Artsvote Peterborough 2022
Monday, October 24 is municipal election day. Peterborough citizens will vote to select a new Mayor and ten City Councillors, two for each of our five Wards. This new City Council will make important decisions over the next four years that will impact the health and well-being of hundreds of individual artists and arts organizations in Peterborough, and thousands of audience members, volunteers and arts supporters. A strong, sustainable arts sector means a healthier community all-round, stronger economic development, a more vital downtown and an inspiring arts scene that uplifts us all.
Our traditional Artsvote Peterborough event, including a conversation with candidates for Mayoral candidates and an arts issues ‘speed dating’ set of table discussions, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we switched gears.
The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) and the Artsvote Peterborough Coalition identified some of the key issues that impact the arts at the local level and what policies and programs could make a positive difference. We looked at what the city’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee (ACHAC) had discussed. We wanted the community to understand if candidates would support:
- A clear, meaningful increase in funding for organizational operating, project and service grants.
- A commitment to making permanent, and increasing the funding to, the new Grants for Individual Artists Program.
- A speedy program review that fulfills Council’s motions to review the Community Investment and Project Grants, and would see the program administered by EC3 to assure an arm’s-length, peer assessment process.
- Support for programs and special initiatives that address the marginalization and exclusion of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) artists, 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning) artists, artists with disabilities, Deaf and hard of hearing artists.
- Planning policies that tackle the negative impacts of downtown gentrification.
From these issues, EC3 and the Coalition developed a five-question Art Matters survey, including four yes-or-no questions and an opportunity for a longform answer (see below for a copy of the full survey). This survey was sent to all Mayoral and Ward candidates.
As of October 19, 2022, we have received responses from 2 of 5 Mayoral candidates and 12 of 25 Ward candidates. Read the full responses from the candidates below, or see this quick-reference summary of responses. (If we receive more responses from candidates before election day, they will be added to this website.)
We want to thank all the candidates who responded and all our colleagues in the Artsvote Peterborough Coalition who supported the creation of this survey.
Don’t forget to vote on October 24!
- List of questions
- Mayoral candidates
- Ward 1: Otonabee
- Ward 2: Monaghan
- Ward 3: Town
- Ward 4: Ashburnham
- Ward 5: Northcrest
List of questions
1. Municipal Investments in Arts Organizations
Over the last ten years, there have not been significant increases in City funding to local arts organizations, as provided through the Community Project Grants, Community Investment Grants, and Service Grants programs. These grants support the core operations of many of the city’s key artistic organizations, which deliver programming to thousands of citizens and help keep the downtown vibrant; contributing more than $5M to the local economy and creating nearly $100M in economic spin-offs. Municipal funding is key to leveraging revenue from many other sources, however per capita municipal funding in this area remains low.
Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process? Yes/No
2. Support for Individual Artists
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been particularly severe on artists. It is an inherently precarious sector, with 50% of all artists in Peterborough living with a total income below $25,000. The pandemic’s two-year closure of performance and exhibition spaces, combined with spiraling inflation, have only made the situation worse. In 2021 the City of Peterborough committed $40,000 to a new program of Grants for Individual Artists, offered as a one-year pilot administered by EC3. Similar programs have been established on an ongoing basis in cities such as Kingston and Toronto. Studies show direct support to artists is essential to retaining and attracting excellence in the arts. We often forget that without artists, there is no art – and without paying artists, there is no art.
Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent? Yes/No
3. Gentrification in Downtown Peterborough and the Erasure of Creative Spaces
Rapid gentrification poses a serious threat to the survival of the downtown as a rich cultural hub. The past few years have seen the loss or conversion of critical arts spaces and venues for creation, exhibition, and performance. High rents and property taxes have exacerbated the problem, not only to artists but also students, seniors and other low-income individuals who live and work in the downtown, and may be driven away.
Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts? Yes/No
4. Supporting Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Many artists living in Peterborough have experienced decades of systemic barriers, discrimination, exclusion and marginalization in relationship to arts education, creative funding, and representation in leadership and decision making. These include BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) artists, 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning) artists, artists with disabilities, Deaf and hard of hearing artists.
Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5. Yes/No
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
Mayoral candidates
The following candidates have not responded to the survey: Victor Kreuz, Brian Lumsden, Stephen Wright
Henry Clarke
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes. I have proposed a Peterborough Arts Initiative as a forum to advocate for funding, as well as a greater transparency in the granting process.
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
I support the intent, but believe that direct support to artists should be part of the solution.
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
[no response]
Jeff Leal
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
I agree that Arts organizations add significantly to both our economic and social well being. During this campaign period I have had the opportunity to learn more about the impact of Covid on the Arts and the importance of helping these important cultural organizations. As Mayor, I will work with Council to establish our economic priorities going forward and welcome input and suggestions from your sector.
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
I support the Arts and artists and I appreciate the value that this brings to our community, both in an economic and cultural lens. As Mayor I will examine the results of the pilot project and work with Council to seek the most effective method to assist local artists.
