne Caron: The Guelph arts community has always been part of my life. I am currently on the board of the Art Gallery of Guelph, and serve on the Guelph Public Library’s public art subcommittee and the Guelph 200 Community Working Group. But my support for the arts goes back decades: I was the Chair of Heritage Guelph and co-founded the Glass Guild of Guelph. I am an avid attendee of festivals and performances and studio tours, have a history of volunteering with theatre and music productions, and come from a family that includes artists and musicians. Along with many other residents, I share a great sense of pride in Guelph’s arts community.

Ken Yee Chew: (no response)

John Edward Krusky: (no response)

Ryan Meunier: (no response)

Evaristo Ramos Jr.: (no response)

Rajee Sinha: (no response)

Tammy Corbin: (no response)

Dan Gibson: (no response)

Daniel Kaufmann: (no response)

Marcel Dion Lambert: (no response)

Owen Martens: (no response)

Evan Silva: My girlfriend is a Guelph artist, and she’s painted public displays before.

Dave Williams: (no response)

Mustafa Zuberi: I’ve supported Guelph’s arts community by attending local events such as Guelph Symphony Orchestra, promoting community initiatives and supporting local organizations and businesses such as the Eden Mills Writers Festival and the Multicultural Festival for several years now. I am always willing to offer a helping hand to organizations or artists who are in need of support.

I also have friends who aspire to become singers or actors, including my own brother, who auditioned for Disney as a child. I understand that building a strong foundation for Guelph’s arts and culture can put our city on the map by attracting and retaining local talent, making Guelph a hub for new generations of artists.

Mike Barber: I own The Hive. Our store runs on a low to no profit model where we support over 50 local artisans and farmers. I run markets at break even costs to support makers. I am front line when it comes to supporting some forms of art in Guelph.

Michelle Bowman: Having a creative outlet has been a staple in my life since childhood. I try to participate in the arts at least once a week. There is always something to do in Guelph and I enjoy trying new things.

Since moving to Guelph, I have volunteered and/or participated in events by most of the organizations listed at the bottom of this survey and the rest on are my to-do list. This summer I enjoyed Jazz Around Town, The Ward Acts at GLT, volunteering at Ed Video’s anniversary celebration, GSO in Riverside Park, Juneteenth Celebrations at the GBHS, the Sunshine Series at AGG and more.

Troy Bridgeman: I am a musician, photographer and a journalist who has covered the vibrant artistic community in Guelph for more than 30 years. Many or most of my friends are artists in one way or another.

Greg Cox: (no response)

Morgan Dandie: Supporting the arts is something I love doing! Volunteering is how I attend many events, including Hillside Festival, Guelph and District Multicultural Festival, Art in the Street, Praise the Ward, the Guelph Comedy Festival and at Royal City Mission for Beat the Winter Blues. I was thrilled to be able to go, for the first time, to various events as part of the Jazz Festival this year, when they were made free, granting access to people like me who struggle with affordability. As a City Councillor, I would be better able to support artists throughout the city.

Kim Fry: I first came to Guelph because of OPIRG and Hillside so the activst and arts communities are what made me fall in love with this city and want to move here. I have been active with Hillside as a volunteer, workshop presenter, partner and attendee since 2005. I try to take in as many arts events and festivals as I can. Most recently I volunteered for the new Yukon Gold Folk Series and am working to establish a Bicycle Music Festival in 2027. As Mom and teacher, I am always promoting the arts to my children and students and have worked to foster a love of culture. My adult daughter participated in the Girls and Guitars program through Hillside and is now an award winning, professional touring musician. She got her start at 4 with a Suzuki strings program and went to an arts High School. My 10 year old is a drummer and actor who studies at the Guelph Youth Theatre Academy. I am hoping as he gets older, we will attend and volunteer at many more festivals and events.

Rodrigo Goller: (no response)

Barbara Mann: I have volunteered for Hillside Festival for over 35 years in varied roles. I was the first office volunteer for Hillside Festival when we only had a part time musical director and part time office manager. I also grew an outreach sector of Hillside as the Market Coordinator and I have served on the Volunteer Committee. When Ajay Heble called asking me to be on the Board of Directors and be the Volunteer Coordinator of his new world class Improvisational Jazz Festival, I took the roles he asked of me, later coordinating the the downtown tent set up. When Bernard MacDonnell asked me to help grow the first Ceilidhs in Guelph – we went from 10 people to 400. I was part of a tile making group with Goldie Sherman – the tiles are now part of the Enabling Garden. I have volunteered with the Eden Mills Writers Festival; Co-Coordinated Jane’s Walks, as well as being a Jane’s Walk Leader. I have also led tours of City Hall during Doors Open. I have attended theatre, dance; concerts; film; Art of the Street; The Studio Art Tour and purchased many mediums of art from local artists.

Alec Purves: * Volunteer with Guelph Jazzfest
* Volunteer at Guelph Ribfest
* Attended series at Silence
* Subscriber to River Run Centre
* Member of Guelph Little Theatre

Phil Allt: Yes, I was as member the Guelph Arts Council in the early 1990’s; I am a musician (of sorts), I attend multiple arts events including the Studio Tour, Hillside and concerts within Guelph throughout the year. I financially support various arts focused community groups.

Kevin Bowman: I have attended live music at various venues. I have visited the Guelph Art Gallery and other galleries many times. I have attended Art on the Street many times.

Annika Maldonado: (no response)

Michele Richardson: (no response)

Marty Williams: Yes. As the former director of the DGBA I created the Weekend Music series, and I have been a Hillside volunteer for over 30 years.

Linda Busuttil: This is a long response so apologies in advance.

Before becoming a parent I was active with many other volunteers in the development of the Guelph Youth Music Centre under the leadership of Bob Gillham. When I became a parent we were involved with the Suzuki String School, Summer Strings Institute, Guelph Youth Orchestra, Kiwanis and occasional street busking! My children were among the first participants in Guelph Youth Dance when Catrina and Janet established the program and we often attended the Guelph Youth Festivals.

We have engaged our children in music, dance, pottery, the Guelph Studio Tour, Art on the Street, visiting individual visual artists, the Pottery Market, River Run performances and Music festivals all in an effort to build art appreciation. At home we proudly own many pieces of art by local Guelph artists. If we in other cities the Art Centre and Museum are top on our list to visit.

As an elected trustee to the Upper Grand District School Board, I advocated and supported the Music Teachers Association, Drama and arts opportunities for youth. I volunteered for Art Image in our school and organized along with other parents Prologue for the Arts French language arts performances and opportunities.

I was a Director on the Art Gallery of Guelph Board, and I still go to the Gift Shop to look for art and unique gifts for family, friends and myself!

Prior to becoming a city councillor in 2022 I advocated and ensured that electrical outlets were added to Margaret Greene Park for arts and cultural activities, as in my view parks are more than sports fields. I dream about summer theatre in the park.

As a current city councillor my engagement with the arts community has not changed from that as a parent but grows to include new organizations such as Art Not Shame. Recent examples of council discussions include my support for more arts use of the Sleeman Centre and advocating for subsidies to city facilities for arts groups.

If this is an opportunity for a dialogue, I do want to share that I have advocated for the expansion and visible evidence of the arts while on the AGG Board and to the Arts Advisory Committee and to this date there is nothing west of the Hanlon. I believe that the Arts Community could better connect with residents through extension activities, building awareness and greater appreciation for the arts and culture in Guelph.

Brendan Clark: (no response)

Jesse Guite: My main connection to the arts community is through music. I play bass in The Lizard People, and being part of a local band gives me an appreciation for the time, effort, and expense that goes into making music and sharing it with others.

That is where most of my personal experience comes from. I would welcome the chance to connect with more artists across different disciplines, learn about their experiences, and better understand how I can support their work.

