Candidate: Elizabeth (Libby) Keenan

Municipality: Amherstburg

Position: Councillor

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

Encouraging and promoting the Windsor Symphony. Holding various Culture and Heritage days at Secondary Schools celebrating our History and Diversity. Supporting School and other day trips to Historic Amherstburg for Tours of Fort Malden , The Black Heritage Museum and many other sites. Encouraging Music and The Arts through programs available in the schools.

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

Hosting Showcase events for artists and Cultural workers. Having Artists and Cultural works perform at schools.

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?

I see the Arts and Culture of our region as a valuable resource to encourage Tourism and a thriving Cultural and Artistic community providing a multitude of educational and entertainment possibilities on a permanent basis for residents.

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?

I would encourage and support cultural arts and heritage festivals, shows and displays in my community. I would make use of social Media and local television and radio, newspapers and displays to support and promote the arts, culture and heritage sector and advocate local businesses to sponsor these events as as well.

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?

I believe in the establishment of permanent grant and scholarship programs as a very good way to engage other levels of government in growth and sustainability for the cultural sector of our community. I would also be a strong advocate and work with service clubs ie. Rotary Club etc. to support student exchange programs to and from various other nations.

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

I attend the Windsor symphony. I attend various local theatre productions at the University of Windsor. I attend festivals celebrating Cultural and Artistic Themes in the Town of Amherstburg.