Candidate’s Info:
Submitted October 3, 2010
Bill Marra
2475 Buckingham Drive
Windsor N8T 2B4
Ward Windsor – Ward 8
519 890 1000
info@billmarra.ca
www.BillMarra.ca
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?
Bill Marra: On many occassions, and most often during Budget Deliberations, we have for many years discussed potential strategies and ideas as it relates to bringing the Arts Community ”together” and developing short and long term strategies with regards to a sustainable funding model, and maximizing the arts community potential on a local level for our own residents and as part of a broader economic development and tourism strategy. I supported the creation and adoption of the Municipal Cultural Master Plan and I very genuinely believe that it was a critical first step towards achieving some of these goals. I strongly believe that we should proceed with the Cultural Summit (recommendation #10) immediately and from there further crystalize the process to undertake recommendations 7 & 8 which of course will deal with governance and funding processes and protocols. Following the summit, it will also be timely to connect with our regional Tourism Corporation so that recommendation #14 can be explored for the creation of a Cultural Tourism Plan. I also look forward to once again creating an annual event for the recognition of our local arts community – recommendation #12 (Civic Cultural Awards Program) will not only serve to recognize arts excellence, it will be a valuable tool in order to reach out to, and further educate, the broader community.
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?
Bill Marra: The very long and drawn out process with regards to the Capitol Theatre appears to be coming to an end very soon. Our number one priority has been to secure the building on behalf of the taxpayers along with all of the equipment and other pertinent assets. The City should not be in the business of operating the Capitol and it appears that there are no shortage of willing partners to step up on that front. With the ownership of the Armouries and the former Grey Hound Bus Station, we have a tremendous opportunity to create a cultural hub amongst these locations. It will take a united front amongst the cultural/arts community and key partnerships with other public and private sector partners.
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?
Bill Marra: I believe that by establishing the Multicultural Master Plan, City Council signalled a very strong message of support to the arts and culture community with regards to long term success. The hard work really begins now as we begin to roll out several of the key recommendations. The Cultural Summit should take place as soon as possible following the municipal election. Concurrently, we need to flesh out recommendations 7 & 8. They both entail a great deal of work as it relates to the establishment of the Commission and what the structure and operations will look like. The Investment Strategy Fund has to then be the first order of business. With these key pieces in place, I am prepared to support a funding model that is sustainable and not one that continues to subject groups to an annual and very political process.
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?
Bill Marra: At this point, it is impossible to allocate a dollar amount or a percentage of our annual operating budget without first undertaking some of the recommendations of the Master Plan that I have mentioned in my previous responses with regards to the Cultural Summit, the establishment of the Cultural Commission, establishing its structure and operations and developing the Cultural Organization Investment Strategy Fund. Any discussion regarding funding has to be directly tied into the outcomes of these recommendations.
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.
Bill Marra: My vision includes full and complete resolution with regards to the Capitol Theatre and it becoming fully operationally and self sustaining in the near futrue. My vision also includes supporting a redevelopment of the Armouries/Palace location as another aspect of the infrastructure needs for the arts/culture community in the medium to long term. Short term must also include a fully operational and independent Cultural Commission with a well funded investment fund for all stakeholder organizations. My longer term vision includes supporting the growth of arts and culture as a key aspect of our tourism industry and local economy.