Ali Malik: I haven’t had direct involvement with the Guelph arts community before. My engagement has mainly been as a resident who attends local events and sees the value arts bring to the city. I’m new to arts policy, but I’m open to learning and working with artists and organizations to understand their needs and how the City can support them better.

Derek McCaughan: (no response)

Michael Agueci: I’m a regular attendee at local museums and cultural exhibits across Guelph, and an avid supporter of our local live music scene at venues like Jimmy Jazz and NV. Having lived with a band of roommates where we’d regularly jam, freestyle, and hit open mics together, I strongly believe in protecting and expanding grassroots spaces where artists can create and perform.

Xandine Arnott: Admittedly, not as much as I would like. As mentioned in an earlier response, my daughter took part in the kiwanis youth choir though her school earlier this year, and I had the opportunity to meet and speak with many arts and cultural organizations while booking them in for dates at the Guelph Farmers’ Market. While handling management for the Guelph Tool Library’s Circular Store, we regularly reached out to local artists to offer supplies when they came in, while also encouraging a team of volunteer “visible menders” to help keep heavily damaged clothing out of landfills while also supporting creativity and expression. In addition, our “Rags to Rugs” initiative was an attempt to provide patching, mending, and quilting materials to Fiber artists with the intention of leading to rug weaving from upcycled clothing. We had strong goals to support the arts in that pilot project, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to be at part of that initiative while it was active.

Greg Cawsey: I have had the opportunity to engage with Guelph’s arts community both as a participant and as a resident attending and supporting local events.

I played a lead role in Guelph Little Theatre’s production of I Hate Hamlet, which gave me firsthand experience of the commitment, collaboration and community involvement required to bring a theatrical production to life.

Over the years, I have also attended numerous festivals, performances and events in Guelph, including the Guelph Jazz Festival, Hillside Festival and local comedy events. I have participated both personally and as a parent supporting my children in their involvement in community activities – including many of the organizations listed below.

These experiences have given me a genuine appreciation for the important role that arts and culture play in building community and making Guelph a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

As a candidate, I am also interested in how we can build on that strength.

I see an opportunity to connect Guelph’s arts and culture sector with sport, recreation and tourism, using our cultural experiences and facilities as part of a broader strategy to attract visitors, encourage overnight stays and generate economic activity.

If elected, I would welcome the opportunity to build stronger relationships with Guelph’s arts community, listen to the sector’s needs and work together on practical and sustainable ways to support its growth!

Dakota Cherry: I attend and support local arts events, including Hillside, the Guelph Tool Library’s Brush Battle this past Winter, and the upcoming More Than Art Festival this October.

Personally, I have directly supported emerging artists, including subsidizing rent for an artist pursuing her Master of Fine Arts at the University of Guelph and helping another artist find work in her field so that she could continue building her life in Canada. My partner jokes that I allocate too much of my budget to art purchases from local artists. I argue that it’s not enough!

My grandmother was a dedicated patron of the arts and gallery owner in Ottawa, and art was a major part of our upbringing. Musical theatre, music, and visual art remain deeply important to me and my family.

Jon Christensen: The way most Guelph families do, by showing up and paying for tickets. My sister, Sarah Hughes, is a working visual artist here in Guelph, so I have watched up close what it takes to make a living at it in this city.

My daughters both take piano at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, they are in dance camp right now, and they take language lessons through the year. My wife and I are regulars at the Guelph Jazz Festival and at local shows, and we were season ticket holders at Guelph Little Theatre.

On the business side, my wife runs The Ten Spot on Quebec Street, and we say yes to almost every arts group that asks. Raffle prizes, packages, gift cards for fundraisers. We do not track it. We just say yes, because a downtown without the arts is a downtown nobody visits.

And I tried to hold my campaign kickoff at the Art Gallery of Guelph this August. The University’s election policy ruled it out, which was fair, but it tells you where I wanted to be.

