Candidate: Janice Campbell
Municipality: Windsor
Position: Councillor
Ward: Ward 4
What opportunities do you believe Windsor-Essex has to grow our art, culture and heritage sector?
Our region offers tremendous capacity for growth in the arts, culture and heritage sectors which is both encouraging and exciting. I will support this growth from a business/revenue generation model as well as from the individual enrichment of life/joy and from the community “at large” engagement and experience perspective. As councillor, I look forward to working in collaboration w/the ACH sector members, teams, patrons and supporters city-wide to help facilitate, support and achieve whatever is envisioned for our region.
How do you propose to attract or retain artists and cultural workers in your community?
We need to value our artists and cultural workers both theoretically and in practical terms to support, attract, nurture, celebrate and retain them in our community. Be open to new ideas and ways of expression, be welcoming and appreciative. Purchase, showcase and promote their work and fund directly/leverage funding for this purpose. From the build environment, we can “make room” and partner w/developers to create art friendly districts that allow for commercial, rental and shared residences/co-ops to thrive and feature both private and common space to create, perform and exhibit, as appropriate to the artist and cultural workers expectations. We can invest in “art HUBS” that take advantage of shared and community spaces for exhibits and presentations for the benefit of the art creator/cultural worker and for ALL citizen.
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?
Arts and culture can and should play an important and key role in the promotion of the region both directly and by indirect influence. Our municipalities can feature local artists in tourism outreach initiatives (design/create/present) and highlight the unique experiences offered to tourist by engaging w/our A/C community. Our A/C community members can be formally, properly and proportionally represented on boards and commissions and agencies working in the tourism industry. For youth, families and retirees, our A/C community can offer the opportunity to “share the experience” and either teach, mentor and/or commission a work of art, production piece, musical arrangement or presentation, as appropriate – intergenerational experiences to enjoy together.
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?
We can support the ACH sector by hosting events, contests and providing space for use – HUBS and/or launch pads opportunities. We can actively seek out local content and production pieces for purchase and develop procurement practices that support local works of art and incorporate them into our common spaces. We can formally recognize, celebrate and showcase achievements via public awareness and appreciation for the local ACH scene. We can outreach and integrate w/the ACH community by providing a place for them on municipal boards, agencies and community service provider groups. Partner w/the private sector to host/sponsor a fund that can be “voucher driven” and used in trade for tickets to community events – like an exchange and “buy one for your neighbour” type of contributing to the arts – not directly to the creator but by building capacity and an audience to attend, appreciate and enjoy the works of the ACH sector. Most important, make sure to work w/the ACH sector to ask them what they would want from their municipal leaders in support and what ideas they have for our review and consideration.
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?
Keep at it, be mindful of all opportunities, track our progress against our expectations and continue to work together. As Canadians and as citizens we expect that all levels of government contribute towards and value our cultural diversity and we have the opportunity to focus on how we’d like to see that come to fruition in our city and neighbourhoods and work together on that journey – building and changing and adapting as we grow. City building by it’s very nature is truly a “work in progress” and as an experienced government collaborator and a passionate arts advocate and supporter, I am looking forward to “pulling the wagon” for the next four years and helping to lead the way as your municipal councillor Ward 4.
How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Windsor-Essex?
I support and attend (and encourage friends/family to “join me” ) a wide range of local arts, culture and heritage events in WE including: live theater, festivals, music venues, films, talks, tours, readings, presentations, dances and information sessions that share, inform, celebrate and enrich our lives and improve our dynamic and diverse ACH community. KUDOS to all in the ACH community in WE who work to make that all happen/be available for us, year over year – much appreciated. Thanks to the Arts Council Windsor and keep UP the good work .