Arts platforms: Two down, many more to go …
The dog days of summer may be upon us, but at least two mayoral candidates have taken time out from the BBQ circuit to reveal their arts platforms.
Joe Pantalone was the first to publicize his plans for the arts – the Cultural Capital Plan. His three point plan covers:
- Phasing in over five years an increased investment in arts and culture to $25 per Torontonian
- Developing a Cultural Access Pass Program for new Canadian residents in
- Marketing
Pantalone also endorses the Toronto Arts Council’s “Creative City: Block by Block” plan and Neighbourhood Arts Network initiatives.
I hope someone will point out to “Mayor Joe” that the Institute for Canadian Citizenship has been running a very successful
Over in Rocco Rossi’s world, his Creative City Plan vows “major new role for the arts” by including an immediate 39-per-cent increase in per capita funding (also to $25 per Torontonian), the appointment of an Arts and Culture Commissioner and a commitment to match what other major North American cities invest in the arts.
For those who are interested in learning more about candidates’ arts platforms, Business for the Arts in association with ArtsVote, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Toronto Arts Council will host The Mayoral Arts Debate on Wednesday, Sept.29 (7 p.m. at the AGO, Walker Court).
Let’s hope the other candidates will put pen to paper to craft their platforms well before then …
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