James Doran: I am up to my eyeballs in Guelph’s arts community. As an artist and musician, I attend local shows and festivals, buy work from local artists and musicians, promote the local music scene, write album reviews and release locally made music through my label.

I served a term on the board of the Guelph Youth Music Centre. I am now leading Press Play, an innovative new program that brings young music makers together to share their work, learn from one another and connect with local mentors.

While leading Innovation Guelph, me and my team also supported 10C and its partners in designing and launching the Elevator Project. It connected people with promising community ideas to funding, materials, expertise and other resources. We used a relatively small amount of initial funding to attract support from businesses, residents and nonprofit organizations. This helped make many worthwhile projects possible, including arts and culture initiatives that might otherwise never have happened.

That experience showed me how modest public investments can be used to build partnerships, attract additional resources and turn good community ideas into reality.

Cathy Downer: My connection to the arts is very personal. My father was a local artist and my mother sang in a choir, so art and music were simply part of everyday life in our family. That appreciation has stayed with me, and I’ve enjoyed passing it on to my own children, who took music, art and dance lessons growing up.
I continue to be involved in and enjoy our arts community. I volunteered at the Guelph Youth Music Centre for many years and have taken art classes myself. I regularly attend concerts and cultural events, including the Guelph Musicfest series, Hillside and performances in venues around the city. As a Council member on the Board of the Downtown Guelph Business Association, I volunteer and attend many events such as Spirit of the Season.
For me, the arts are about participating, enjoying and being part of our community. I feel very fortunate that Guelph offers so many opportunities to experience and celebrate the arts.

Wesley Harris: (no response)

Danny Lui: Arts and culture have been an important part of my community involvement for more than a decade. I currently serve as Board Chair of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, following many years of service with the organization.
That experience has given me a firsthand understanding of the enormous contribution arts organizations make to Guelph, as well as the challenges involved in sustaining them. Strong arts organizations require good governance, committed volunteers, dependable partnerships, appropriate spaces and long-term financial planning.
I have also personally supported artists because I believe talented people need opportunities and conditions in which their work can grow. I met a singer/songwriter through a fundraiser and later heard their work on CBC. When I discovered that they were struggling to find financing to make their album, I decided to personally fund the project. I can best describe my philosophy on this through an “incubator” analogy; sometimes creative work needs someone to give it the conditions to grow. For me, supporting the arts is not something that began when I decided to run for council. It is something I have already chosen to invest my time, energy and resources in because I believe it makes our community stronger.
If elected, I would bring that experience to City Hall and work to ensure that artists and arts organizations are treated as essential partners in Guelph’s cultural, social and economic future.

Dylan White: (no response)

Rebecca Adam: (no response)

Shane Coulis: (no response)

Luke Devos: (no response)

Katherine Hauser: I was a bit of a drama nerd in high school, and later raised two very dramatic daughters – in the best possible way! Their love of drama, dance and theatre was easy to encourage, and I loved watching their confidence and creativity develop through the arts over the years. Along the way, that also meant cheering on their friends through Fringe productions, directorial debuts, acting roles and adventures in stage management.
I continue to enjoy local theatre, live music, exhibitions and cultural events, and I also had the privilege of serving on the Board of Trustees at the Art Gallery of Guelph for 3 years. Through that role and my work on Council, I have had opportunities to connect with artists and arts organizations and better understand both what they contribute to Guelph and the challenges they face.
The arts have been part of my life as a participant, a parent, an audience member and now through public service. I think some of the best support we can give our arts community is also the simplest: show up, buy the ticket, see the performance, visit the gallery and celebrate the people who make our city more interesting.

Helen Liu: Try to find the singsing people work together.

Laura McQuillen: My involvement with Guelph’s arts community has been fairly limited. I’ve experienced the arts primarily as a community member, parent and teacher, rather than through formal involvement in the sector.

That said, I value the contribution that artists and arts organizations make to Guelph and I’m interested in learning more about the challenges they face. As a candidate, I’ve been listening to different parts of our community and I would continue to do that if elected.