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Arts Vote 2018: Kelsey Santarossa
  Candidate: Kelsey Santarossa Municipality: Lakeshore Position: Councillor Ward: Ward 3   What opportunities do you believe Windsor-Essex...

 

Candidate: Kelsey Santarossa

Municipality: Lakeshore

Position: Councillor

Ward: Ward 3

 

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

I think that we could be celebrating our French heritage more. The Belle River BIA organised two festivals but I really think this could be a collaborative effort among the municipalities to celebrate the collective francophone heritage in Windsor Essex.
I think that we also have the opportunities (always) to encourage public art and murals. Identifying spaces that can be changed annually is key to making sure that more artists have the opportunity to participate annually.

 

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

We really need to give them the opportunity to be seen. Public art, murals and park installations are some of the ways that we can encourage artists to create on a more frequent basis so that we can continue to change out their pieces.

 

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 would like to see prominent and up-and-coming Windsor Essex artists collaborating in media releases and print ads to showcase their art in the promotional items themselves.

 

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 want to sit on the Arts Council if elected to ensure that there are constant opportunities to move forward as a team, listening to the musicians and artists that are identifying ways to be better heard and seen.

 

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?

We need to encourage our MPs and MPPs to participate in events and support us in grant applications so that we can organise more events and support brick and mortar stores and museums that showcase our local talent and heritage.

 

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

I am a lover of live music. I support, when I can, by buying tickets and CDs for local artists.
I go to the art galleries annually. I attend WIFF and WIFF 365, and I always encourage friends to come with me. The hardest part about supporting the arts is encouraging the people around you to do the same.