2026 Richmond Council Candidates: Arts Questions Responses

We asked each candidate to answer at least five questions.
Responses are presented in the order they were received.
(We have received responses from: Adil Awan, Alton Cheung, Carol Day, Daniel Tsang, Donald Flintoff, Eric Yung, Gary Law, Grace Tsang, Howard Jampolsky, Jerome Dickey, Jessy Dhillon, Louis Huang, Melissa Zhang, Melody Hong Yan Pan, Milan Kljajic, Pak Hing (Ben) Lee, Romeo Bicego, Sheldon Starrett 謝言信, Shelley Leonhardt, and Tamás Revóczi)
(Still to reply: Alan Lackstein, Alex Sagert, Andy Hobbs, Andy Z. Wang, Antonio “Tony” Ortega, Bob Basanti, Dale Bains, Dennis Page, Dr. Mike Gill, Edward He, Glenda Strang, Jack Chen, Jeff Jiang, Jenny Gonzales Mata, Jizhou William Wang, Karen Novorr-Pezzuto, Keefer Pelech, Kenny Chiu, Kevin Lai, Kevin Lainchbury, Laura Gillanders, Lisa Phillips, Michael Lok, Michael Wolfe, Mike Gill, Milly Yee, Oday Brahem, Sam Wang, Thomas Leung, Tim Fan, Vincent Li, and Wallace Pong)
(Unable to reach: Adam Dobrer, Adnan Sarwar, Andrew Mrozowski, Mario Cruz)

1. How can you, in your role on the City Council, help support the arts in Richmond?

Milan Kljajic
As an independent councillor, I would work with all members of Council to support practical initiatives that strengthen Richmond’s arts community. I believe a good idea is a good idea, regardless of which councillor or group brings it forward. I would listen to local artists and organizations about the barriers they face and look for practical solutions the City can realistically deliver. The arts strengthen our quality of life and bring people of different ages, cultures and backgrounds together. I would bring an independent voice to Council—one willing to listen, ask questions and work across the table to get good ideas accomplished.

Louis Huang
As a City Councillor, I would support the arts as an important part of Richmond’s community, economy and identity. I would advocate for responsible, transparent arts funding and affordable spaces where artists and cultural organizations can create, perform and connect with residents. I would encourage partnerships among the City, artists, businesses, schools and community groups to expand opportunities, especially for young and emerging artists. As an entrepreneur, reporter and published writer, I understand the vital importance of creativity and diverse voices. We need the arts not only to enrich our inner lives, but more importantly, to help us think outside the box, see problems from different perspectives, and find innovative solutions to practical challenges. Therefore, I would work hard to ensure Richmond’s arts and cultural communities have opportunities to thrive.

Carol Day
Funding and promotion are the two ways the City of Richmond can best support the arts. The programs that the Richmond Arts Coalition are critical to the arts being a important part of the community.

Melody Hong Yan Pan
As a Registered Nurse, I understand that arts and culture contribute to mental health, social connection, and overall well-being. Art creates opportunities for expression, connection, reflection, and belonging, making it an important part of a healthy and livable community.
Over the years, I have regularly visited art galleries and museums in Canada and around the world and have seen how public art and cultural spaces can bring communities together and preserve shared histories. I have helped local artists bring mural projects to life and supported a veteran banner project that recognizes and honour those who have served. I have also advocated for protecting culturally significant public art, including helping protect a Chinatown statue from being overshadowed by high-rise development. I currently serve on the City of Burnaby’s Chinese Art Committee and contribute to the Chinese Canadian Apology Public Art Project, which recognizes Chinese Canadian history and experiences through public art.

Jerome Dickey
Arts and culture help build a stronger, more connected Richmond. My wife and I have personally supported Gateway Theatre, including through our dog (Poco) participating in Annie and hosting a friends-and-family event there. I would continue listening to Richmond’s arts community, supporting practical opportunities for local artists and organizations, and ensuring City investments deliver meaningful community value.

Adil Awan
As a City Councillor, I would advocate for greater support for Richmond’s arts and cultural community and make sure artists and cultural organizations have a voice in City planning and funding decisions. I’m also personally interested in the arts. I’m learning to play the piano, enjoy painting as a hobby, and love attending live music and festivals. I understand how important the arts are in bringing people together. I believe Richmond definitely needs a dedicated arts and culture venue where local artists, musicians, theatre groups and cultural organizations can perform, rehearse and showcase their work. I would support practical steps toward that goal while also making better use of existing City facilities and creating more opportunities for artists from all backgrounds. A vibrant arts and culture community makes Richmond a better place to live, and I want to help make that happen.

Daniel Tsang
I’ll advocate for arts funding, accessible venues, and policies that treat artists as essential contributors to civic life, not an afterthought. As AI tools make it easier to generate synthetic “content,” I believe Council has a responsibility to actively champion human-made art — I don’t want to lose the pipeline of human artists! That means protecting studio space, supporting working artists financially, and ensuring public programming continues to showcase real human creativity and skill.

Sheldon Starrett 謝言信
The mark of a vibrant city is one where there is a thriving arts scene. I think it is important for local elected officials to support local artists and encouraging our youth to get involved in arts – whether that be performing arts, painting, sculpting, writing, singing, and even in the culinary arts as well.

Howard Jampolsky
Arts and culture are part of a thriving, connected Richmond. My campaign’s Engagement pillar calls for more opportunities to participate in arts, culture and neighbourhood events throughout the year. On Council, I would listen to artists and organizations, support practical improvements to space and funding, and follow through on the City’s plans. My approach to public service is to identify a need, bring people together and deliver results.

Gary Law
The arts enrich our community, bring people together, and celebrate the diversity that makes Richmond special. As a City Councilor, I would support local artists, invest in cultural programs, expand public art, and ensure that residents of all ages have access to creative opportunities. A strong arts community contributes to both our quality of life and our local economy.

Melissa Zhang
I believe the arts are an essential part of a vibrant and connected Richmond. As a councillor, I would listen to our artists and arts organizations, support better access to facilities, create more opportunities for local and emerging artists, and strengthen partnerships with businesses, schools and community groups. I would focus on practical, measurable actions while being responsible with public resources. Supporting the arts means creating opportunities for artists and meaningful experiences for residents.

Pak Hing (Ben) Lee
I believe arts and culture enrich our community, celebrate Richmond’s diversity and improve our quality of life. As a City Councillor, I would support opportunities for local artists and cultural organizations to develop their talents, showcase their work and become more financially sustainable. Emerging artists often need assistance during their early development. I would encourage affordable creative spaces, community exhibitions, partnerships with local businesses and opportunities for artists to generate income through their work. I also recognize that some community arts and cultural programs provide important public benefits even when they cannot fully support themselves financially. I believe the City should provide appropriate support while encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible use of public resources. My goal is to help Richmond’s arts and cultural community grow, create opportunities for young people and contribute to a vibrant, diverse and sustainable city.

Don Flintoff
As a Councillor, I will advocate for sustained municipal funding, dedicated affordable space, and stronger integration of the arts across city initiatives. The arts are essential to our identity, health, and social cohesion. I will work to expand municipal arts grants, streamline permitting processes for non-profit arts events, and ensure local artists are actively consulted in civic planning, development, and policy decisions. By embedding creative expression into our infrastructure and public spaces, we can build a more vibrant, connected, and resilient Richmond.

Grace Tsang
As a Richmond Arts Coalition’s founding and life member, former three-term Richmond School Trustee, former Richmond Youth Concert Band Vice President and Rotarian, I will continue to collaborate with Richmond School District, Rotary, non-profit organizations and businesses to support the arts by setting aside an annual budget. I was involved in the following community projects including Rotary Peace Garden, Annual Winter Wonderland Concerts at the City Hall, and Music in Our Schools. Since 2008, I have been donating scholarships to Richmond School District’s grade 12 graduates who peruse post-secondary fine arts programs.

Eric Yung
I would support the arts by making them a consistent priority in City budgeting, planning and capital projects rather than treating them as an add-on. That means protecting arts funding, incorporating performance and exhibition space into new or renovated public facilities, and supporting Richmond’s Public Art Program. I also want to make community spaces easier to access, expand neighbourhood events throughout the year, and improve promotion of local arts through a coordinated events calendar and City channels. Most importantly, Council should listen regularly to artists and arts organizations so that funding, facilities and programs respond to real community needs.

