Candidate: Helmi Charif

Municipality: Windsor

Position: Councillor

Ward: Ward 3

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

Arts, culture, and heritage constitute the identity of a city or even a nation. All level of government should invest in this sector because it has a positive impact on economical growth. we can create opportunities by retaining our artists, preserving our heritage and promoting our cultures.

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

Invest in cultural infrastructure
If elected I will present a motion to increase funding for arts, culture and heritage
we need to have a view that things need some courage and innovation; an
environment where creativity can be unleashed.
Municipalities can play a big role that would prosper this sector by careful evaluation of public money spent.
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?

A city is defined of what it has to offer for its residents and tourists/visitors
we do have what it takes to become an attractive destination however we need to promote our city through public awareness and through media.

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 will help in fundraising events and I will work with art associations to create an annual art markets that provide the opportunities for artists to sell and promote their work.

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?

The best way to ensure sustainability and growth for the cultural sector is to put a plan in place.
We should have a long term sustainability plan that will aim to keep artists in our city, build creative capacity, revitalize public places in order to realize the economic potential of the local cultural sector.

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

Being an artist myself (singer) I have a genuine appreciation for talent of any kind in art. I am always involved through my participation in most festivals.