Candidate: Michael Prue

Municipality: Amherstburg

Position: Councillor

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

We have an increasing  population base coming to Windsor-Essex attracted by job opportunities, good climate and cheaper housing. Tourism is gaining ground and many retirees are also choosing Amherstburg.

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

Town announcements, proposals and plans should all contain references to the availability of arts and the promotion of arts in public life

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?

Continue holding annual Art fairs such as Art by the River. Continue the promotion of shows featuring the work of different artists at the Gibson Gallery.  Highlight the work of people in all of the arts at different public and private  museums and galleries in Town.

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 need to pass bylaws which include development charges related to public art. It need not be onerous but it should  include permanent outdoor displays in public areas. New construction should contain space for public art features and displays.Encourage fundraising. In Amherstburg, Use the Amherstburg Community Foundation to accept monies and issue tax receipts.

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?

Dedicate one staff position to applying for grants and funding from Federal sn Provincial  levels of Government and NGO’s who offer targeted funding

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

I am currently the Treasurer of the Belle Vue Conservancy which is a group of volunteers with a  mandate to spread awareness of the architecture and history of the Belle Vue historic site and to raise funds for Phase I repairs to the roof and windows of the Building . Over the past year  we have raised over $350,000 in cash and services and  paid for Architectural plans and the extensive work currently  being done to replace the roof and eavestroughs.  The lands surrounding Belle Vue (8.5 acres)  will in all liklihood contain arts venues, including gardens and  probably a stage for professional or semi-professional shows.