Shelley Leonhardt
By supporting the various grant programs and encouraging Council to deliver on it’s commitment to the arts & culture in Richmond. I would encourage that the city could perhaps do more to promote the various programs & events that we have happening in our city.

Jessy Dhillon
As a City Councillor, I would support the arts by advocating for strong and sustainable funding, creating more opportunities to use public spaces for arts and cultural events, and building stronger partnerships with our schools and local non-profit arts organizations. I believe the arts should be accessible to everyone, especially our children and youth. That means supporting programs that bring music, theatre, dance, visual arts and other creative opportunities into our neighbourhoods and schools. I would also look for ways to make better use of existing public spaces for community performances, festivals, exhibitions and cultural events.

Romeo Bicego
I would support a strong and accessible arts community by listening to Richmond’s artists and arts organizations, making better use of existing City facilities, and ensuring arts needs are considered in long-term planning. With more than 30 years of municipal leadership experience, along with my construction background, I would bring a practical approach to finding solutions that are achievable, financially responsible and responsive to the community.

Alton Cheung
I would create platforms that support local artists, provide dedicated spaces for the arts, and open up public spaces, coupled with commerce and tourism opportunities, for artists to perform.

Tamás Revóczi
I will volunteer to join the boards of Richmond arts organizations as the Council liaison. I will support and possibly table new motions in favour of the fine and performing arts.

 

2. Richmond City Council recently endorsed the Richmond Arts Facility Needs Assessment outlining four priority areas: (1) Art Exhibition Spaces and Auditorium, (2) Music Performance and Rehearsal Spaces, (3) Theatre Performance and Rehearsal Spaces, and (4) Pottery Studio Spaces. How will you help move these four priority areas forward in a timely manner?

Milan Kljajic
The assessment has identified the needs. The next step is action. I would want Council to establish realistic timelines, estimated costs, possible locations and funding options for these priorities rather than allowing another study to sit on a shelf. At the same time, we have a responsibility to taxpayers to make sure major capital projects are affordable and represent good value. I would support looking at partnerships and outside funding opportunities wherever possible. As an independent councillor, I can work with different groups on Council to find common ground and move worthwhile projects from discussion toward implementation.

Louis Huang
I support moving these priorities from assessment to action with clear timelines, realistic budgets, and measurable progress. I would ask staff to identify what can be achieved through upgrading existing facilities, shared-use arrangements, and partnerships before committing taxpayers to major new construction. At the same time, we should consult directly with artists and arts organizations so investments reflect actual needs for exhibition, music, theater, and pottery spaces. I would also explore provincial and federal grants, sponsorships, and community partnerships to leverage City funding. Richmond needs cultural infrastructure that is accessible, well-used, financially responsible, and delivered without unnecessary delay.

Carol Day
When opportunities become available such as expanding the art centre into the old seniors centre I feel we need to be creative and just ” Make it Happen “. The reality is sometimes it is not just about money its about having the will and most of all grab the opportunities as they become available.

Melody Hong Yan Pan
I would support moving the four priority areas forward through a phased, transparent approach, balancing community needs, feasibility, funding, and responsible use of public resources. My perspective is also personal. I have worked behind the scenes and supported my child’s performances at Gateway Theatre and River Rock Show Theatre. These experiences have given me firsthand appreciation for the importance of accessible, well-designed performance, rehearsal, and creative spaces for artists, performers, families, and audiences. I would encourage meaningful engagement with local artists, cultural organizations, schools, businesses, and community groups to identify practical solutions. I would also advocate for clear timelines, defined milestones, regular public progress reporting, and exploration of partnerships and external funding opportunities.

Jerome Dickey
Council has already identified important needs. The next step is disciplined implementation: clear priorities, realistic timelines, funding options and partnerships. Major capital projects must be balanced with other City needs and affordability pressures, but approved plans should not simply sit on a shelf. Residents should be able to see what is moving forward, when, and at what cost.

Adil Awan
I support moving these four priorities forward with a practical and phased approach. Richmond needs proper spaces for artists, musicians, performers and community groups, and I would like to see progress rather than having these plans sit on a shelf. I will advocate for clear timelines, realistic budgets and regular public updates on each priority area. I would also look at opportunities to work with community organizations, developers and other levels of government to help fund and deliver these facilities. At the same time, I would support making better use of existing City-owned spaces where possible, while planning for purpose-built facilities where the need cannot be met through existing space. Most importantly, I will advocate for arts and culture from all backgrounds and make sure local artists and community organizations have a voice in how these spaces are planned. My goal would be to move from assessment to action, with clear priorities, accountability and measurable progress.

Daniel Tsang
I’ll push for these priorities to be built into Richmond’s capital planning cycle with clear timelines, not left as an unfunded wish list. That means securing dedicated budget lines, exploring partnerships with school districts, developers, and senior governments, and reporting publicly on progress each year. Exhibition space, performance venues, and pottery studios all depend on hands-on human skill-building — the kind of tactile, in-person learning that keeps traditional art forms alive and can’t be replaced by digital shortcuts.

Sheldon Starrett 謝言信
Create a one-stop municipal hub to streamline business licences and permits. This would cut down on red tape and speed up renovation and property development permits for both residential and commercial facilities.

Howard Jampolsky
I would ask for a public work plan with timelines, cost estimates and options for all four priorities. It should identify improvements we can make to existing facilities soon, alongside spaces that require longer-term investment. Regular progress reports would keep these priorities in front of Council during budget decisions and give arts organizations a clear picture of what is moving forward.

Gary Law
My commitment would be to turn the Needs Assessment into an action plan. That means setting timelines, fast tracking feasibility work, using existing space creatively, pursuing partnerships and external funding, and ensuing that Richmond’s artists, performers, and cultural organizations begin seeing real improvements within this Council term rather than waiting another decade.

Melissa Zhang
I support all four priorities identified in the Arts Facilities Needs Assessment. I would advocate for a clear implementation plan with timelines, costs, potential sites and funding strategies for each priority. I would also pursue partnerships with senior governments, developers, businesses, educational institutions and the arts community. While permanent facilities are being planned, we should develop interim solutions using existing spaces. Timely action means having a clear plan and moving it forward—not simply adding another study.

Pak Hing (Ben) Lee
I support moving these four priority areas forward, but first I would carefully review the Arts Facilities Needs Assessment to understand the identified needs, proposed projects, costs, funding options and implementation priorities. As a City Councillor, I would work with staff, local artists and arts organizations to determine practical next steps and establish realistic timelines. I would also explore opportunities for partnerships and funding from other levels of government and the private sector to reduce the burden on Richmond taxpayers. Once projects and funding are approved, I would support clear milestones and regular progress reporting so Council and residents can see whether the work is staying on schedule and within budget. My approach would be to move forward responsibly—not simply quickly—with good planning, financial accountability and measurable progress.

Don Flintoff
Endorsing the Needs Assessment was a vital first step; now we need an actionable, timed roadmap. I will advocate for integrating these four priority areas into Richmond’s capital budget planning and development cost charge (DCC) allocation strategies. To accelerate delivery without overburdening taxpayers, I will support exploring public-private partnerships, developer density bonuses, and intergovernmental grant matching from provincial and federal cultural funds. We must establish clear, publicly trackable timelines and ensure community arts organizations remain central partners in the design phase of every new space.

Grace Tsang
In order to reduce business costs and streamline approval processes, I am committed to create a one-stop municipal hub to streamline business licences and permits. This would cut down on red tape and speed up renovation and property development permits for both residential and commercial facilities.

Eric Yung
I support moving these priorities forward through a clear implementation plan with timelines, cost estimates and identified funding sources. Council should determine which needs can be addressed quickly through renovations or better use of existing facilities, while incorporating larger priorities into future capital planning. I would also look for partnerships with schools, community organizations and other levels of government to stretch City resources further. The four priorities should not simply remain recommendations in a report. Council should receive regular progress updates and ensure that artists and arts organizations are involved as spaces are designed so that new facilities actually meet their practical needs.

