Candidate: Lillian Kruzsely

Municipality: Windsor

Position: Councillor

Ward: Ward 5

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

Growth in the tourist aspect of this sector. We’ve recently seen some rapid growth with arts and heritage projects such as the mural at city hall by youth artists association Vanguard. Getting movement for tourism will mean that our projects can continue to grow and our businesses in this sector will feel supported.

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

In an ideal world, bigger contracts would be nice for some game development companies in Windsor such as at iDream Interactive. We can work hard to make sure our artists and cultural workers feel secure here. Whether it be paying fair wages or collaborative programming, there are very possible options to attract/retain this cohort in the community.

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?

With a new hotel tax, tourism is at risk of decline. However, the business had been steadily growing the past few quarters. For families, retirees, and youth a strong cultural sector means appeal. The goal at the end of the day would be to balance the budgets so that both our potholes/roads would be properly maintained and our cultural sector would be attractive for tourism.

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?

Attending events, helping with filing out funding applications (federal or provincial), and volunteering my time on the ground.

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?

At the end of the day, the terrier yanking on the postman’s leg gets the most done. Methaphorically speaking, you can count on me to be that terrier for the community. Hounding politicians, organizing campaigns, proposing legislative amendments are all things that we can do to up the pressure for collaboration.

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

Sponsor a local artist annually at the Walkerville Art Walk, purchase local art, pass by the Vanguard mural at city call almost every day, and can be known to purchase art supplies in bulk for family paint night on the regular.