Responses are presented in the order they were received.
(We have received responses from: Alice Wong, Bill Mok, Calvin Dang, David Yang, Debbie Tablotney, Donna Sargent, Heather Larson, Helen Quan, Hongyun Chen, Ken Hamaguchi, Kiana Dashtabzi, Lawrence Chen, Martin Li, Rod Belleza, Sandra Nixon, Stefan Mladenovic, and Vivian Lee)
(Still to reply: Aithan Kang, Ausha Kang, Danny Chang, Dean Billings, John Zhang, Jordan Oye, Kay Hale, Nancy Williams, Phyllis Tang, Sophie Woo, Willy Sinconegue)
1. How do you view arts and music education within the public school system?
Hongyun Chen
Arts and music are not enrichment on the margins of a “real” education. They are essential ways in which students learn to observe, listen, imagine, create, and develop voices of their own. As a poet who writes in both Chinese and English, an educator, and a scientist, I know that composing a poem, sustaining a musical phrase, or completing a careful drawing cultivates qualities needed across the curriculum: patience, pattern recognition, revision, and the courage to stay with something unfinished. The arts also allow children to express experiences that ordinary sentences cannot always hold. For multilingual students and students from diverse cultural backgrounds, music, images, movement, and performance can create connection and belonging across languages. Public education should educate the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and creatively. When arts programs are among the first reduced during financial pressure, we send students the message that imagination is optional. It is not. Arts and music should be treated as core learning, with meaningful opportunities available to students in every Richmond school.
Lawrence Chen
Very good
Helen Quan
Arts and music are core to a complete public education, not extras to cut when budgets tighten. They build confidence, discipline, and creativity, and they give students who struggle in other subjects a place to succeed. As a Richmond parent for 33 years, I saw how band, drama, and visual arts kept my children and their classmates engaged in school. Putting students first means protecting these programs at every school, in every neighbourhood, so access does not depend on which catchment a family lives in.
Calvin Dang
I believe arts and music are an important part of a well-rounded education. They help students develop creativity, confidence, communication, and a sense of belonging. Every student should have the opportunity to participate, regardless of their family’s financial situation. I would support strong and accessible arts and music programs in Richmond schools.
Kiana Dashtabzi
Arts and music are essential to a child’s education, not just extra activities. Every student needs a safe space to express themselves and build confidence. Creative classes give children a unique way to share their feelings, process their experiences, and discover who they are. When we invest in the arts, we are directly supporting our students’ mental health.
Bill Mok
I view arts and music education as an essential part of public education, not an optional extra. They help students develop creativity, confidence, discipline, communication, and critical thinking. They also support mental health by giving students meaningful ways to express themselves, explore their identities, and experience belonging. Students have different strengths and ways of learning. Some discover their abilities through music, drama, dance, visual arts, or digital media. A strong public school system should help every student recognize and develop their gifts. In Richmond’s diverse community, arts and music can also bring students together across cultures and languages. As a school trustee, I would support equitable access to quality arts and music education across the district. I would listen to students, families, and educators, while encouraging partnerships with local artists and arts organizations. Arts education should be valued as an important part of student learning, well-being, and preparation for the future.
Heather Larson
I believe arts and music education are critical to a student’s overall learning development. They provide opportunities for creativity, self-expression, confidence and connection while supporting skills that continue beyond the classroom. Arts and music can help students discover their strengths, build a sense of belonging, and engage in learning in different meaningful ways. Working as an EA for 13 years I witnessed children and youth blossom in their learning if music was involved in the practice.
Debbie Tablotney
I view arts and music education as essential in public schools. When I first ran for Trustee back in 2002 there were many budget cuts being made. The music and band programs as well as fine arts programs were all on the chopping block. I was successful in becoming a trustee and became an advocate for those programs. The board of the day managed to find ways to keep those programs and expand them. Every time they are remotely threatened I have stood my ground to protect them. For some young people these programs are their lifeline to staying in school and being engaged in the school community.
Alice Wong
I believe arts and music education are an important part of a well-rounded public education. Public education should provide meaningful and equitable opportunities for students to experience music, visual arts, drama and dance. Arts and music can help students discover their talent, develop perseverance and creativity, and build skills that they can carry into further education, careers and their communities. My goal is to support strong, accessible arts education while making responsible decision about resources and ensuring that students across our school district have opportunities to learn, create and succeed.