Shelley Leonhardt
Through meeting with & participating in the any public consultations of the 4 priority areas – to better understand the needs. With the growth in our population, it is important to improve the sites to be able to handle our growth and encourage more young people to be involved in the arts.

Romeo Bicego
The assessment gives Council a clear starting point. The next step is turning identified needs into an achievable plan, with costs, timelines, locations and funding options clearly understood. I would also look at opportunities to improve or adapt existing facilities while longer-term solutions are developed. My municipal and construction experience would help me ask the right questions and move projects forward responsibly, with a focus on delivering lasting value for Richmond residents.

Alton Cheung
I would direct the City to identify suitable land and develop a plan that incorporates our infrastructure, public transit, and city design, to allow arts facilities and performance spaces to be distributed throughout Richmond. I am committed to spearheading the formation of a cultural district and establishing it as a commerce and tourism destination, so that the intermingling of arts and business can raise awareness and help move these projects higher on the agenda. Arts, together with local businesses, can generate funding not only for arts facilities but also for other community needs. New developments, such as community centres or major landmarks, should incorporate facility requirements directly into the planning process.

Tamás Revóczi
I will support, and possibly table new motions that ensure the endorsed Richmond Arts Facilities needs are met as soon as feasible.

 

3. Richmond-based theatre, opera, choir, orchestra, and music non-profits often need to head into Vancouver or New Westminster to find purpose-built performance venues that are affordable and available. How will you address this concern before a new facility is built?

Milan Kljajic
Richmond organizations should not have to leave Richmond simply because they cannot find an affordable place to perform. While longer-term facilities are being planned, I would support reviewing how existing City facilities and community spaces could be made more accessible for rehearsals and performances. I would also explore partnerships with schools, community organizations and other facility operators. Most importantly, I would ask the organizations actually using these spaces what obstacles they are encountering—cost, scheduling, equipment or availability—and determine what the City can realistically address now. We should pursue practical short-term solutions while continuing to plan for Richmond’s longer-term needs.

Louis Huang
Before a new performance facility is built, we should make better use of the spaces Richmond already has. I would support partnerships among the City, schools, community centers, cultural organizations, and private venues to expand affordable access for local performing arts groups. The City can also improve coordination by creating a clear, centralized system for venue availability, equipment, capacity, and rental costs. I would work directly with Richmond’s arts organizations to identify their most urgent needs and explore practical, cost-effective solutions, including shared-use agreements and modest upgrades to existing spaces. Richmond artists deserve opportunities to rehearse and perform within their own community.

Carol Day
When the Duck Island project moves forward in north Richmond it is an excellent opportunity to create a space for the arts etc. This development is designed to be entertainment based and the location is so large that anything is possible. Having said that there could be other new developments coming to the city and we need to keep the arts in mind when we work with the developers.

Melody Hong Yan Pan
I understand this concern from personal experience. I have seen performers and community groups rely on faith-based facilities for performances and travel to Vancouver theatres because suitable and affordable venues are limited in Richmond. This can create additional costs and barriers for local arts organizations and performers. Before a new purpose-built facility is built, I would support an interim venue strategy by identifying underused City, school, community, faith, and other suitable spaces for performances and rehearsals. I would encourage partnerships among the City, arts organizations, schools, faith communities, and local businesses to improve affordability, scheduling, accessibility, and availability for Richmond-based theatre, opera, choir, orchestra, and music organizations. I also support transparent tracking of venue needs, rental costs, availability, and accessibility so that short-term solutions can address immediate needs while providing useful information for long-term facility planning. My goal is to help keep Richmond’s arts community active and connected locally.

Jerome Dickey
We should make better use of the spaces Richmond already has while exploring creative partnerships and temporary venues. I have also continued to advocate for a permanent outdoor live-music venue after hearing directly from Richmond performers and artists about the shortage of opportunities to perform locally. We should look for practical solutions now rather than waiting years for new facilities.

Adil Awan
II would look for practical solutions now rather than waiting for a new facility to be built. I would advocate for better use of existing City-owned spaces, community centres and other suitable venues in Richmond, including making them more affordable and accessible for local non-profit arts groups. I would also encourage partnerships with schools, community organizations and private venues to identify additional performance and rehearsal space. In the short term, I would support a City program that helps Richmond-based theatre, opera, choir, orchestra and music groups with venue costs when suitable Richmond facilities are unavailable. At the same time, I would continue advocating for purpose-built performance and rehearsal spaces as part of Richmond’s long-term arts strategy. Our local arts organizations should not have to leave Richmond simply because they cannot find an affordable place to perform.

Daniel Tsang
Until new facilities are built, I’d support interim solutions: shared-use agreements with schools, community centres, and faith venues; simplified permitting for pop-up performances; and a coordinated booking system so Richmond groups aren’t competing blindly for limited slots. Local non-profits preserving live music, theatre, and choral traditions deserve a home here — these are irreplaceable human skills passed down through practice and performance, and Richmond shouldn’t lose them to Vancouver simply for lack of stage time.

Sheldon Starrett 謝言信
I am open to any options that allow the city to better utilize spaces the city and/or school district operates to try to keep as many options available close to home. The City of Richmond is certainly lacking in purpose-built performance venues and we need sites and facilities that are modern and up to the needs of the local arts community.

Howard Jampolsky
Richmond groups should have more opportunities to perform in Richmond now. I would ask the City to identify suitable existing spaces and the improvements that could make them useful for performances. I would also explore agreements with the School District and other venue operators for access outside regular hours. Clearer booking information and affordable rental options would help organizations plan while larger facilities are developed.

Gary Law
In the short term, success means reducing the need for Richmond groups to perform elsewhere. In the long term, we should continue planning for a purpose built performing and community arts organizations, strengthen Richmond’s cultural identity, and keep audiences, performers, and economic activity in our city. The goal is simple: until a new facility exists, we should make every reasonable effort to ensure Richmond artists can create, rehearse, and perform in Richmond.

Melissa Zhang
Richmond’s arts organizations should not have to wait years for new facilities. I would work with City staff and the arts community to identify existing City and community spaces that could accommodate more performances and rehearsals, and explore ways to reduce barriers such as rental costs and scheduling. I would also encourage partnerships with schools, businesses and community organizations to expand affordable venue options. Our local artists should have more opportunities to rehearse and perform in Richmond while we build for the future.

Pak Hing (Ben) Lee
Richmond has a number of existing arts and community facilities, but I want to understand why local performing arts organizations still need to leave Richmond. Is the main challenge affordability, availability, capacity, acoustics, equipment, storage, scheduling—or a combination of these? I would listen to local arts organizations, identify the specific gaps, and explore how existing facilities can be used more effectively and affordably while we work toward longer-term facility solutions.

Don Flintoff
Our local talent shouldn’t have to leave Richmond to perform. While long-term facilities are developed, I will propose an interim municipal venue access strategy. This includes creating a City-subsidized rental grant for Richmond non-profits to access existing local spaces—such as school auditoriums, community center halls, and place-of-worship facilities. Additionally, the City can streamline joint-use agreements with the School District and offer technical or equipment support to adapt non-traditional local spaces for high-quality, affordable public performances.

Grace Tsang
In addition to making Richmond City recreational facilities such as the Oval, community centres, I will continue to support making community parks and Richmond City Hall available, in addition to working with Richmond shopping centres, Richmond School Board, churches, and business facilities to keep the space affordable for artists.

Eric Yung
Richmond arts organizations should not have to leave the city simply because suitable performance space is unavailable or unaffordable. Before a new facility is built, I would work to make better use of spaces we already have. This includes improving access to school theatres, community centres, churches and other public or non-profit facilities during evenings and weekends. The City can also help by creating a centralized inventory and booking system showing venue capacity, equipment, accessibility, costs and availability. Where appropriate, the City should explore reduced rates or partnerships that help Richmond-based non-profit arts groups perform and rehearse here at home.

Shelley Leonhardt
Richmond Arts Facilities have proven that the need is there and I would encourage the council to build the facility where our diverse community can come together for the various performances, etc. that are vital to our community. The arts have brought tourism to Richmond and therefore we should not be sending out performers into Vancouver or New Westminster to utilize their facilities. I think this would be a high priority for our city council.

