Candidate: Mark Simpson

Municipality: Leamington

Position: Councillor

Ward: Ward 1

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

Be it through festivals with affordable stall rates , competitions among artists with monetary rewards, holding workshops at schools and community centres would perhaps create interest and growth in the arts.

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

Providing proper venues and making available the existing  brick and mortar facilities and use of community funding events would be a good start

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 galleries host prominent artists and perhaps piggybacking on existing events the share a common values.

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?

By allowing use of the municipal facilities at an affordable rates ,promoting workshops at the  existing arts centre to get the youth involved and allowing street vendors at various times. Moving the Historical Society Museum in Leamington downtown.

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?

Ask and  inquire repeatedly to the higher levels of government until you get an answer.

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

I live on a Century Farm and I have a Carolinian Forest which I preserve.