PERSONAL CONNECTION

Gloucester is blessed with a rich mix of arts and cultural organizations. Please name two places where you have had personally significant arts and/or cultural experiences?

CITY REPRESENTATION

Many in the arts and cultural community feel that without proper representation in City government, their voices and message are not being heard. How would you modify or expand the city’s current administrative structure to support the arts and creative community?

FUNDING FOR THE ARTS

Although the arts and culture are an increasingly important factor in the vibrant growth of our community, the city’s investment in the arts and culture is lacking. As Mayor, how would you articulate the importance of Gloucester’s arts and culture during the City’s budget process?

TOURISM AND ARTS/CULTURAL TOURISM

In Gloucester, tourism and indeed the definition of tourism is part of an active and ongoing conversation. In your view, how should the arts and culture of Gloucester be viewed separately from issues inherent in a tourist-based economy?

ARTISTS INTO THE FUTURE

One of the primary issues for the artist community is the lack of affordable live/work space as rents and insurance skyrocket. There is also a fear of further gentrification as Gloucester becomes an increasingly desirable place to live, largely due to its vibrant creative community. How will you create a climate to encourage working artists to stay and work in Gloucester?

ARTS EDUCATION

By now, we all know the benefits of arts education in our schools and yet art education is often under-supported in favor of other disciplines that lend themselves to standardized testing. What would you do as Mayor to champion arts education with our youth both in our schools and in our communities?