Jessy Dhillon
Before a new purpose-built facility is built, I think we need to make better use of the spaces we already have in Richmond. I would work with the City, local arts organizations, schools and community facilities to identify spaces that could accommodate performances and explore ways to make them more affordable and accessible to local non-profits. At the same time, I think we should be planning for the long term. If Richmond-based organizations are consistently leaving the city because they cannot find an affordable and suitable venue here, that is something we should take seriously when planning future community infrastructure. I would like to work with the arts community to develop a clear vision for what Richmond needs and how we can get there.

Romeo Bicego
Before a new purpose-built facility is built, I think we need to make better use of the spaces we already have in Richmond. I would work with the City, local arts organizations, schools and community facilities to identify spaces that could accommodate performances and explore ways to make them more affordable and accessible to local non-profits. At the same time, I think we should be planning for the long term. If Richmond-based organizations are consistently leaving the city because they cannot find an affordable and suitable venue here, that is something we should take seriously when planning future community infrastructure. I would like to work with the arts community to develop a clear vision for what Richmond needs and how we can get there.

Alton Cheung
Before a new facility is built, I would direct the City to coordinate with other local partners, such as the school district, non‑profits, and community organizations, to identify available venues. The City can also take over older buildings, if available, and refurbish them as a stop‑gap while a new facility is being constructed. We can also sponsor and make use of outdoor spaces for certain types of performances.

Tamás Revóczi
I will work toward making use of, and when appropriate, retrofitting, existing City‑owned spaces and buildings until purpose‑built facilities can be constructed.

 

4. Do you feel that the arts contribute to our local economy? How or how not? How could this contribution be increased?

Milan Kljajic
Absolutely. When people attend a performance, festival or exhibition, their spending does not stop at the venue. They may eat at a Richmond restaurant, shop locally or visit other attractions. Arts and culture can support local businesses, employment and tourism while making Richmond a more interesting place to live and visit. I would like to see stronger connections between arts programming, tourism, community events and local business districts. We should also look for ways to make it easier for Richmond organizations to hold successful events here. Supporting the arts can be both a cultural investment and an economic opportunity.

Louis Huang
Yes. The arts contribute significantly to Richmond’s local economy by creating jobs, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and strengthening our community’s identity. Festivals, performances, exhibitions and cultural events bring people into restaurants, shops, hotels and other businesses. We can increase this contribution by supporting local artists and arts organizations, promoting cultural events, creating affordable spaces for creative businesses, and encouraging partnerships between the arts, tourism and private sector. Richmond’s extraordinary cultural diversity is also an economic asset. By promoting local talent and cultural experiences, we can strengthen both our creative economy and Richmond’s identity as a destination.

Carol Day
Arts do contribute to the local economy through civic events and local shows the best way to increase that benefit is to promote the events widely through social media , radio and advertising through our communication network in the city.

Melody Hong Yan Pan
Yes. I believe the arts contribute to Richmond’s local economy by attracting audiences and visitors, supporting local artists and organizations, and creating activity for restaurants, retail, hospitality, and other businesses. Beyond economic benefits, the arts are important to our society, culture, identity, and quality of life. They create opportunities for expression, connection, learning, and understanding across diverse communities. We can increase this contribution by supporting local artists and cultural organizations, improving access to affordable venues, promoting arts events, and encouraging partnerships among artists, businesses, tourism organizations, and community groups. Investing in public art and cultural spaces can strengthen Richmond’s identity while supporting a vibrant local economy.

Jerome Dickey
Absolutely. Arts and live entertainment support restaurants, hospitality, tourism and other local businesses while making Richmond a more vibrant destination. I would like stronger connections between artists, businesses, Tourism Richmond and community events. A permanent outdoor live-music venue is one example of how Richmond could support local performers while creating additional economic and community activity.

Adil Awan
Absolutely. The arts contribute to Richmond’s economy by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and bringing people into our restaurants, shops and community spaces. Festivals, performances, exhibitions and cultural events also make Richmond a more attractive place to live, work and invest. Our diverse cultural communities are an important part of what makes Richmond unique. We can increase this contribution by investing in local artists and organizations, promoting Richmond as a destination for arts and cultural events, and providing more affordable performance, rehearsal and exhibition spaces. I would also encourage partnerships between the City, local businesses, cultural organizations and the tourism sector to create more events and opportunities throughout the year. Supporting the arts is not just about culture but it is also an investment in Richmond’s local economy and community.

Daniel Tsang
Yes, absolutely — arts events draw foot traffic, tourism, and spending to local businesses, and creative sector jobs (design, performance, teaching, fabrication) are real economic contributors. This contribution could grow with more predictable funding, affordable studio/rehearsal space, and support connecting artists to tourism and business improvement initiatives. As automation reshapes many industries, investing in human creative skill is also an investment in work that stays genuinely human — and that’s worth protecting economically, not just culturally.

Sheldon Starrett 謝言信
Arts contribute to the local economy, as well as work-life balances that many families seek for purposes of entertainment and enjoyment in their time off. Whether local patrons watching a play, and opera, or participating in an artistic culinary competition, these activities can help our local economy and bring people, guests, visitors, and tourist money in local hotel bookings, folks supporting local businesses and restaurants. I would like to see Tourism Richmond more involved in helping promote more arts events and marketing these events to boost our local economy.

Howard Jampolsky
Absolutely. Performances, exhibitions and festivals bring people into our neighbourhoods, supporting restaurants and other businesses. Artists also create work and help make Richmond an attractive place to live and visit. As Chair of Richmond’s Economic Advisory Committee, I see arts and culture as part of our prosperity. We can increase their impact by promoting local programming, making events easier to organize and giving Richmond artists more opportunities to present their work here.

Gary Law
In my view, the arts contribute substantially to the local economy by creating jobs, attracting visitors, supporting businesses, and enhancing community appeal. Their economic impact could be increased through stronger support for artists, expanded cultural programming, better promotion, and continued investment in arts infrastructure and education.

Melissa Zhang
Absolutely. Performances, festivals and exhibitions bring people into Richmond and create activity for restaurants, retailers, hotels and other local businesses. Arts and culture also make Richmond a more attractive place to live, work and visit. We can increase this contribution by supporting local artists, strengthening cultural tourism, expanding festivals and performances, and building partnerships between arts organizations, businesses and tourism. A prosperous city is not only where businesses succeed; it is also where people want to live, participate and belong.

Pak Hing (Ben) Lee
Yes. Arts and culture can contribute to Richmond’s economy by attracting visitors, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and generating economic activity through performances, exhibitions and cultural events. I believe the City can help artists and arts organizations, particularly in their early stages, by providing access to affordable spaces, connecting them with business and professional expertise, promoting local events, and encouraging partnerships with businesses and tourism organizations. Where possible, we should help artists and organizations develop audiences, generate revenue and become more financially sustainable rather than relying indefinitely on public funding. At the same time, some community arts programs provide important cultural and social benefits even if they cannot become fully self-supporting. The City’s role should be to help create opportunities for Richmond’s arts community to grow and succeed.

Don Flintoff
Absolutely. The arts are an economic driver that creates local jobs, attracts tourism, and fuels surrounding businesses like restaurants, hospitality, and retail. A vibrant arts scene keeps local spending within Richmond. We can increase this contribution by establishing cultural districts, supporting night-economy arts activations, and promoting cultural tourism in partnership with Tourism Richmond. Investing in creative micro-businesses, local performance venues, and public festivals will generate measurable returns for local businesses and enhance our overall economic vitality.

Grace Tsang
Yes, increasing the arts activities would significantly contribute to our local economy by creating jobs, driving tourism, and boosting business spending. According to Canada Council for the Arts, the arts and culture sector contributed $131 billion to Canada GNP in 2024. I will ensure that City Council will encourage more arts activities by improving municipal policy and infrastructure changes.

Eric Yung
Yes. The arts create jobs, attract visitors, support restaurants and other businesses, and make Richmond a more interesting place to live and invest. Festivals, performances, exhibitions and cultural events can also encourage visitors to spend more time in Richmond rather than simply passing through. We can increase that contribution by promoting local events more effectively, developing a coordinated year-round events calendar, and creating stronger partnerships between arts organizations, tourism and local businesses. I also support making it easier for artists and creative entrepreneurs to find affordable spaces to work, rehearse, perform and sell their work within Richmond.

