TORONTO MAYORAL BY-ELECTION Arts Debate
Toronto’s 2023 by-election for Mayor takes place on June 26 with advance voting open from June 8-13. Visit the City of Toronto’s elections pages for extensive voter information and the list of certified candidates.
Your first chance to hear directly from the leading candidates about their positions on the arts is next week at the Mayoral Arts Debate. On Wednesday, May 24 at 10:00 am come and see candidates square off on questions affecting all aspects of the arts in Toronto. The debate, at Young People’s Theatre, is being presented by TAPA with support from Toronto Arts Council and Foundation. Reserve your free tickets here.
To assist all candidates and voters, Toronto Arts Council and Foundation have prepared information highlighting the importance of the arts to the health and well-being of our city. Browse below for key messages, and download the full document here. The information is also available on our website.
- Arts = Economic Prosperity: the non-profit arts sector in Toronto attracts tourists, generates $230M in ticket sales every year and contributes $11B to the city’s GDP.
- Arts = Community and Youth Engagement: Evidence links arts participation with improved mental health and social engagement, which benefits everyone including youth.
- Arts = Newcomer Participation: Arts experiences cross language barriers, promote belonging and inspire dialogue between cultures.
- Arts = Vitality: 89% of Torontonians believe that the arts make Toronto a better place to live, work, visit and create.
Great cities are arts and culture cities, and Torontonians agree. Mayoral candidates can show leadership by committing to:
- Use the 2% increase to the Municipal Accommodation Tax to better support the arts
- Invest in affordable arts spaces for artists to create and present their work
- Champion Toronto’s next Culture Plan and implement the 10-year Public Arts Strategy
