Candidate’s Info:
Submitted October 7, 2010
JoAnne Gignac
246 St. Rose Avenue
Windsor, On
N8S 1X2
Ward Ward 6/Windsor
519-945-4434
info@jo-annegignac.com
www.jo-annegignac.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?
JoAnne Gignac: Now that the recommendations contained in the MCMP have been adopted, by Council, providing the opportunity for ALL partners to prioritize them is step one, in my opinion…lets hold the Cultural Summit. Once the Cultural Summit is held, priorities and plans have been identified, then the recomendations should be brought to budget deliberations.
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?
JoAnne Gignac: When the Cultural Summit has established priorities and the partners are in agreement, we can move forward on a long term plan that will highlight this regions commitment to Arts and Culture. In the interim the Mayor has proposed an Artist Alley along Pelissier Street and the re-establishment of a Mayors Award for the Arts. Partnering with Changchn has been proposed for an International Sculpture Symposium which would build on the sculpture garden. I have requested the establishment of a Poet Laureate for Windsor to highlight the incredible talent of our authors…all tools to promote, encourage and highlight Arts and Culture.
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?
JoAnne Gignac: Until priorities are identified I cannot speculate on how much of an allocation is required or what would be too little/too much. I do believe that a well thought out REGIONAL approach to Arts and Culture would have wide support and no one would have a problem justifying it to residents…they would embrace it!!!
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.