Shelley Leonhardt
Yes, of course, as we have so many visitors to our beautiful city – so from a Tourism & economic point of view, the arts definitely contribute to our local economy. This could perhaps be increased through more promotion through our city.

Jessy Dhillon
Absolutely. I believe the arts can make a meaningful contribution to Richmond’s local economy. Arts events, festivals, performances and cultural activities can bring people into Richmond from outside the city, who then support local restaurants, coffee shops, retailers and other businesses. I also think we can do more to increase that economic impact by promoting Richmond as a destination for arts and cultural events.

Romeo Bicego
Yes. Arts and cultural activities attract visitors, support local businesses, create employment and help make Richmond a vibrant place to live and visit. We can build on that by better connecting arts and cultural programming with tourism, festivals, business districts and community events. Creating more opportunities for Richmond artists and organizations to present their work locally also helps keep audiences and the economic activity they generate here in Richmond.

Alton Cheung
Arts contribute significantly to our local economy, with many residents engaged in arts education, artisanal production, or performance, whether part‑time or full‑time. That said, the City is not currently using this asset to its full potential, as residents rarely encounter live arts in their everyday lives. I will propose that the City incorporate arts into its economic development plan and identify ways to integrate artistic performance into economic activity. A performance space within a cultural district, combined with a publicly owned, free‑entry night market space, can work well toward that goal.

Tamás Revóczi
Yes—absolutely, on all levels! Not only do the arts raise awareness on important topics, they also lift spirits, which in turn makes it easier to raise funds. The arts often help open minds and hearts, and that makes it easier to open pocketbooks as well.

 

5. Richmond is a multicultural city, but many feel there are not enough cross-cultural opportunities to build understanding between communities. What role do you think the arts can play in creating bridges between cultures and language barriers?

Milan Kljajic
Richmond’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, but living in the same city does not automatically mean we understand one another. Arts can help change that. Music, theatre, dance, visual art and community festivals can bring people together even when they do not share the same first language or cultural background. I would support opportunities that encourage communities to participate together and learn from one another, while ensuring artists and cultural organizations have a strong voice in how their own stories are represented. The arts can help us celebrate what makes our communities unique while also reminding us what we share.

Louis Huang
The arts can be a powerful bridge between cultures because creativity can communicate where language cannot. Richmond can support more multicultural festivals, exhibitions, performances, literary events and community arts programs that bring residents together to share their stories and traditions. I would encourage partnerships among different cultural and community organizations, schools and local artists to create more opportunities for people of different backgrounds to participate together. The goal should be not only to celebrate diversity, but to create meaningful opportunities for Richmond residents to understand one another and build lasting connections.

Carol Day
Promoting the events in multiple languages is key. Using non traditional forms of advertising and ” Piggy Backing ” on other events is also very useful.

Melody Hong Yan Pan
I believe the arts can build bridges across cultures, languages, and faiths because art can be expressed and understood in many forms. Music, dance, visual art, theatre, storytelling, and public art can communicate emotions, experiences, values, and identity even when people do not share the same language or background. I personally enjoy visiting art galleries and museums when travelling around the world. These experiences have helped me appreciate different cultures, histories, and perspectives and have shown me how art can create connection beyond language. As a multicultural city, Richmond can use the arts to create more opportunities for residents to meet, learn from one another, and celebrate both differences and shared experiences. I would support cross-cultural arts programs, exhibitions, performances, murals, and collaborative projects that bring diverse communities together.

Jerome Dickey
This is one of the arts community’s greatest strengths. Music, theatre, dance, visual art and shared cultural experiences can connect people across language and cultural differences. In a city as diverse as Richmond, I support more opportunities for communities to create and experience art together, helping strengthen belonging, understanding and community cohesion.

Adil Awan
I believe the arts can be one of the best ways to bring people together. Music, dance, theatre, food, visual arts and cultural festivals can connect people even when they do not speak the same language. Richmond is home to people from many different backgrounds, and we should create more opportunities for communities to share their traditions and learn about each other. I would advocate for more cross-cultural arts programs, festivals and performances that bring different communities together, particularly opportunities for young people and families to participate. I also believe we should make better use of our community centres and public spaces to showcase the cultures that make Richmond unique. The arts give us a chance to learn from one another, celebrate our differences and find the things we have in common. I will advocate for and promote arts and culture from all backgrounds and work to create more opportunities for Richmond’s communities to connect.

Daniel Tsang
Richmond’s multicultural richness is one of its greatest assets, and the arts are one of the few spaces where language barriers dissolve — music, dance, visual art, and food all communicate across cultures directly. I’d support cross-cultural festivals, shared performance spaces, and grants that specifically fund collaborative projects between different cultural arts groups, so communities aren’t just performing side-by-side but genuinely creating together.

Sheldon Starrett 謝言信
As someone that is a big fan of history, I think we can bridge cultures through the arts by supporting plays based on historical literature, sharing stories and tales and across different languages, and engaging in lively dialogue and discussion about these stories. I also think the culinary arts, through food, could help support a major food festival that brings chefs, cooks, and innovators to compete and bring many tourists to the city. If Texas gets Southern BBQ, Richmond, BC should be the food hub of the best Asian cuisine food festival in North America. This is a way to bridge cultures and leverage our hub in the Asia-Pacific.

Howard Jampolsky
Arts give people a way to experience one another’s stories, even when they do not share a first language. I would support more neighbourhood events and collaborations that bring artists and audiences from different communities together. These should offer opportunities to participate and meet, as well as to watch or listen. Shared experiences can help residents feel connected to Richmond and to one another.

Melissa Zhang
The arts can bring people together even when language is different. Through music, theatre, dance, visual arts, storytelling and festivals, residents can experience and learn from different cultures. I would encourage more cross-cultural collaborations, supported through City spaces, partnerships and programs. Richmond’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The arts can help us move from simply living beside one another to learning from and connecting with one another.

Pak Hing (Ben) Lee
Arts can play an important role in building bridges between Richmond’s diverse cultures because music, dance, visual arts and performances can communicate across language barriers and bring people together. One challenge in a multicultural city is that people from different communities may have limited opportunities to interact and learn about one another. The City can help by supporting and promoting cross-cultural festivals, performances, exhibitions and community activities that encourage different groups to participate together. I would also encourage partnerships among cultural organizations, schools, community groups and local businesses to create more opportunities for cultural exchange. Richmond’s diversity is one of our strengths. Through the arts, we can create more opportunities for residents to share their traditions, understand their neighbours and build a stronger sense of community.

Don Flintoff
Absolutely. The arts are an economic driver that creates local jobs, attracts tourism, and fuels surrounding businesses like restaurants, hospitality, and retail. A vibrant arts scene keeps local spending within Richmond. We can increase this contribution by establishing cultural districts, supporting night-economy arts activations, and promoting cultural tourism in partnership with Tourism Richmond. Investing in creative micro-businesses, local performance venues, and public festivals will generate measurable returns for local businesses and enhance our overall economic vitality.

Grace Tsang
I will strive to remove language barriers by making translations available to the public. This would encourage the pubic to participate in cross-cultural activities. Art has an innate ability to transcend communication barriers and is a universal language that express the artist’s feelings.

Eric Yung
The arts can be one of Richmond’s strongest tools for building bridges between communities because music, visual art, dance and performance can communicate across language barriers. Richmond’s diversity should be reflected not only in individual cultural celebrations, but also in opportunities for communities to create and experience art together. I would support more collaborative and neighbourhood-based events that bring different cultural organizations, artists and audiences into the same spaces. The City can help by providing accessible venues, small grants and opportunities for collaboration. Shared artistic experiences can help residents learn about one another, build relationships and strengthen a common sense of belonging in Richmond.

Shelley Leonhardt
I know that our Gateway theatre has offered many diverse plays in hopes to encouraging our whole community to come out, perhaps without the success they hoped for. I think that the different cultures may have different needs & expectations of what is needed and therefore meeting with the different groups to determine what they want or need to have their families & friends attend, is definitely a need. I know over the years, this has definitely improved, however, there is still a need for further consultation as to how we can blend our cultures together.

