On Arts and Culture

"Arts and culture is one of the significant factors influencing the quality of life in a community. A strong arts & culture sector allows our community to honour its past, celebrate the present and reflect on our dreams and aspirations for the future. The support of arts & culture is also an important element of economic development as many companies want to see a vibrant sector before relocating to an area."

 

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Over the past four years, and in previous terms, Berry has…
  • Ensured that important cultural facilities and organizations like The Centre in the Square, the Registry Theatre, the Museum, the KW Symphony and others receive the support they need to be successful.
  • Supported the creation of the new Arts Enabling organization as recommended by the Prosperity Council.
  • Supported the Magnetic North Theatre Festival in our community which brought us a visit from the past Governor-General, Michaëlle Jean in June, 2010.
  • Ensured a continued emphasis on the support, and development of more festivals and special events that already bring hundreds of thousands of people into our City including events like the Multicultural Festival, Kitchener Blues Festival, Oktoberfest, Christkindl Market, Cruising on King Street and Festival of the Night.

Going Forward, I will…
  • Continue to support investments in special events both in the downtown and throughout the city, both for our residents and for economic development purposes
  • Work with the arts sector to address the findings of the 2010 Waterloo Region Vital signs report that identified a significant loss in cultural workers and declining attendance at arts establishments in this area.
  • Support the Enabling Organization in their efforts to create a sustainable arts sector in this region.