Ward 12 Candidate Information
All candidates were asked to respond to the following questions:
1. How do you experience the arts in Calgary? What are some of your recent experiences?
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2. What role do you see for the arts in building a strong, vibrant Calgary in the future?
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3. Other than in the municipal budget, how would you champion the arts in the community as a city councillor or as mayor - to funders, the business community, and constituents?
4. Given what you know about the importance of the arts in building a competitive, prosperous city and your position on public arts funding, please choose which of the following statements best aligns with your perspective:
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I believe a thriving, prosperous city must have a vibrant arts scene in order to succeed. The municipal government should prioritize finding strategic ways to increase investment in the arts sector.
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I believe Calgary currently has many important civic priorities, including the arts. Current municipal investment in the arts is sufficient and should be maintained at its current level.
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I believe the arts are a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have for Calgary. Calgary is facing a diverse range of challenges and it is not viable for municipal arts funding to remain at its current level.
Below are their responses verbatim, with no edits or omissions.
#1: I love craft markets and attend as many as I can. I appreciate that my daughter enjoys attending them with me and is currently looking to attend more herself as a vendor. I am a crafter and attend knitting groups in the area as often as I can. I also appreciate our local music scene and live theatre, although I was more avid into these hobbies before children.
#2: The arts play a vital role in creating third space where people can gather and socialize, which is a crucial way to build a strong, vibrant city.
#3: The best way to champion the arts is to show up for them both literally and in support. Whether its promotion online, going to events, or working with groups to use my knowledge of Ward 12 to help them showcase their work here, I'm excited to hear how they would like my support.
Statement Chosen:
I believe Calgary currently has many important civic priorities, including the arts. Current municipal investment in the arts is sufficient and should be maintained at its current level.
Mike Jamieson has not yet completed the survey.
#1: I attend monthly local grassroots music concerts at a Ward 12 residents home. They bring in artists every month and invite the community to attend. I also attend ATP and local arts events with my family.
#2: Art so important for a vibrant city. There are so many amazing Art organizations in Calgary.
Raj-Kumar Khattan has not yet completed the survey.
#3: I would encourage growth of local art and music festivals that the community can attend. These are well attended but can be grown at the grassroots level to reach more people.
Statement Chosen:
I believe Calgary currently has many important civic priorities, including the arts. Current municipal investment in the arts is sufficient and should be maintained at its current level.
Brent Curtis has not yet completed the survey.