Jessy Dhillon
I think the arts can play a huge role in bringing people together, especially when language can sometimes be a barrier. Music, dance, food, visual art and cultural performances can communicate and create connections in ways that don’t always require words. One idea I would love to see is a multicultural arts festival at the City Hall plaza. Richmond is home to so many vibrant cultures, and I think we should create more opportunities for people to come together, share their traditions and learn from one another in a welcoming environment. I would love to see the plaza filled with music, dance, art, cultural performances and local food, with families from across Richmond coming together to celebrate what makes our city so diverse. To me, building a more connected Richmond starts with creating opportunities for people to meet, experience each other’s cultures and realize how much we have in common.

Romeo Bicego
Richmond’s diversity is one of our strengths, and the arts can help people connect across cultures and generations. Music, visual arts, theatre, dance and cultural events allow people to share traditions and experiences even when they do not share the same first language. I would support accessible programming and community partnerships that create opportunities for Richmond residents to participate, learn from one another and build stronger connections.

Alton Cheung
Arts can bring communities together. I will propose bringing back the World Festival with a cross‑cultural theme, so it can provide a platform for world arts to be seen and experienced. The City could also sponsor or promote joint displays of arts across different cultures.

Tamás Revóczi
Music and visual arts don’t require a linguistic component to be enjoyed or intuitively, even if not consciously, understood. While information feeds the mind, inspiration, drawn and generated by the fine and performing arts, feeds the heart. Mixed with a little multicultural food, it naturally feeds the body as well. The fine and performing arts feed everyone, bridging all cultures, languages, and communities.

 

6. Richmond is a relatively young city, with well-planned neighbourhoods and infrastructure. Do you feel the arts and artists should be included in City projects in areas such as planning, transportation, and sustainability? Why or why not?

Louis Huang
Yes. Arts and artists should be included in City projects because they can bring creativity, community perspective and a human dimension to planning and infrastructure. Public art, thoughtful design and cultural programming can make neighborhoods more welcoming, memorable and accessible. Artists can also help communicate sustainability and transportation initiatives in ways that engage residents. I would encourage the City to involve local artists and cultural organizations early in major planning and infrastructure projects, while ensuring public spending remains responsible. Integrating art into our built environment can strengthen Richmond’s identity and improve the everyday experience of residents.

Carol Day
Yes that is why there is a policy the REQUIRES that art either be part of new developments or funds be put into a arts fund to create other arts opportunities..

Melody Hong Yan Pan
I believe artists and the arts should be considered part of City planning, transportation, sustainability, and neighbourhood development. Art can make public spaces more welcoming, strengthen community identity, and help residents connect with their surroundings. As a healthcare professional, I also see the connection between thoughtfully designed environments, social connection, and community well-being. Artists can bring perspectives and creative approaches that complement technical planning and engineering expertise. I would support early engagement with local artists and cultural communities in City projects, rather than adding art only after major decisions have been made. Public art, murals, creative placemaking, cultural interpretation, and artist-designed spaces can help reflect Richmond’s diverse history and communities while contributing to attractive, accessible, and sustainable neighborhoods. Good planning should consider not only how infrastructure functions, but also how people experience and connect with the places where they live.

Jerome Dickey
Yes, where their involvement can add meaningful value. Artists can bring different perspectives to public spaces, neighbourhood identity, transportation corridors and sustainability initiatives. I favour involving them early enough to help shape projects rather than simply adding art at the end. The goal should be better public spaces and stronger connections between people and place.

Adil Awan
Yes. I believe artists should be included in City projects, because art can make our neighbourhoods more welcoming, interesting and connected to the people who live there. When we plan new neighbourhoods, transportation projects, parks and public spaces, we should consider opportunities for public art, local artists and cultural elements from the beginning—not as an afterthought. Artists can also bring a different perspective to planning and help tell the story of Richmond’s history, environment and diverse communities. Public art can improve spaces while reflecting the character of the neighbourhood. I would support working with local artists and cultural organizations on projects involving parks, public spaces, transportation and sustainability. As Richmond continues to grow, we should build a city that is not only functional, but also vibrant, welcoming and reflective of the many cultures and people who call Richmond home.

Daniel Tsang
Yes. Artists bring a human-centred perspective that pure engineering or policy work can miss — how a space feels, how people move through it, what makes it memorable. Including artists early in planning (public art integrated into transit hubs, murals reflecting neighbourhood identity, community design input) makes Richmond’s infrastructure more livable and distinctly ours, not generic.

Sheldon Starrett 謝言信
Absolutely, we should be showcasing our diverse artistry at major transit stations, on our benches, at our bus stops, and showcasing our local talent for all to enjoy.

Howard Jampolsky
I would like to see more community and public art that reflects the character of Richmond’s distinct neighbourhoods. Art can help identify what makes each place unique and give residents a stronger sense of belonging. The program should create opportunities for local artists, involve residents in shaping projects and extend beyond the city centre into parks and everyday public spaces. We should also maintain the works we commission so they remain a source of neighbourhood pride for years to come.

Melissa Zhang
Yes. Artists should be considered partners—not an afterthought—in planning, transportation, public spaces and sustainability projects. Art can make infrastructure more welcoming, distinctive and reflective of Richmond’s identity. Artists can contribute to parks, plazas, pedestrian areas, transportation projects and civic facilities. I would like to see artists involved earlier in the planning process. Good infrastructure should be functional and sustainable, but it can also be beautiful and meaningful to the community.

Pak Hing (Ben) Lee
Yes. I believe arts and artists should have opportunities to contribute to City projects where their involvement can add value. Arts and culture enrich our quality of life, and Richmond’s multicultural communities are one of our city’s important assets. Artists can bring creativity and different cultural perspectives to the design of public spaces, parks, transportation areas and community facilities. Including artists early in appropriate projects can help create public spaces that are not only functional, but also welcoming, attractive and reflective of Richmond’s diverse community. At the same time, participation should be appropriate to the project and financially responsible. Good city planning should balance function, cost, sustainability and community identity. When arts can strengthen those goals, I believe they should be part of the conversation.

Don Flintoff
Richmond is a relatively young city, with well-planned neighbourhoods and infrastructure. Do you feel the arts and artists should be included in City projects in areas such as planning, transportation, and sustainability? Why or why not? Yes. Integrating artists directly into civic planning, transportation, and sustainability brings creative problem-solving and distinct local character to municipal infrastructure. Rather than viewing art purely as a decorative afterthought, involving artists early in capital design processes ensures functional spaces double as engaging public places. Creative placemaking can turn transit hubs, utility infrastructure, and green corridors into interactive installations that highlight Richmond’s ecology and heritage. Including artistic perspectives in sustainability initiatives fosters public engagement and communicates environmental goals in meaningful ways.

Grace Tsang
Yes, the arts and artists should be included in City projects. Before making decisions in any City projects, I am committed to two-way communication processes with Richmond residents and stakeholders. In addition, I will hold monthly meetings where councillors meet residents and provide city planning updates.

Eric Yung
Yes. Artists can bring a different perspective to how we design public spaces, transportation corridors and sustainability projects. Art can make infrastructure more welcoming, tell Richmond’s stories and create a stronger sense of place rather than treating public projects as purely functional. I support involving artists early in appropriate City projects, rather than adding art only after construction is complete. That could include public spaces, greenways, transit areas, community facilities and environmental projects. At the same time, participation should have a clear purpose and budget. Thoughtfully integrating art into City planning can improve both the character and usability of the places residents experience every day.

Shelley Leonhardt
Yes, I feel that they should sit at the table when it comes to planning large projects, especially from a transportation point of view. We want to build infrastructure that people can actually access easily.

Jessy Dhillon
Art can turn an ordinary space into something that feels welcoming, unique and connected to the neighbourhood. I would also like to see more opportunities for local artists and youth to help shape these projects. Whether it is a mural on a community court, public art along a walking or cycling route, or creative design incorporated into new infrastructure, we can use art to build community pride and give Richmond its own identity.

Romeo Bicego
Yes, where there is a meaningful connection to the project. Artists can bring valuable perspectives to public spaces, neighbourhood identity and community engagement. When appropriate, arts considerations should be included early enough in planning to add genuine value rather than being added as an afterthought. At the same time, projects need clear objectives, appropriate budgets and consideration of long-term maintenance and value to the community.

