Ward 7 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.
Anthony Ascue has not yet completed the survey.
Greg Amoruso has not yet completed the survey.
#1: I’m passionate about our local arts and culture scene as it is a key to what makes our neighbourhoods so vibrant. I love attending local music shows, whether it’s catching emerging artists at small venues or enjoying established acts at festivals. Live music has a way of bringing people together, and it’s been especially meaningful to share that experience with my young child. Introducing them to the creativity and energy of local performers like the CPO has been a joy, and I believe fostering an early appreciation for the arts helps build a lifelong connection to culture. Beyond music, I’m always inspired by the public art around us, from formal installations to grassroots murals and street art. These pieces tell the story of our community and make our shared spaces more dynamic. Supporting local artists and creators isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s about investing in the identity and economy of our city. That’s also why I’m a proud supporter of CJSW. Community radio plays a vital role in amplifying local voices, discovering new talent, and keeping independent arts thriving. My most recent experiences have included supporting local artists at shows/exhibits/markets, taking in all of the new street murals going in, and listening to live music at community events.
#2: ​I believe the arts are essential to building a strong, vibrant Calgary. They foster creativity, connect communities, and give our city its character. To truly thrive, we need to prioritize support for small and emerging performers, indie venues, and grassroots arts organizations. These are the spaces where innovation happens, where diverse voices are heard, and where the next generation of artists grows. By investing in accessible funding, affordable performance spaces, and local partnerships, we can ensure Calgary’s arts scene remains dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable for years to come. In addition, supporting a vibrant and active arts scene helps to attract lots of new Calgarians, and many skilled workers and can help keep our next generation rooted in the city.
#3: First, I’d work with businesses to identify sponsorships and performance opportunities, like matching grants for small venues or artist-in-residence programs with local companies and events where local talent could be utilized. Second, I’d advocate to provincial and federal funders for multi-year grants tailored to grassroots arts organizations, ensuring stability for festivals like Sled Island or incubators like cSPACE and the National AcessArts Centre.. We need to highlight how Calgary’s cultural scene drives tourism and economic diversification and inclusion. Finally, I’d engage constituents directly by amplifying the amazing events and arts opportunities that exist. I would also help to identify and support applications to other revenue streams, including assisting in the set up of a potential arts land trust, outside of the municipal budget.
Statement Chosen:
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.
#1: We [The Calgary Party] experience the arts in Calgary both as active supporters and engaged audience members. Members of our team have played leadership roles—professionally and as volunteers—in shaping the arts community, helping build platforms and spaces where creativity thrives. At the same time, we deeply value being part of the audience: attending Folk Fest, catching performances at Alberta Theatre Projects, enjoying Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, and visiting local exhibitions and galleries. We've also experienced the arts through family outings, sharing Calgary’s creative spirit with the next generation. From boardrooms to back rows, the arts have been a meaningful and multifaceted part of our lives in this city.
#2: The arts must be treated as foundational to Calgary’s future—not an afterthought. A truly vibrant, world-class city embeds arts and culture into its economic, civic, and community-building strategies. From drawing in tourism to supporting talent attraction and retention, the arts play a critical role in shaping Calgary’s identity and economic strength. A strong cultural scene helps fuel the hospitality industry, adds to our quality of life, and drives broader investment by making Calgary a more desirable place to live, work, and play. Culture contributes $5.3 billion annually to Alberta’s economy and creates over 53,000 jobs. While many artists face low wages, the broader impact of the sector is undeniable. Whether it’s Folk Fest bringing thousands to our parks, or local theatre and music scenes engaging Calgarians and newcomers alike, the arts are essential infrastructure for a future-focused city. If we want to attract global talent, keep young people here, and grow our local economy, investing in the arts isn’t optional—it’s strategic.
#3: As a mayor or city councillor, championing the arts goes far beyond budget lines — it’s about reframing the sector as a driver of economic, social, and civic growth. To funders and the business community, we would position arts and culture as essential to Calgary’s competitive edge that requires both public and private sector investment. . Culture contributes $5.3 billion annually to Alberta’s economy and supports over 53,000 jobs. A thriving arts scene is directly tied to tourism, hospitality, talent retention, and innovation. We would actively seek cross-sector partnerships that embed the arts into economic development, infrastructure projects, and placemaking strategies, treating artists as co-creators of Calgary’s future. We would encourage the business community to do their part, by investing in the arts, through sponsorships, philanthropy or engaging artists for their events. To constituents, we would highlight the lived experience: Calgarians engage in an average of 2.5 cultural activities each month. Arts are already a core part of people’s lives — whether through festivals, local theatre, music, or public art. We would champion grassroots arts initiatives, support activation of public spaces, and advocate for better access to affordable arts venues, including in underserved communities. Ultimately, we would use our platform to celebrate artists as builders of the city’s spirit, economy, and shared identity — and ensure their work is valued and visible across Calgary.
Statement Chosen:
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.
#1: I have spent much of my career and volunteer life deeply connected to Calgary’s arts and creative communities. From leading Calgary’s community radio station CJSW 90.9 FM to sitting on boards and committees for organizations like Music Calgary, Sled Island, and the all-ages venue Local Library, I have worked alongside many of the incredible people and organizations that have helped shape this city’s artistic identity. I have also experienced the arts from the perspective of an artist. I have recorded music and performed live, both solo and with local acts like Azeda Booth and Kris Ellestad. Over the past two decades, I have run multiple record labels, written for arts and culture weeklies like FFWD and Quiet Light, and served on juries for the Junos, Polaris Music Prize, and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. My connection to the arts as a supporter, participant, and audience member is a major part of what convinced me that Calgary is my forever city. I am continually amazed and inspired by the creativity, talent, and commitment of the artists and arts organizations who call this place home. I have been fortunate to experience and learn about the arts scenes across North America, and I truly believe Calgary has something deeply special.
#2: The arts help us understand who we are and imagine what is possible. Calgary is an entrepreneurial city, and our local arts sector reflects the dedication, collaboration, and innovation that define us. Artists are builders of culture and community, and their work is essential to how we create a vibrant, inclusive city. A strong arts ecosystem also plays a critical role in making Calgary more equitable and resilient. In our city, creativity supports downtown revitalization, contributes to mental health and community connection, and helps build a sense of belonging. The arts also contribute to reconciliation, placemaking, and youth engagement. Looking ahead, Calgary must treat artists as essential contributors to civic life. They are not just entertainers, and their work cannot be treated as decoration.
#3: I will continue to champion the arts as a central part of Calgary’s economic, social, and civic infrastructure. This includes: - Advocating for creative sector priorities in housing, workspace, and permitting policy - Supporting both city-led and community-led cultural activations across all neighbourhoods, especially as part of downtown revitalization - Helping to develop partnerships between artists, small businesses, social agencies, and city departments - Ensuring artists and arts organizations are meaningfully included in conversations about economic recovery, youth programming, and community development - Publicly and consistently sharing the message that investing in the arts means investing in a better Calgary Most importantly, I will continue to participate as an audience member and supporter by attending events, sharing the work of local artists, and helping create space for creativity in everyday life.
Statement Chosen:
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.
#1: In Ward 7, situated in the heart of downtown Calgary, we’re surrounded by a vibrant arts scene that reflects our city's unique urban energy. From outdoor festivals along the Bow River to cultural exhibitions at local galleries, we’re constantly immersed in creative expressions that connect our diverse community. It’s exciting to see how the arts continue to thrive in our downtown spaces, bringing together both residents and visitors.
#2: The arts play a crucial role in shaping a strong and vibrant Calgary by fostering creativity, community connection, and cultural expression. As our city continues to grow, the arts can help build a sense of belonging, attract visitors, and stimulate local economies. In the future, embracing and supporting the arts will be key to making Calgary a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking city that celebrates its diversity and heritage while inspiring innovation.
#3: As a city councillor, I would champion the arts by fostering strong partnerships with community organizations, local businesses, and philanthropic groups to create sustainable funding models outside the municipal budget. I would actively advocate for corporate sponsorships, encourage private sector investment in the arts, and promote grants and community-driven fundraising initiatives. By raising awareness of the economic, social, and cultural benefits of the arts, I would engage constituents to ensure they understand the value the arts bring to Calgary’s identity and quality of life.
Statement Chosen:
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.