Candidate’s Info:
Rick Limoges
1295 Janisse Dr.
Windsor, ON
N8S 2W2
Ward Windsor
519-944-7424
info@rick4mayor.ca
www.rick4mayor.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?
The Municipal Cultural Master Plan fits right in with this form of community engagement. Of particular note are the recommendations to develop a culture organization investment strategy and fund, a cultural tourism plan and a cultural marketing and communication plan (locally focused).
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?
Rick Limoges: We all need to think about the Arts and Culture as an economic engine for helping to reinvent our local economy rather than an expense line item. One dimentional thinking is not in anyone’s interest, including the taxpayers.
The Municipal Cultural Master Plan lays the foundation for that new approach and by following the recommendations and empowering artists, while working jointly with business and educational resources, we can create a mutually supportive environment in which the arts can thrive.
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?
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.
Rick Limoges: The MCMP has developed the following vision statement, which I am in agreement with:
”The City of Windsor will be a creative and vibrant cultural community that encourages artistic expression, the celebration of the City’s cultural identity and cultural diversity and that promotes and facilitates culture-led economic revitalization, cultural tourism, heritage preservation, and opportunities for collaboration and partnership.”