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
The City of Peterborough has recently submitted its official plan for approval to the province. As part of this process significant time was spent looking at land use issues in the downtown core. If approved this will be the guiding document for land use planning.
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
The mission and vision of EC3 is well defined and I support your initiatives of building local capacity, developing programs and services, and generating new opportunities for our artists, including the individuals you list in #4. I also support your goal of finding a dedicated rehearsal space.
As Mayor, I would like to expand the visibility of our arts by partnering with EC3 to explore new opportunities throughout Peterborough. Music or entertainment on the streets, or tremendous displays of visual arts in dedicated areas is inspiring. We have a vast array of very talented artists, together, let’s provide them with the opportunity to shine!
Ward 1: Otonabee
The following candidates have not responded to the survey: Lesley Parnell, Nathan Russell-Meharry
Kevin Duguay
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
[no response]
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
[no response]
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
[no response]
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
Unfortunately, the first four offered questions are not a simple yes-no response.
Downtown- The City’s recently approved Official Plan is the recognized instrument to be used for addressing future growth and development in our Downtown; and it contains policies that speak to the Arts!
Supporting the Arts - I (including my family) have been active supporter of the Arts through several fronts. My support for the Arts would remain firmly in place as a City Council member.
- St. James Players;
- A family member, being a former local and now Kinston based performing artist (musician);
- My involvement – Rotary Club of Peterborough; and
- My membership, City Grants Advisory Committee.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond and for your valued work in our Community!
Eleanor Underwood
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
For those of us who are elected our job as councillor is to collectively represent the views of our constituents and not our own view.
As I have not canvassed my potential constituents the following is representative of my own views and not others.
If there is anyone who supports the arts it would be me.
I am a trained classical singer who at one time sung with Pacific Opera.
I attended the Conservatory of Victoria for voice and piano .
I have most recently earned my living by teaching piano.
Many people have no idea how years and not hours go into producing an artist.
Yesterday while I was out canvassing a chap asked me why we spent all that money on the Peterborough Art Gallery as "nobody goes there".
This perception is part of the reason why the arts do not have sufficient funding.
I support "serious" funding of the arts community in both support of artists and space for art.
Chanté White
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
The arts and culture sector in Peterborough is one of rich history. And over the past few years we have seen significant decline in funding to the arts and many other vital areas of our dynamic city. It is so important to encourage and cultivate talent within our local communities and it becomes difficult to do so without adequate funding. As a member of the BIPOC community I know how important it is to have representation and I am committed to uplifting this community along with all the talented 2SLGBTQ+ artists. We need a strong council that will work together to find funding for such projects. If elected I will work with my fellow councillors to make this happen.
Ward 2: Monaghan
The following candidates have not responded to the survey: Matt Crowley, Jeff Westlake, Tom Wigglesworth
Charmaine Magumbe
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
Peterborough's artists are the heartbeat of our city and need to be supported with permanent financial support from the city for individual artists and arts organizations. We as city councillors should support projects that encourage diversity, including genders, sexual orientation, race, Indigenous peoples, ethnicity, and disabilities which helps the community to hear voices from all sectors of society and develop a strong, more compassionate community.
Lyle Saunders
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
As a sole-proprietor business owner myself, I understand the impact of feeling overwhelmed and having financial anxiety over the last two years of closures, lockdowns and lack of financial assistance to bounce back and recover. I also know that having more options for marketing and awareness are extremely valuable opportunities for growth, both as a business focus and city tourism focus.
I believe the arts community should and needs to be looked at as a Year-Round Opportunity, not just seasonal (aka summer entertainment). Our reputation as a city is vital, and the arts community is a power house when it comes to making our city feel welcoming and inviting.
Another personal note, this last summer we enrolled our two youngest (9&11) into pottery camps. One week at the Ptbo Potters Guild and one week at the Ptbo Art School downtown, as our household believes in the value of personal creativity and exploration.
Don Vassiliadis
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
I have fully supported the arts community in Peterborough over the last 8 years and will continue to do so if re-elected.
Ward 3: Town
The following candidates have not responded to the survey: Vickie Karikas
Alex Bierk
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
My experience in the arts community is too long to list here – it includes numerous awards and grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council. I’ve also worked as an assessor for multiple arts programs, both locally and provincially, and have been a board member for EC3 and the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
I believe we need an artist on council. If elected, I will push for a radical revitalization of the downtown that will include an unprecedented investment in the arts community and in individual artists – as the foundation for a thriving, future-oriented community.
Brian Christoph
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes, we need a vibrant downtown if we want Peterborough to thrive. We are not an industrial city any more and need tourism to boost our economy. This means supporting the arts.
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes. Supporting our artist is supporting the economy of Peterborough.
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes. Gentrification is devastating to the working people and artists of Peterborough. We need to support the people, not force them out of their communities.
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes.