Martin Li
Growing up in Richmond, music was part of my life. I learned piano, played clarinet in school band, performed in high school band concerts, and volunteered to play piano at local care homes. I was never the best musician, but I enjoyed sharing music with others, and those experiences stayed with me. Arts and music give students a chance to be creative, build confidence and connect with people. Every student has different strengths, and I believe our schools should give them opportunities to explore their interests and discover something they enjoy.
Vivien Lee
Arts and music should be core to education at every age. Not only is it fun, it’s also sparks creativity encompassing various senses of our body. Students can learn of math (geometry, counting) and history through arts and music. I personally come from a piano teaching background.
Donna Sargent
Arts and Music are essential to the public education system. It is well documented how good learning and participating in them really contributes very positively to students in their learning and well being. Arts and music play a role in overall learning and can be used in many subjects that really make them come to life. Participating in and learning art and music also helps to develop skills on how to work together and understanding each other. It’s also important to understand that the Arts and Music can be a lifelong passion and can contribute to a students’ life forever. To develop a passion for creativity is so important. Just on a personal note art and music is a huge daily part of my life and makes me incredibly happy.
Stefan Mladenovic
Arts and music education is crucial in developing our youth and vital to their learning. More funding needs to be allocated to arts and education, especially in this age of advancing AI, where it’s very important for students to be able to express their creativity and pursue artistic passions.
Ken Hamaguchi
Throughout my life (67 years), I was never much of an arts or music type of person. For me, it has always been about sports. But since becoming a school trustee, I have developed a whole new respect and admiration for the Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, etc. My art skills still consist of drawing stick men. I can’t sing, dance or act – but I sure enjoy and appreciate those who can. As for the public school system, I think Arts and Musical education is a critical component of our school curriculum. I live near Westwind School and can hear the kids playing their instruments for the first time. And then I fast forward to high school graduation ceremonies, where student in the jazz band perform, and you realise how much work and passion these kids put into their music. It is so impressive.
Rod Belleza
I view arts and music education as integral part of the public school system and they should be considered as critical components of child’s education. Art improves academic achievement and music can improve memory. Arts and music enhance creativity and critical thinking skills, improve language and reading skills and instill discipline.
David Yang
Arts and music are an important part of the learning experience for students. Students in Richmond have diverse learning needs and interests, and many students are artistically and musically talented. They need to be given the right resources and opportunities to excel in their fields of interest. In early years, elementary schools should provide all students with exposure to a range of musical instruments and art forms, with specializations in specific types of arts and music (fine arts, drama, band) in secondary schools through programs and courses.
Sandra Nixon
I believe arts and music are essential to a well-rounded public education. They give students opportunities to discover their strengths, express themselves, build confidence and experience the belonging that comes from creating something together. Every student should have these opportunities, regardless of family income or previous experience. I support exposure to a wide range of art forms and musical experiences in elementary school, with opportunities to deepen those interests through secondary courses and programs. As a trustee, I would champion strong arts and music programming as an integral part of student learning and well-being.
2. How would you support arts and music education for teachers and staff?
Hongyun Chen
Teachers cannot build strong arts programs without time, resources, professional support, and respect for their expertise. I would support fair and stable staffing so arts and music programs are not disproportionately affected when enrolment or budgets change. Teachers need practical, hands-on professional development led by experienced artists, musicians, writers, and arts educators—not simply another one-time webinar. Classroom teachers who want to use drawing, music, movement, drama, or poetry need opportunities to build genuine confidence and skill. I would also support shared planning time so specialists and classroom teachers can design meaningful learning together. Schools need adequate supplies, well-maintained instruments, appropriate storage, and usable studios and rehearsal spaces. These deserve the same seriousness we give textbooks, technology, and laboratory equipment. Above all, I would listen to teachers and staff. They know which schools lack instruments, suitable rooms, storage, or specialist support. Good policy should begin with their experience. I would also welcome voluntary, low-cost creative opportunities for staff, because educators who remain creatively engaged often bring renewed energy, empathy, and patience into their classrooms.
