Candidate’s Info:
Submitted October 6, 2010
Drew Dilkens
Ward 1 South Windsor.
Ward 1 – City of Windsor
519-969-3739
drew@dilkens.com
www.dilkens.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?
Drew Dilkens: It was our council that recognized the need for a MCMP and funded this report to provide more direction on where we need to go as a City. As a guiding document I think it provides several great ideas that we can work with to move the cultural aspects of our city forward. The first priority would be to host the cultural summit so that we can bring the various groups together to prepare a budget submission to city council. Over the next term of council, I would like to see an arm’s length funding commission established.
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?
Drew Dilkens: This city council has been cohesive in our fight to keep the Palace Theatre. The trustee of that facility was offered full payment early in the process so that we could avoid litigation. Unfortunately he decided to take the City to court to suggest that we didn’t have a mortgage. He lost….and now he is appealing. I’m not sure how we could have shown our commitment any better than by offering full payment to the creditors!
Saying that, I’m excited about the chance to put these facilities to full use. There are several exciting opportunities available including some unique partnerships that would allow the facilities to be fully utilized. This type of planning makes the facilities sustainable and viable for the long-term. Any plan brought forward that maximizes the use of these facilities while minimizing exposure to the taxpayers will be evaluated carefully. A solid business plan is the key to success!
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?
Drew Dilkens: I subscribe to Richard Florida’s view as articulated in the Rise of the Creative Class. I understand how we can improve our economy and the visual aspect of our city by attracting those with ’creative talent’.
We have begun discussions with our sister city in China who annually hosts an international sculpture symposium. We are looking to attract some of this talent to Windsor in a partnership with Changchun.
I also look at our sister city in Mannheim Germany who has reclaimed an old warehouse building and converted it into a major centre of creative economic development. They offer highly discounted rent for 2 years to start-up companies in the Mannheim Creative Cluster. It is unique program that I think we can learn from….a program that could help create jobs in our community while allowing young talent to thrive.
www.musikpark-mannheim.de
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?
Drew Dilkens: The Arts play an important role in our community. There are significant investments already allocated in our budget to assist arts and culture. We fund a management position within the City to work with arts groups and to help develop this sector for the benefit of everyone. When the Symphony needed assistance it was our City council that stood up and offered them the money to keep going.
There is always a tension in any budget. Every group wants more….no one ever wants less. The key is to find creative ways to leverage the funding provided by the City so that we can maximize the dollars available through other levels of government as well. By doing this, we achieve maximum results for the entire arts sector.
At some point we are going to have to look at regional support for the Arts as well. It is unfair for the City of Windsor taxpayers to provide 100% funding for groups that are truly regional in nature.
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.
Drew Dilkens: Short – term:
We need to finalize plans for the Capitol Theatre and the Armouries…..plans that will provide for long-term viability of these landmarks. We also need to develop the arm’s length cultural funding commission that will allow the arts community to have a hand in creating the future landscape of the arts community in our city. Continue implementing the recommendations as approved in the MCMP.
Medium – term:
Develop a regional funding model that provides for participation from all stakeholders throughout Essex County.
Work with TWEPI to create a cultural tourism plan.
Long – term:
Create an arts park with similar goals as our sister city in Mannheim. This would act as an economic catalyst for investment in the arts and ultimately economic development through the products created.
Develop a cultural trust to provide long-term sustainable funding for the Arts in Windsor-Essex.
