Candidate: Ray Holland
Municipality: Lakeshore
Position: Councillor
Ward: Ward 3
What opportunities do you believe Windsor-Essex has to grow our art, culture and heritage sector?
Leamington and Essex both have cultural festivals throughout the summer so why can’t we have something similar to this. And why only during the summer months. We have facilities available.
How do you propose to attract or retain artists and cultural workers in your community?
If there is an opportunity for these artists to display their talents, people will come. However there needs to be support from council to get this off the ground and keep it running.
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?
Years ago there was a fiddle contest in Belle River which brought people from all over Canada and the United States. What a feather in the hat for Belle River to host such an international event. Unfortunately there was a decision made which terminated this awesome event. I would love to be on the ground floor of bringing something similar to Lakeshore in the future.
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?
A big part of supporting the arts, culture and heritage sector is to find out what events are taking place and then have a presence at these events. Making an appearance does not cost anything but does have an impact.
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?
This goes back to having events and inviting the levels of government to attend these events. They can’t show up if they don’t know it is happening.
How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Windsor-Essex?
My wife and I attend virtually every art, cultural and heritage festival in and around Essex county. With social media it is easy to promote and keep up with when and where each event is taking place.