Alton Cheung
Yes. We need to understand the demand from artists for space and what kinds of space, so they can find venues that fit their needs.

Tamás Revóczi
Most certainly. When a city is planned too “logically,” with designs duplicated for rapid scaling, there is often a danger of bland repetitiveness and even a certain sterility of design. Arts and artists add a critically human and organic element to urban structure and culture, which cannot be replicated through design and planning alone. Additionally, they bring an ineffable sense of wonder and hope, which is essential to human resilience and sustainability.

 

7. How would you like to see the City of Richmond’s Public Art Program evolve over the next ten years?

Louis Huang
Over the next ten years, I would like Richmond’s Public Art Program to become more visible, diverse and connected to our communities. I would support more opportunities for local and emerging artists, while encouraging public art that reflects Richmond’s multicultural history and identity. Art should be integrated thoughtfully into parks, neighborhoods, transportation projects and new developments. I would also encourage partnerships with businesses, developers, schools and community organizations to expand opportunities without placing unnecessary pressure on taxpayers. A strong public art program can make our city more welcoming, distinctive and connected.

Carol Day
I would like to see a neighbourhood recognition plan that identifies each unique neighbourhood through signage and art that celebrates the special characteristics of each section of Richmond. We are becoming a large city and a art display for each special neighbourhood would help engage the citizens and help the average citizen better appreciate art.

Melody Hong Yan Pan
Over the next ten years, I would like Richmond’s Public Art Program to become more visible, inclusive, accessible, and connected to the community. Public art should reflect Richmond’s diverse cultures, histories, languages, and lived experiences while creating opportunities for local and emerging artists. I would support more murals, artist-designed public spaces, temporary installations, and community-led projects throughout Richmond—not only in major civic areas. I would also encourage public art to be thoughtfully integrated into transportation, parks, neighbourhood planning, environmental and sustainability projects. Having supported local mural projects and cultural heritage initiatives, I have seen how public art can strengthen community identity and connection. I would encourage partnerships with artists, schools, cultural organizations, businesses, and community groups, with transparent processes for selecting and supporting projects. My goal is for Richmond’s public art to be something residents encounter, spiritual uplifting, empowerment, enjoy, learn from, sense of belonging, and feel represented by in their everyday lives.

Jerome Dickey
I would like public art to become even more connected to Richmond’s neighbourhoods, history and people. That includes opportunities for local and emerging artists, murals, temporary and interactive works, and creative placemaking alongside larger permanent installations. Residents should also have clear information about how projects are selected, funded and evaluated.

Adil Awan
Over the next ten years, I would like to see Richmond’s Public Art Program become more visible, diverse and connected to the community. I would like to see more opportunities for local artists and cultural organizations to participate in public art projects, including artists from Richmond’s many cultural communities. Public art should reflect our history, environment and the people who live here today. I would also like to see public art incorporated into parks, transportation projects, community spaces and new neighbourhoods, rather than being treated as an afterthought. The City could also do more to promote existing public art through walking tours, digital resources and community events, making it easier for residents and visitors to discover Richmond’s artwork. Most importantly, I would support a program that is accessible to emerging artists as well as established artists. My goal is to make public art something people encounter throughout Richmond—something that tells our story, celebrates our diversity and makes our city more vibrant.

Daniel Tsang
I’d like the program to grow beyond standalone installations and reflect our community’s identity — more support for local and emerging artists, a mix of rotating and permanent works, and clear guidelines ensuring publicly funded art is made by real artists with real skill and intent. AI-generated imagery may be cheaper, but it can’t replace the value of human craftsmanship. As a City Councillor, I’d work to preserve and celebrate that craftsmanship, so Richmond’s public art remains something residents can genuinely take pride in.

Sheldon Starrett 謝言信
Enhance Asia-Pacific sister-city ties to attract and promote Richmond as culinary and cultural hub for cuisine and arts that celebrate the diversity of the Asia-Pacific and our city’s participation in it.

Howard Jampolsky
I would like to see public art throughout Richmond, including neighbourhood centres, parks and everyday public spaces. The program should reflect our diverse community, create meaningful opportunities for local artists and help residents understand the stories behind the work. The City must also maintain what it commissions. Over the next decade, we should be able to show how the program has supported artists and improved public spaces across Richmond.

Gary Law
My vision is for Richmond’s Public Art Program to become more neighbourhood focused, culturally representative, accessible, and community driven. Public art should celebrate who we are, honor where we came from, and inspire future generations while making Richmond’s public spaces more vibrant, welcoming, and memorable.

Melissa Zhang
I would like Richmond’s Public Art Program to become more visible, accessible and connected to our neighbourhoods. We should create more opportunities for Richmond-based and emerging artists, expand public art beyond traditional cultural centres, and encourage more temporary, interactive and community-created projects. Artists should also be involved early in major public-space and infrastructure projects. Our public art should reflect Richmond’s identity: diverse, creative, welcoming and connected to our history while looking toward our future.

Pak Hing (Ben) Lee
Richmond already has a strong Public Art Program and a new Arts Strategy for 2026–2031. Before proposing major changes, I would first review the existing program, its funding, community participation and how well it is meeting the needs of Richmond residents. Over the next ten years, I would like to see public art become more connected to our neighbourhoods, transportation areas, parks and other public spaces, while reflecting Richmond’s diverse cultures and communities. I would also encourage more opportunities for local and emerging artists and explore partnerships with businesses, developers and community organizations. Public art should enrich our city and strengthen community identity, but investments should also be well planned, financially responsible and provide meaningful benefits to Richmond residents.

Don Flintoff
I would like to see the Public Art Program expand beyond traditional sculptures toward interactive, temporary, and community-engaged artworks dispersed across all neighbourhoods. Building on programs like the Urban Infrastructure Art Program and No. 3 Road Columns, the City should focus on creative placemaking that reflects our diverse population. I advocate for increasing opportunities for local, emerging, and Indigenous artists, streamlining developer-funded public art contributions, and introducing digital, sound, and eco-art installations that integrate seamlessly into public parks, transit centers, and waterfront spaces.

Grace Tsang
I will leverage our Asia-Pacific Gateway’s geographical advantage, develop innovation hubs and a convention centre to promote Richmond’s Public Art Program.

Eric Yung
I would like Richmond’s Public Art Program to become broader, more accessible and more representative of the entire community. Public art should continue to include sculpture and visual installations, but also embrace music, performance, storytelling, digital media and temporary works. I would like to see more opportunities for Richmond-based artists and more public art distributed throughout neighbourhoods rather than concentrated in a few locations. Projects should reflect Richmond’s history, Indigenous relationships and cultural diversity while also creating opportunities for new and emerging artists. Over the next decade, public art should increasingly be something residents can participate in and experience, not simply observe.

Shelley Leonhardt
I think with their online presence now and with AI in the wings, the Public Art Program will continue to improve and evolve to include all ethnicities, ages, etc. It will continue to improve Tourism and attract visitors to our beautiful city & especially when we have a building built that can accommodate their needs.

Jessy Dhillon
I don’t come from an arts background, so I would approach this by listening first. I would want to work closely with Richmond’s artists, arts organizations, cultural groups, youth and community members to help develop a long-term vision for the next ten years. Over that time, I would like to see public art become a more visible and integrated part of everyday life in Richmond. I would love to see more murals on large walls, schools, basketball courts and other community spaces, as well as more opportunities for local artists to showcase their work throughout the city. I also think we should look at how public art can be connected to new developments, transportation projects, parks and neighbourhood improvements. Most importantly, I want the artists and arts community to help shape that vision. My role as a Councillor would be to listen, advocate, help bring partners together and make sure the City is creating opportunities for Richmond’s creative community to thrive.

Romeo Bicego
I would like Richmond’s Public Art Program to remain community-focused and increasingly representative of our diverse population, history and neighbourhoods. I would also like to see opportunities for Richmond-based and emerging artists. As the program grows, we should continue paying attention to quality, location, durability and maintenance, while ensuring residents understand how projects are selected, funded and connected to the communities where they are located.

Alton Cheung
I would like Richmond to be a cultural hub where people from around the world come to experience the diverse cultures we have and the arts they inspire. The public art program should serve as the foundation that propels us toward that stage.

