Arts and Culture Survey

Arts & Culture Commitments

1) Modernize the Community Fund

Divide the Community Fund into two distinct streams, one for social service organizations and one for arts and culture organizations. Substantially increase the total amount of funding available through the Community Fund or its successor programs, with current funding levels at least doubled. A two-stream model, with increased funding, would better reflect each sector’s distinct role and the scale of need across our community.

I do not commit to this.

2) Expand non-financial support for arts organizations

Work with the arts and culture sector to identify and implement practical supports such as reduced or waived municipal fees, improved access to City spaces, and more flexible bylaw and permitting processes. These kinds of changes can make a meaningful difference without requiring significant new spending.

I commit to this.

3) Commit to sustained investment in arts and culture

Provide stable, multi-year funding for a minimum of five years to support implementation of Culture Plan 2030. Reliable funding helps organizations plan ahead, strengthen their programs, and make the most of public investment.

I commit to this.

4) Establish ongoing sector engagement

Commit to regular, structured meetings with the Guelph Arts Advocacy Alliance to share updates, discuss challenges, and stay aligned on priorities. Ongoing conversation helps build trust, supports better decision-making, and ensures the work continues to move forward.

I commit to this.

Arts & Culture Questions

(Brought to you by Guelph Arts Council)

Guelph Arts Council (GAC) is a community resource, a registered charity, and a cultural hub for artists, arts groups, and audiences. Founded in 1975, GAC was one of Ontario’s first community arts councils. Over the years, GAC has worked to build the cultural heart of Guelph by supporting new cultural initiatives and by collaborating with artists and arts organizations alike to create a thriving creative city. GAC strives to support Guelph’s creative community, engage Guelph’s residents and visitors, and promote the benefits of the arts for communities.

Guelph Arts Council has a long history of surveying local election candidates on their commitments to the arts sector in our community to help voters make informed decisions. We encourage you to carefully consider and respond to the following questions.

What do you see as the role of the arts in our community?

I believe that the arts help give Guelph its personality. They bring people together, create opportunities for expression and connection, and help build the sense of belonging that makes a community feel like home. From festivals and live music to galleries, theatre, public art and grassroots creative projects, arts and culture are woven into how we experience our city. They also contribute to our local economy, support artists and businesses, attract people downtown and into our neighbourhoods, and create opportunities for people of all ages to participate in community life. I see the arts not as an extra, but as part of what makes Guelph a place where people want to live, work, visit and build a life.

What challenges do you see artists (of all disciplines) facing in Guelph?

Some of our most creative people can also be among our most vulnerable. Artists enrich our community enormously, but creative work does not always come with predictable income or financial security. In Guelph, the rising cost of living and housing, limited access to affordable studio, rehearsal and performance space, and the costs involved in creating and presenting work can make it increasingly difficult for artists to remain here and continue their practice. I think we also need to recognize that supporting artists is not only about funding. Access to affordable spaces, opportunities to share their work, fewer unnecessary administrative barriers, and stronger connections within the arts community can all help create an environment where artists are able to create, participate and thrive.

If elected, how will you support the arts and artists in Guelph?

I support the arts personally by regularly attending local theatre, live music and cultural events, and I believe showing up matters. I have always done this and, as a Councillor, I will continue listening directly to artists and arts organizations about the barriers they face and looking for practical ways the City can help. I support stable, predictable investment in arts and culture, improved access to City spaces, and reviewing fees, permitting and other municipal processes that may create unnecessary barriers. I also support continued implementation of Culture Plan 2030. At the same time, I believe funding decisions need to be made responsibly through the municipal budget process. While I support sustained investment in the arts, I am not comfortable pre-committing to a specific increase, such as doubling a funding envelope, without considering the financial implications alongside other City priorities.

How have you engaged/supported/interacted with the Guelph arts community?

I was a bit of a drama nerd in high school, and later raised two very dramatic daughters - in the best possible way! Their love of drama, dance and theatre was easy to encourage, and I loved watching their confidence and creativity develop through the arts over the years. Along the way, that also meant cheering on their friends through Fringe productions, directorial debuts, acting roles and adventures in stage management. I continue to enjoy local theatre, live music, exhibitions and cultural events, and I also had the privilege of serving on the Board of Trustees at the Art Gallery of Guelph for 3 years. Through that role and my work on Council, I have had opportunities to connect with artists and arts organizations and better understand both what they contribute to Guelph and the challenges they face. The arts have been part of my life as a participant, a parent, an audience member and now through public service. I think some of the best support we can give our arts community is also the simplest: show up, buy the ticket, see the performance, visit the gallery and celebrate the people who make our city more interesting.