Candidate: Andrew Dowie

Municipality: Tecumseh

Position: Councillor

Ward: Ward 1

What opportunities do you believe Windsor-Essex has to grow our art, culture and heritage sector?

The region has a unique voice supported by local media and a storied history.  There is a distinctiveness in our way of life especially given our proximity to the United States which supplied proximity to prospective audiences and collaborators.

How do you propose to attract or retain artists and cultural workers in your community?

The Town of Tecumseh is proposing an open-air amphitheatre in the festival area at Lakewood Park South.  This space will be able to host artistic events with high visibility.  I look forward to supporting this development.

What role do you see for arts and culture in the promotion of the region both as a destination for tourists and as a place of permanent residence for youth, families, and retirees?

The area has impressive live performance venues that can be leveraged as part of marketing for new residents.  Further there is opportunity to use some of our existing public spaces for additional art installations.

In what other ways could you use your position as an elected official to help support the arts, culture and heritage sector outside of using municipal funding?

Relationships with business and property owners could foster new opportunities to support artists and cultural and heritage industries.  In addition, verbal promotion of our community’s resources can drive new contributors to these sectors.

What is your perspective on the best ways to collaborate with other levels of government to ensure sustainability and growth for the cultural sector of our community?

Promote and support the regional cultural office, encourage public use and municipal partnerships with school facilities, and encourage applicants from the sector to the Trillium Foundation.

How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Windsor-Essex?

I have been formerly a part of Tecumseh’s Cultural and Arts Advisory Committee as well as the Heritage Committee.  I have attended and brought greetings from Council to the Tecumseh Coffee House series for three years.  I occasionally attend live music performances, local theatre and local historical sites.  While I acknowledge being more nature-focused, I enjoy being immersed in the talents of many of our local artists when opportunities arise.