Candidate: Sherri Smith Ouellette

Municipality: Pelee

Position: Councillor

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

More involvement in our schools with the arts

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

I believe our artists are inspired by our island as can be seen in many of the pieces displayed at art works.

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?

We support eco tourism at art works.  This year we had a full calendar of events thanks to our student involvement in arranging the events. Each event attracted many local residents and visitors to participate.

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 help and will continue to help after i am elected and attend fund raising events of the art works on pelee island.  We are a not for profit and count on fund raising events not the township to support the arts on pelee.

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?

More needs to be done to promote art and culture.   Grants need to become available to help small communities support their art programmes
How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Windsor-Essex?

I am on the executive of Art Works.