Questions for 2026 Municipal Councilor and Mayoral Candidates

Thank you for reviewing our Arts-related questions for municipal candidates!
We are excited to share your responses with the voting public in a non-partisan manner.
Responses will be listed on our website and in our newsletter in the order in which they are received.

Please answer at least five questions, with up to 100 words per question.

Name *

1. How can you, in your role on the City Council, help support the arts in Richmond?0 / 200

2. Richmond City Council recently endorsed the Richmond Arts Facilities 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?0 / 200

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?0 / 200

4. Do you feel that the arts contribute to our local economy? How or how not? How could this contribution be increased?0 / 200

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?0 / 200

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?0 / 200

7. How would you like to see the City of Richmond’s Public Art Program evolve over the next ten years?0 / 200

8. What, if any, capital contributions should the City make to the arts sector over the next four years? What other fiscal contributions could the City make to strengthen and support artists and arts organizations?0 / 200