Lawrence Chen
I support Art and Music Education
Helen Quan
Teachers need time, training, and materials to deliver arts and music well. I would support dedicated professional development in arts instruction, including for generalist elementary teachers who often teach music and art without specialist training. I would push for district music and arts specialists to be maintained rather than reduced, and for clear budget lines that do not force teachers to fundraise or pay out of pocket. My decades running businesses taught me that people do their best work when they are properly equipped and trusted.
Calvin Dang
Teachers need the right resources, training, and support to provide meaningful arts and music experiences. I would encourage professional development, collaboration among educators, and partnerships with local artists and community organizations. Most importantly, I would listen to teachers and understand what support they need to make these programs successful.
Kiana Dashtabzi
I want to connect our schools with the talented art and music graduates living in our community. Bringing local creative professionals into the classroom as guest mentors enriches learning without putting extra pressure on our teachers. It gives students hands-on guidance, supports our hardworking school staff, and creates local job opportunities for working artists.
Bill Mok
Supporting arts and music education means supporting the teachers and staff who make these opportunities possible. I would listen to educators about the resources, facilities, instruments, technology, preparation time, and professional development they need. I would advocate for equitable and responsible funding so that programs do not depend mainly on each school’s fundraising capacity. Educators should have access to suitable materials, well-maintained equipment, and qualified specialist support whenever possible. I would also encourage partnerships with local artists, cultural organizations, and community groups. These can offer workshops, performances, mentorship, and other opportunities that support, rather than replace, educators. Teachers and staff should be included in decisions affecting arts and music programs. As a trustee, I would listen to their experience, support appropriate policies and priorities, and work with the board to provide the resources and respect they need to help students create, learn, and thrive.
Heather Larson
We must value and prioritize the important role arts and music education play in the development of children and ensure teachers and staff have the resources, professional development, and support they need to deliver meaningful programs, this means respecting the expertise of educators and providing appropriate, sustainable funding. Investment in arts and music education is an investment in student creativity, confidence and well being, and should be seen as an important part of a rich public education.
Debbie Tablotney
I have always supported the arts and music education. It is important to maintain teachers with specialized portfolios to enable these classes to continue. We have specialized Directors who collaborate with teachers on ideas and lessons that keep students engaged in the arts. I love attending the events that are the culmination of these arts classes.
Alice Wong
I believe that a strong arts and music education depends on strong support for teachers and staff who deliver these program. I would advocate for appropriate professional development, resource, equipment and learning spaces so educators have the tools they need to help students develop creativity, confidence, collaboration and communication skills. I would also encourage collaboration among teachers, schools and community arts organizations, and recognize the important work educators do through performances, exhibitions, concerts and other creative opportunities. Publicly recognized teachers and staff who build strong arts and music programs.
Martin Li
I would start by listening to teachers and staff. They work with students every day and know what their programs actually need. Sometimes that may mean resources, professional learning, equipment or stronger community partnerships. I do not think a trustee should assume they have all the answers. My role would be to listen, ask good questions and make responsible decisions at the Board table that support educators and help them provide meaningful opportunities for students.
Vivien Lee
Children nowadays suffer from low attention span. They quit easily. But they find things fun when they can learn with their friends. I would encourage teachers and staff to provide group learning opportunities and community show/performance to motivate long term commitment and re-ignite momentum regularly. Kids need goals to work towards.
Donna Sargent
In my tenure on the Richmond Board of Education I have always ensured as much as possible that Art and Music are supported and grown. As a governor of the system I have always looked for ways to protect funding for the Arts. At budget time it is important to keep allocating funding for the programs and staff that teach them. In the Richmond School District we have a District person who works diligently to support the work in our schools. She also works with other agencies such as the Richmond Arts Coalition to enrich the arts and music and share and plan together not only of our schools but always the community. I will continue to support that work.
Stefan Mladenovic
Support existing teachers by providing them with more resources, ensuring that they’re able to focus on arts and music as their sole focus, and not just as a secondary activity. I would look at ways of increasing support staff for arts and music, knowing that it’s not just the educators that make a profound impact on a student’s life, but it’s the support staff that make all the difference. Lastly I would attempt to hire new graduates from local universities that can teach locally first, giving them an opportunity to teach in Richmond first.
Ken Hamaguchi
Trustees do not get involved in the “operations” of our programs (nor would you want us to !). Catherine Jule is our District Administrator for Early Learning and Arts. She is an amazing administrator and a “champion” for the Arts. Whatever Catherine recommends or ask for, I would give serious consideration.
Rod Belleza
Supporting arts and music education for teachers and staff requires targeted professional development, administrative backing and accessible community resources. Workshops for generalist classroom teachers who may lack formal fine arts background could be helpful. Coaching and mentoring teachers and staff are also very important. Fund materials and staffing needs and leverage community partnership. Invite local artists and musicians into the schools for collaborative perspective. Increase investment for arts and music education in school to support the needs of teachers and staff.
David Yang
The District needs to work hard to recruit and retain specialized educators, such as arts and music teachers. I also believe that the District can expand and support arts and music education by establishing a formal strategy that can outline the District’s vision in this area of study.
Sandra Nixon
Supporting arts education starts with supporting the people who teach it. I would prioritize recruiting and retaining specialist teachers, alongside access to adequate materials, suitable spaces and professional learning. Classroom teachers also need opportunities to build their confidence in teaching the arts, with time for collaboration and support from specialist colleagues. I would support developing a district arts and music education strategy in consultation with educators, students and community partners. That strategy should identify gaps, establish shared priorities and connect those priorities to staffing and budget decisions. Our commitments need to be backed by resources.
3. Would you support, in addition to stand alone courses, integrating arts and music with socials, science and math courses? Why or why not?
Hongyun Chen
Yes—in addition to stand-alone courses, not instead of them. A dedicated art, music, or drama class is where students develop craft: how to draw with intention, play an instrument, listen within an ensemble, understand artistic traditions, or revise a poem. Integration is where those skills meet other areas of learning. The two approaches serve different purposes and should strengthen one another. Integration should never become a reason to reduce specialist instruction. I support thoughtful connections across subjects because they reflect my own experience as a poet trained in medicine and molecular biology. Observation, pattern, imagination, and experimentation belong in both the laboratory and the arts. In social studies, a song, painting, story, or poem can give history a human dimension that a timeline alone cannot provide. In science, observational drawing can sharpen attention, while creative writing can help students remember a concept through image and language. In mathematics, rhythm, ratio, proportion, symmetry, and pattern offer natural connections with music and visual art. Done well, integration deepens understanding. Done poorly, art becomes decoration after the “real” lesson. We should preserve strong stand-alone courses while encouraging genuine collaboration among educators.
Lawrence Chen
I support
Helen Quan
Yes. Integration deepens learning in both directions. A student who builds a model in art class understands geometry better, and a student who studies a historical period through its music remembers it longer. Integration also reaches students who would never sign up for a stand-alone arts course. I would support it as an addition to dedicated arts and music courses, never as a replacement. Both are needed, and I would want teachers, not the board, leading the design of how integration works in their classrooms.
Calvin Dang
Yes. I support connecting arts and music with other subjects when it enhances learning. Students can understand math, science, history, and culture in new ways through music, visual arts, and creativity. At the same time, stand-alone arts and music courses remain important for students to develop deeper skills and knowledge.
Kiana Dashtabzi
Yes, absolutely. In today’s world of screens, AI, and digital technology, children need opportunities to work with their hands and minds together. Integrating art into subjects like math and science helps students understand complex ideas through physical creation. I’d like our kids to stay connected to their real-world environment and keep their natural, human creativity alive.
Bill Mok
Yes. I would support integrating arts and music into social studies, science, and mathematics while protecting strong stand alone arts and music courses. Integration should expand arts education, not replace specialized instruction. The arts can make learning more engaging and accessible for students with different strengths. In social studies, students can explore history and culture through music, theatre, storytelling, and visual art. In science, drawing, design, photography, and digital media can help students understand and communicate complex ideas. Music can also demonstrate mathematical concepts such as patterns, fractions, rhythm, and proportion. This approach develops creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem solving while helping students see connections between subjects. Integration should be developed with educators, supported by appropriate resources and professional learning, and connected to curriculum goals. Teachers should have flexibility to choose approaches that meet their students’ needs. Integrated learning and stand alone courses should complement each other so every student can experience the arts while those wishing to study them deeply continue to have that opportunity.
Heather Larson
I believe there is value in including arts and music intentionally with subjects such as social studies, science and math. We know there are already elements of art and music in these areas and students benefit from making those connections. I am not an educator, I do not know what would be needed in the classroom; however, it would have to be thoughtfully built into the curriculum and supported at the ministry level, with appropriate resources and funding.
Debbie Tablotney
I do support learning through the arts. My son attended MacNeill in the fine arts academy where learning through the arts was fundamental. Unfortunately as the population of the school grew that concept was not as easy to administer to large numbers of students with diverse interests. Most of our schools do have collaboration time carved out of their days when they can meet with other departments to discuss cross curricular ideas for integrating such courses as arts and music with courses considered academics. I think this sparks student engagement and curiosity and is most beneficial especially to creative students who learn in a different way.
Alice Wong
I would support integrating arts and music with socials studies, science, and Math. It makes learning more meaningful, gives students different way to demonstrate learning. Arts and music can help students understand different cultures, histories and perspectives . Arts education develops creative thinking, communication, collaboration and reflection skill that are also important in science, social studies and mathematics. Students still need to learn the fundamentals of science, social studies and Math.
Martin Li
Yes, when it helps students learn. Students learn in different ways, and sometimes music, art or a creative project can make a lesson more interesting and easier to understand. There are natural connections between the arts and subjects like history, science and math. At the same time, I would not want integration to replace dedicated opportunities to learn music and art. I think there is room for both. Teachers know their classrooms best, and I would respect their professional judgment about what works for their students.
Vivien Lee
As I said, arts and music closely relate up math and history. As educators, we should seize the opportunity to teach holistically. Research shows, students who are strong in music also excels in math.
Donna Sargent
Yes. This is happening now through many different ways. BC’s Curriculum very much recognizes and expects integration of the arts and music. Teachers and staff do a very good job of integrated and celebrating the arts in each classroom and school. Many of our schools are very lucky to have murals on their walls outside and the process of who/how/why is incredible that happens around the design in a very meaningful way. A local artist works with our schools coming up with the design and really contributes to our students/staff learning. I have been to a number of mural openings and it’s been fantastic to see the community also come to see and understand how it was all done. It brightens up the neighbourhood and celebrates everyday the importance of art and working together.
Stefan Mladenovic
I would strongly encourage integrating arts and music as core elements of learning, especially as we’re facing technological challenges that don’t reward creativity. Integrating arts and music with other courses, ensures that students are well-balanced and able to produce original content and ideas.
Ken Hamaguchi
I don’t know, because at this point, I do not have enough information or experience to make that call. However, I would be open to listening to the pros and cons of such a move, so that I could make a decision as to whether I’d support it or not
Rod Belleza
Yes. I will support that arts and music should be integrated with social science and math courses in addition to stand alone courses like in the Liberal Arts courses. Arts and music enhance creativity and critical thinking skills, instill discipline and will help improve student achievement.
David Yang
I believe there is room for artistic and musical expressions in other academic subject areas. By allowing students to explore the curriculum through these expressions, students are able to come across different perspectives in their learning. It also inspires students to gain interest in art and music.
Sandra Nixon
Yes. Students bring different strengths and ways of learning, and integrating arts and music across subjects can offer additional ways to explore ideas and demonstrate understanding. Rhythm can help students explore mathematical patterns; drama and visual art can open up conversations about history, identity and different perspectives. I would support educators in developing these connections through collaborative planning and access to resources, while respecting their professional judgement. Integration should complement strong stand-alone arts and music courses. Students also need opportunities to develop the particular skills, knowledge and creative practices that these disciplines offer.
4. Would you support making art supplies and instruments low cost or free? Why or why not?
Hongyun Chen
Yes. A child’s opportunity to pick up a violin, open a sketchbook, work with clay, or discover an artistic talent should not depend on household income. Instrument-rental fees, costly supply lists, and expenses connected with performances can quietly exclude students, regardless of their interest or ability. I would support instrument-lending and repair programs, shared supply banks, responsible reuse of materials, and the provision of essential art supplies as basic learning tools—just as schools provide textbooks and other educational resources. Community partnerships, grants, and donations can help strengthen these programs, but they should not turn arts teachers into full-time fundraisers or create major differences in opportunity among schools. Where a fee remains necessary, it should be modest, clearly explained, and accompanied by a simple, confidential waiver process. No student should feel singled out because a family needs financial assistance. We should also consider the related costs of performances, uniforms, transportation, and field trips so that participation is genuinely accessible. Public education should open the door. It should not leave a price tag on the handle.
Lawrence Chen
Yes support free
Helen Quan
Yes. A child’s access to music should not depend on whether their family can afford an instrument rental. I would support expanding district instrument lending programs, using community partnerships and donations to grow the inventory, and keeping basic art supplies funded through the district rather than through parent fees. Through the Metro Vancouver Volunteer Association I have seen how many Richmond families are stretched, and how often they quietly opt out rather than ask for help. Removing the cost barrier is the fairest way to protect participation.
Calvin Dang
Yes. Cost should not prevent a student from participating in arts or music. I would support making essential supplies and instruments free or affordable whenever possible, while also encouraging partnerships with local organizations, artists, businesses, and donors. Every student deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity and discover their talents.
Kiana Dashtabzi
Yes, because no child should miss out on art or music because of money.I support dedicated district funding to make supplies free and accessible, while letting art and music teachers choose the right quality tools for their classrooms.
Bill Mok
Yes. I would support making essential art supplies and musical instruments free or affordable so that family income does not determine whether a student can participate. Public education should provide the basic materials required for learning. No student should be excluded from an arts or music program because their family cannot afford supplies, instrument rentals, or other fees. Financial assistance should also be provided without identifying or stigmatizing students. The district must use public funds responsibly. I would support practical measures such as instrument lending, repair and reuse programs, shared equipment, bulk purchasing, grants, donations, and partnerships with community arts organizations. Families could still choose to purchase personal or premium equipment, but it should not be necessary for meaningful participation. Removing financial barriers helps every student experience the creativity, confidence, discipline, and sense of belonging that arts and music education can provide.
Heather Larson
I would support making art supplies and musical instruments low-cost or free depending on the needs of students and families. We talk about inclusion and equity in education, and access to arts and music should be part of that commitment. If we respect that music and the arts can enhance learning, creativity, confidence and student engagement then cost should not be a barrier to participating. Every student should have the opportunity to benefit from the arts and music.
Debbie Tablotney
I would, however our funding comes from the Ministry of Education and we are reliant on the per student funding. We do find ways to support these classes with the necessary equipment however not all costs can be covered. The district has donation programs with some of the music stores where donated instruments given to schools once they are fixed up.
Alice Wong
I would support making essential art supplies and musical instruments free or low cost for students, particularly where the cost would otherwise prevent a student from participating. I believe every student should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of arts and music education, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. School district can work with community organizations and local business to obtain donations or sponsorships, where appropriate.
Martin Li
I was fortunate to have opportunities to learn music growing up, and I would like students to have that chance regardless of their family circumstances. Cost should not unnecessarily prevent a student from participating. I would support practical options such as instrument lending, reusing supplies, community partnerships and assistance for families who need it. We also need to be responsible with limited school funding. I would listen to families and staff, understand the needs and costs, and look for solutions that improve access while being financially responsible.
Vivien Lee
To keep cost low, it is importance to provide age appropriate supply for students. Many instruments are too delicate for young children to handle, creating a lot of stress for the parents. There are plenty of ways to teach children at different age to count, read notes, draw, create arts. I would encourage re-use, and provide swap market opportunities. It not only saves our environment, but also teach our children to make good use of existing supplies. The ability to find joy in good stewardship would move our children away from a culture of entitlement.
Donna Sargent
We currently have an instrument borrowing/renting system It really helps students have access to instruments. We are also very lucky to have community members donate used instruments. As a governor I will continue to ensure that schools receive budgets to help support students who may need assistance.
Stefan Mladenovic
Yes, because art supplies and instruments shouldn’t just be the domain of the well-off. Students of all aspects of life should have access to tools that allow them to make their imagination roam.
Ken Hamaguchi
We always want to keep our costs to our students as low as possible. I suppose I would be looking at our staff to present a proposal and then defend it.
Rod Belleza
Yes. I will support making art supplies and instrument low cost or even free depending on other budget priorities. I believe that the school district should increase its investment because arts and music education are very important for students to develop their individual potential. We could also utilize community sharing programs, reuse centres and alternative sourcing methods.
David Yang
Yes. I believe that equitable access to resources such as instruments and supplies is key to strengthening arts and music education in the District. By making arts and music equipment more accessible at each school, students can have more opportunities to explore their interests in arts and music. The district can achieve this by dedicating resources to grow the District’s Arts Education department and ensure that procurements can be made for schools.
Sandra Nixon
Yes, absolutely! A student’s opportunity to participate in arts and music should not depend on what their family can afford. I would support making essential supplies and instruments available without cost wherever possible, and ensuring that any remaining costs do not prevent participation. Through budget planning, I would seek to strengthen shared resources, instrument lending and funding for maintenance and replacement. I would also ask where gaps exist between schools, so access does not depend on a school community’s fundraising capacity. Equity means making sure students have what they need to take part fully and with dignity.
5. How would you support school initiatives for arts and music field trips or visits by arts practitioners?
Hongyun Chen
A working musician in a band room, a class inside a real theatre, or a poet or painter who treats students as fellow creators can change what a young person believes is possible. I would support field trips, performances, workshops, artist residencies, visiting ensembles, and partnerships with galleries, libraries, museums, theatres, cultural organizations, and community arts groups. Schools should be encouraged to include Indigenous artists and bilingual or multilingual practitioners who reflect Richmond’s cultures and families. The district should provide a straightforward process for inviting practitioners while maintaining standards for educational value and student safety. Funding for transportation, admission, accessibility, and teacher coverage should not depend entirely on Parent Advisory Councils or individual school fundraising. A student’s access to cultural experiences should not be determined by the fundraising capacity of the school they attend. When cost, distance, or accessibility makes travel difficult, shared district programs and virtual visits can extend participation. However, these should supplement—not replace—the experience of entering an artistic space or being in the room with an artist. Students should not only study art. They should encounter it, make it, and imagine themselves within it.
Lawrence Chen
Yes
Helen Quan
I would support a district fund for arts field trips and artist visits so that individual schools do not have to rely entirely on parent fundraising, which favours schools in wealthier areas. Richmond has strong local arts organizations, and I would encourage formal partnerships with them, including with the Richmond Arts Coalition, to bring practitioners into classrooms. My volunteer leadership has been built on connecting community groups with the people who need them, and I would bring that same approach to linking schools with local artists.
Calvin Dang
I would support partnerships between schools and Richmond’s artists, musicians, cultural organizations, and arts community. Field trips and visits from arts practitioners can bring learning to life and give students experiences beyond the classroom. I would encourage opportunities that are accessible, inclusive, and reflect Richmond’s diverse cultures and communities.
Kiana Dashtabzi
I want to expand these programs so every student in Richmond gets to experience live arts and culture, no matter which school they attend. Field trips and artist visits are especially helpful for neurodivergent and gifted students, who often express themselves best through creative avenues. I will advocate for district funding to cover costs like transportation and bring local artists directly to our students.
Bill Mok
I would support arts and music field trips and visits by practitioners because students benefit from experiencing the arts beyond the classroom. Meeting artists, musicians, performers, and cultural practitioners can make learning more engaging while introducing students to diverse forms of expression and creative careers. As a trustee, I would encourage partnerships among schools, local artists, cultural groups, arts organizations, and venues. The district should explore grants, shared programming, reduced admission costs, and transportation support to make these experiences affordable. Access should not depend on a school’s fundraising capacity or a family’s ability to pay. Schools need support for admission, transportation, accessibility, and practitioner fees so all students can participate. Teachers should remain central in choosing experiences that are age appropriate, connected to the curriculum, and responsive to their students. With responsible funding and community partnerships, these opportunities can enrich learning, strengthen community connections, and help students discover new interests.
Heather Larson
I would encourage teachers to follow their passion and find meaningful ways to bring arts and music into their classrooms, including field trips and opportunities to learn from artists and musicians. We have to advocate to provide appropriate funding for these initiatives when it comes to budget decisions. Cost should not be a barrier to student participation. We need to ensure that arts and music are respected and valued just as other areas of the curriculum.
Debbie Tablotney
Our schools do have funding to secure field trips and visits by arts practitioners. These can often be shared amount other schools to reduce costs where there is shared interest and course content. Schools often form partnerships with the local symphony, opera or art gallery to offer student enrichment programs. I find these partnerships spark interest in students and a life long love of the arts!
Alice Wong
I would support arts and music field trips and visits by arts practitioners because they give students learning experience that cannot always be provided in the classroom. Encourage schools to organize visits to museums, galleries, theatres, concert halls, cultural centres, and performances when they connect directly to curriculum learning, it can make learning more meaningful and give students first-hand exposure to creativity and different forms of expression. I would also encourage partnerships with local arts, cultural and community organization to expand these opportunities.
Martin Li
As an elementary school student in Richmond, I remember going to the Orpheum to hear the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. I still enjoy attending performances there today. What stayed with me was having the chance, as a child, to experience something beyond my everyday classroom. I would like students today to have those opportunities too. I would support accessible field trips, visits from artists and musicians, and partnerships with Richmond’s arts community when educators believe they would provide meaningful learning experiences for students.
Vivien Lee
Our teenager can take part in designing and/volunteering (time permits) the curriculum of such field trips. Our teenagers are tech fluent. That enables them to come up with fancy design. It gives them responsibility and solid outcome that can bless the community. They also understand what clicks with younger children because they just came out of that age group. Therefore, I would highly encourage creating opportunities for such.
Donna Sargent
I think it’s important to celebrate and highlight the incredible work that is currently happening. To collaborate with our staff and other community partners to share in the work. We as governors that must ensure there are supports provided in this important work. I would like to tell you about a project that happened this year. A welcome to school package is always given to the newly arriving students and this year the package included a small book called “ I belong at School” The book was developed by teachers and students. All the illustrations were done by students at every grade level working together to produce this beautiful book. One of our strategic goals for the School District is to increase the belonging feeling for our students and staff at our schools. This is one of many projects around this goal but one that uses art to relay visually what we are trying to do. It’s a beautiful book that went to all the kindergarteners and their family. It’s a perfect example of how important the arts are to the well being and success of our students. Thank you for asking these important questions.
Stefan Mladenovic
I would encourage visits to local arts/communities in Richmond first because this city has a wealth of culture that should be showcased to students interested in arts/music. As a result, I would ensure that there’s funding and collaboration opportunities with Gateway Theatre and other smaller theatres in Richmond. I would champion local actors and artists and musicians to visit local schools and share their stories with students.
Ken Hamaguchi
I don’t know, but perhaps you could give me some examples 😊
Rod Belleza
Through partnership with the city, the school district, local arts organizations and other stakeholders, we may be able to share resources available for the purpose. To make field trips successful, schools should focus on accessibility and deep engagement. Field trips are very important in discovering the beauty of the city and its diverse makeup and history. We can attract or retain arts practitioners by supporting the works that they do, by recognizing the importance of their contribution for the promotion of the arts and by honoring their visits. By inviting artists, musicians and performers into the school provides students with direct mentorship and a window in creative careers.
David Yang
I will do so by engaging with external partners in the arts and music sector as an active community partner. Field trips and school visits cannot happen without those who are willing to share their artistic and musical knowledge. The District can achieve this by liaising with community groups, artists, musicians, and other professionals in the field on a consistent basis. This will allow the District and stakeholders to share information, develop opportunities, and enhance working relationships.
Sandra Nixon
I would support the schools and the district continuing to build sustained relationships with local artists, musicians and arts organizations to expand opportunities for students, both in schools and through community visits. Teachers should have practical support to arrange these experiences, including help with coordination, transportation and accessibility. I would advocate for funding so that cost does not exclude students or place an unreasonable burden on families and PACs. Visiting practitioners should also be fairly compensated for their work. These partnerships can connect classroom learning with our wider community and introduce students to diverse cultural traditions, creative practices and possibilities for their future.
Thank you to the candidates for their responses.
For more info on how to vote this year, please go to http://richmond.ca/elections .