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
I myself am in a wheelchair and have faced discrimination because of it. Creativity, talent, and skills can come from anywhere, period. There is no room for discrimination and i will not stand for it. We need to call it out and shine a light on discrimination whenever we see it and address the causes. I believe we need a strong art community in order to keep Peterborough moving forward. We need to bring in tourism to Peterborough and that means making Peterborough a destination. The arts are key to make this happen.
Joy Lachica
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes, I support an increase to the grants funding, and a move towards arm's length peer assessment for the granting process.
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes, I support an increase to the grants funding, and a move towards arm's length peer assessment for the granting process.
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes, I absolutely support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts.
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes, I am deeply supportive of initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting BIPOC artists, 2SLGBTQ+ artists, and artists with disabilities, Deaf and hard of hearing artists.
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
The soul of Peterborough's downtown is the incredible arts and culture sector and I am committed to supporting funding, policies, and opportunities to ensure the arts economy thrives and reaches across the region. My campaign priorities include greening and reinvigorating our downtown, and engaging our wealth of creative talent to make this happen. I want to create a Community Hub System, inspired by cooperative communities like in False Creek, Vancouver, that will become a beehive of inclusive community activity, wellness, outdoor music/theatre festivals and for holding space and priority for Indigenous culture and Reconciliation.
Dean Pappas
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
The pandemic has hit this sector of our economy particularly hard. I supported the Arts Alive fund, moved an additional 25k be added to the Public Art fund earmarked for local artists only. This fund is designed to purchase and display local artists works in City facilities. Helped negotiate stable funding for EC3 as well as other arts and culture organizations. Made certain that funding was not cut during the lockdowns. Co-authored the motion to establish a 40k per year grant program for individual artists. I created the diversity portfolio and supported the establishment and hiring of the city’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. I would certainly support expanding this program around the arts. On March 7th, I moved to direct city staff to assist any partner agencies with any humanitarian needs that may arise from the war in Ukraine. Most recently I once again moved, not only to stabilize arts funding but increase it over the next few years.
As a Town ward councillor, I knows that we are at the heart of the city. Peterborough’s vibrant and engaging arts & culture community must be supported. I will continue to champion the cultural sector at City Council.
Ward 4: Ashburnham
The following candidates have not responded to the survey: Andrew MacGregor, Keith Riel
Gary Baldwin
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes, I support increasing the support to the Arts Community. I would propose that funding be increased annually over the next four years, by the Ontario CPI rate of inflation.
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
In general terms, Yes. Through the budget process this could be done. I would like to have more information and detail about how this money would be distributed. Will the fund be distributed to one or many artists? What would be the criteria? Who would award the funds, and will the decisions be transparent?
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Gentrification often has the effect of changing the character of a neighbourhood (downtown). It is often manifested by developers purchasing properties, and converting those properties into profit driven enterprises. In this example, some people living in those areas under transition are displaced and need to find alternate accommodation which would be challenging. In Peterborough I don’t see rapid gentrification occurring. As far as land trusts are concerned, I would need to get legal staff at the City of Peterborough to look at the implication for our community. I do not know enough about Land Trusts to comment further at this time.
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
The Arts community would have the opportunity to determine the recipients of city funding to promote the work of all artists who might apply. Once the criteria are established and communicated to all applicants (see #2) the goal of supporting the sector of artists you reference, could be addressed
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
If the pilot project supported this year of $40K became permanent through the budget process, this would have the effect of increasing the base funding. Then the CPI could be applied to the new base funding, which would have the effect of increasing annual funding.
Ward 5: Northcrest
The following candidates have not responded to the survey: Aldo Andreoli, Andrew Beamer, Karen Grant, Dave Haacke, Shauna Kingston
Carlotta James
1. Do you support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm’s-length peer assessment for the granting process?
Yes, I support an increase to this funding and a move towards arm's length peer assessment for the granting process.
2. Do you support making the program of Grants for Individual Artists permanent?
Yes, I support making this Grant permanent.
3. Do you support the creation of community development programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification, such as the establishment of community land trusts?
Yes, I support programs and policies aimed at curbing the effects of gentrification.
4. Do you support the introduction of special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector? Please give examples in #5.
Yes, I support special initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting this sector.
5. You can use this space to provide explanations for your answers and/or to identify priorities for Peterborough’s arts sector. (max 100 words)
Truly one of the best parts of living in Peterborough is our diverse and talented arts economy. As Northcrest councillor, I would love to collaborate with EC3 and artists on promoting artists and the arts economy with community groups, schools, and businesses in the North end; I would apply my experience successfully promoting pollinator gardens in Northcrest. I have also been engaged with the Vibrancy Project through the DBIA that creates artistic opportunities as well as green space projects in the downtown. As well, I would advocate for policy or regulations to protect the heritage and small-sized- storefronts in our downtown to mitigate the risk that large-scale commercial brands push out independent businesses and our valuable arts and culture economy and locally-owned and operated theatres.
The Artsvote Peterborough Coalition includes:
