Which of the following comes closest to your position on public funding for the arts?
Context:
The city funds the arts through the Edmonton Arts Council. In late 2024, EAC changed its funding strategy because its budget has been stagnant since 2021. The strategy update pauses multi-year funding for arts organizations until 2026. Artistic hubs are increasingly asking private citizens for donations to survive. From the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival to the Harcourt House Artist Run Centre to Grindstone Theatre, public dollars appear insufficient to keep the lights on. The EAC also oversees public art, and changed its finance model in 2021.
Candidate responses
A total of 11 candidates have responded to the survey. Here's how they answered this question:
a) Essential to quality of life and in need of stable funding.
Candidates that selected this response:
Annie Chua - Frith Councillor
Candidate in
Sspomitapi
Colin Gallant Councillor
Candidate in
Dene
Diana Steele Councillor
Candidate in
Nakota Isga
Stephanie Swensrude Councillor
Candidate in
sipiwiyiniwak
b) An economic driver, so prioritize projects with measurable economic impact.
Candidates that selected this response:
Tony Caterina Mayor
Candidate in
City Wide
Abdul Malik Chukwudi Mayor
Candidate in
City Wide
Stephen Hammerschmidt Councillor
Candidate in
O-day'min
Mark Hillman Councillor
Candidate in
papastew
Karen Unland Councillor
Candidate in
O-day'min
c) Not a core responsibility, so prioritize funding essential services instead.
Candidates that selected this response:
Roger Kotch Councillor
Candidate in
sipiwiyiniwak
d) I don't have a position on this issue
No candidates selected this response
Voter responses
Based on more than 0 responses received as of Oct. 14, here's how voters answered this question: