Candidate’s Info:
Antun Peakovic
995 Silverdale Dr.
Ward Ward 9, City of Windsor
519 791 5520
peakovic2010@hotmail.com
www.peakovic.com
1. Implementing the MCMP:
The Municipal Cultural Master Plan represents a strong commitment by the City to significantly support the arts in a variety of ways that will help to harness the economic and creative potential of the entire arts community, however, there has not yet been a firm commitment in terms of schedule or budget to realize any of the new proposed initiatives in the MCMP. Of the 15 as-yet-unrealized recommendations in the MCMP, which ones would you prioritize and complement with the necessary financial support and political commitment in order to successfully implement them?
Antun Peakovic: This list is in no particular order.
In my opinion recommendations #3 (Providing adequate resources for Cultural Affairs Office) and #4 (Joining Cultural Affairs with the Recreation Department) can be rolled into one, meaning that additional responsibilities can be provided to staff of the Rec. Department when the two are joined.
#7 (Establishing the Cultural Funding Commission) is a valuable idea, if implemented carefully.
#5 (Museum Study) I would like to expand this to attract a national level museum, such as the national science and technologu museum, with help from the federal government.
#16 (Live-Work facilities) Although I have placed this last, I think this is the most valuable recommendation. Although affordable spaces are the preference, I would like to find some free (or nominal fee) studio space in the downtown core.
2. Arts Infrastructure:
Given the substantial economic, cultural, and social successes realized by other North America cities through the development of exceptional arts facilities, given the enthusiasm for multiple arts organizations in the region to work together and the proven track record of such facilities to transform the urban landscape, and given the recently adopted Municipal Cultural Master Plan’s directive to provide capacity-building support for arts organizations, how will you support our region’s infrastructural needs for multi-use, multi-organization arts and culture facilities such as the Capitol Theatre and Armouries-Palace?
3. Economy and the Arts:
Artists and arts organizations across the region bring in millions of dollars every year in revenue through grants, sales, private investment, and donations, infusing additional millions of dollars back into the local economy. Over the last twenty years, across the province, arts and culture industries grew 14% more than the rest of the economy. As the arts are a long-proven driver of economic development in the city and beyond, what will you do to ensure that the arts and culture community can bring even more investment, talent, and dollars to the region?
Antun Peakovic: By implementing the stated goals in Question #1, particularly the studio space, and then promoting and marketing our advantages nationally, particularly in arts communities and schools.
4. Arts and Culture Funding:
Strong financial investment in arts and culture has direct and tangible economic and social returns, as measured by economists such as Richard Florida, Statistics Canada, and the Conference Board of Canada, and as demonstrated in cities around the world. This investment engages residents and draws new talent, assists in fostering new businesses, and creates a healthier and more vibrant community. With that in mind,how much of the municipal budget would you allocate to arts and culture, and how would you justify that spending to your constituents?
Antun Peakovic: I do not have a percentage figure that I would be comfortable with sharing, as I have not been active in the budgeting process at city hall.
That said, I agree in principle that support for the arts and culture is a vital pillar for the economic and social stability of a community. Although this is a long term economic solution, that is how I would justify any increase in the budget for arts and culture.
5. Your vision for our Region’s Arts and Culture:
Please briefly describe your vision for the near, medium, and long-term future for arts and culture in Windsor and/or Essex County.
In the medium term, I would like to determine the financial feasibility of the various proposals, such as the armouries plan. In addition, I would like to find studio space in the downtown core.
In the long-term, I would like to actually help build a cultural hub in Windsor, involving a combination of the established concert and theatre spaces, festivals and available studio space that will enhance our current arts community and attract new blood.