Tamás Revóczi
I would love to see it grow, flourish, and expand to the far corners of Richmond, including often‑overlooked edge communities like Sea Island, Burkeville, Hamilton and others.

 

8. What, if any, capital contributions should the City make to the arts sector over the next four years?

Milan Kljajic
I support investing in Richmond’s arts community, but I would not promise a particular dollar amount simply because I am running for office. I would first look at the City’s finances, competing priorities, demonstrated community need and the business case for each investment. Major capital projects need realistic budgets and should pursue partnerships and outside funding wherever possible. At the same time, smaller investments—grants, affordable access to City facilities and support for local programming—can have significant impact. My approach would be simple: support good projects, spend responsibly, and make sure Richmond residents receive lasting value from their investment.

Louis Huang
The City should make targeted capital investments in arts facilities where there is a clear community need and long-term public benefit. Over the next four years, I would prioritize maintaining and improving existing cultural facilities, creating affordable spaces for artists, and supporting projects that can serve diverse communities. Beyond capital funding, the City can strengthen the arts through grants, fee relief, shared-use spaces, professional development, and partnerships with businesses and other levels of government. I believe funding should be transparent, accountable and focused on measurable community benefits, while giving local artists and organizations the stability they need to grow.

Carol Day
The arts contributions through new developments could be better used to create space for art displays and practical uses such as storage. The arts community needs better support and when we create new spaces like the New Steveston Community centre there is always opportunities to better support the arts. Our biggest hurdle is land is so incredibly expensive in Richmond so making spaces usable for more than one purpose is key. For example if a space is primarily used during the day how could it be utilized at night. Sharing our assets and engaging multiple organizations to work together creates more chances that all the needs can be met. When I see a underutilized space my first thought is how could we do this better. We need to think outside the box and find creative ways to meet the needs of our arts community.

Melody Hong Yan Pan
Over the next four years, I support responsible, phased capital investment in arts facilities based on the Richmond Arts Facilities Needs Assessment, community needs, feasibility, and available funding. Priority should include improving affordable exhibition, performance, rehearsal, music, theatre, and pottery spaces. Beyond capital funding, the City could strengthen the arts sector through grants, affordable facility rentals, artist residencies, public-art opportunities, and small project funding for local and emerging artists. The City could also help organizations access provincial, federal, philanthropic, and private-sector funding through partnerships and coordinated information. I support transparent funding criteria, measurable outcomes, and regular public reporting so residents can understand how arts funding is allocated and what community benefits it creates. Supporting local artists and organizations is not only an investment in culture, but also in Richmond’s social connection, identity, quality of life, and local economy.

Jerome Dickey
I support continued investment in arts and culture, but major capital decisions must be considered within Richmond’s overall financial priorities. I favour leveraging partnerships, development opportunities and senior-government funding wherever possible, while maintaining effective grant programs with transparent criteria and clear community benefit.

Adil Awan
Over the next four years, I believe the City should make targeted capital investments in the arts, particularly in the four priority areas identified in the Arts Facilities Needs Assessment: exhibition and auditorium space, music, theatre, and pottery. I would support a phased approach with clear budgets and timelines, while looking for partnerships with senior governments, developers, businesses and community organizations to help share the cost. The City can also provide more support through operating grants, affordable access to City-owned facilities, funding for community arts programs and opportunities for emerging and local artists. I would also like to see a transparent funding process so smaller organizations and artists have a fair opportunity to access support. Investing in the arts is an investment in our community, our local economy and Richmond’s cultural future.

Daniel Tsang
Over four years, I’d support dedicated capital funding for the Needs Assessment priorities, plus predictable annual operating grants so organizations can plan ahead instead of reapplying from scratch each year. Beyond direct funding, the City could offer reduced-rate facility rentals, support for arts-related small businesses, and matching grants to leverage private and provincial dollars — investing in artists as a long-term part of Richmond’s workforce.

Sheldon Starrett 謝言信
The City of Richmond urgently and desperately requires a Trade & Convention Centre, as part of this movement pushing for such facilities some dedicated arts and performance space should be leveraged into this. We should also reach out and seek potential investment that helps showcase arts, history, and culture.

Howard Jampolsky
Over the next four years, I would support targeted upgrades to existing spaces, while advancing plans for larger facilities where the need and costs are established. Each proposal should include operating costs and potential partners or outside funding. I would also review City grants, rental costs and booking processes to see whether they give emerging and established organizations practical, affordable access to space.

Melissa Zhang
I support meaningful City investment in the four priorities identified in the Arts Facilities Needs Assessment. I would first establish the feasibility, costs, sites and long-term operating requirements, then develop a clear four-year capital plan and leverage funding from senior governments, foundations, businesses and other partners. The City can also support the sector through affordable facility access, targeted grants, public art commissions and artist opportunities. My goal is to invest strategically, build partnerships and make every public dollar work harder for Richmond’s arts community.

Pak Hing (Ben) Lee
Before committing to a specific amount of capital funding, I would meet with local artists and arts organizations to better understand their priorities for the next four years and review the City’s Arts Facilities Needs Assessment, existing resources and financial capacity. I would support investments where there is a demonstrated community need, a clear plan and measurable benefits. We should also explore funding from other levels of government, partnerships with businesses and developers, and better use of existing City facilities. Beyond capital projects, the City can support the arts through grants, affordable access to spaces, promotion of local arts and cultural events, and partnerships that help arts organizations become more sustainable. My approach would be to listen first, identify the most important needs, and then invest responsibly where City support can make the greatest difference.

Don Flintoff
The City should allocate dedicated capital funding toward urgent needs identified in the Arts Facilities Needs Assessment—specifically multipurpose rehearsal, exhibition, and performance venues. Fiscal support can be strengthened by expanding the municipal Arts & Culture Grant Program for operational and project funding. We can leverage developer density bonuses, Development Cost Charges (DCCs), and matching provincial/federal cultural grants to expand facilities without overly burdening property owners. Additionally, providing subsidized access to civic spaces, equipment grants, and simplified event permitting will provide immediate financial relief to local non-profit arts organizations.

Grace Tsang
Besides continuing to work with the Richmond School Districts on art projects, I will launch affordable night markets to provide artists to showcase their performances and market their products by setting aside an annual budget. in addition, I will advocate to both the federal and provincial governments to provide grants to strengthen and support artists and arts organizations.

Eric Yung
Over the next four years, I would support funding and scheduling the highest-priority projects from the Arts Facilities Needs Assessment, expanding shared-use access to existing theatres and rehearsal spaces, and maintaining stable City grants for local arts organizations. I would also support advancing a feasibility study, site review and business case for a new waterfront multipurpose destination combining convention and event space, business incubator space, and purpose-built arts and performance facilities. To keep these investments affordable, I would pursue provincial and federal grants, sponsorships, philanthropic support and appropriate private-sector partnerships, while ensuring Richmond-based artists and organizations are directly involved in planning new spaces.

Shelley Leonhardt
From a capital contribution, perhaps it would be land made available to build the infrastructure needed & of course to continue on with the various grant programs to support the artists and arts organizations. Perhaps also to assist with more promoting of the arts within our city.

Romeo Bicego
Capital investment should be guided by demonstrated need, sound business cases and the City’s overall capital priorities. Before committing taxpayers to major expenditures, I would want clear information on costs, expected use, partnerships and opportunities for senior-government or other outside funding. I would also support reviewing existing grants, facilities and in-kind support to ensure City resources are being used effectively and are helping Richmond-based artists and organizations provide accessible programming to the community.

Alton Cheung
The best capital contribution the City could make would be land, facilities, and the provision of public space. The City could also host more public displays of arts, showcasing our artists and artisans.

Tamás Revóczi
I would need to study existing capital contributions to understand how they are structured before fully answering this question. Once I have that understanding, I would aim to direct or increase capital contributions to build the facilities already outlined in the Richmond Arts Facilities Needs Assessment. It seems only logical that the City should work with all levels of government, as well as all local and international patrons and supporters of the arts to gather fiscal contributions from every possible source in order to strengthen and support all artists and arts organizations in Richmond!

 

Thank you to the candidates for their responses.

For more info on how to vote this year, please go to http://richmond.ca/elections .