Candidate Information
Welcome to Creative Calgary’s candidate information for the Calgary 2021 General Election. Creative Calgary’s goal is to educate voters on the extent to which candidates in the municipal election share its view that fostering support and strong investment in the arts sector is critical in building a vibrant and prosperous city.
We thank you for taking the time to visit our site and encourage you to do your own research on each candidate to ensure that on October 18, you cast your vote for the candidate that best aligns with your own values and priorities. A full list of candidates can be found here, and we have linked to candidates' public websites below, where applicable.
To read about Creative Calgary's process in researching each candidate, click here.
Ward 2
Francis Aranha
Running for: Ward 2 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Francis Aranha selected, "I believe a thriving, prosperous city must have a vibrant arts scene in order to succeed. The municipal government should prioritize finding strategic ways to increase investment in the arts sector."
Personal arts statement: "Any form of art is a powerful economic force to the City, and acts as a magnet for tourism and boost local talent. Cities like Paris, Rome, London have thrived because of their unique architecture and recognizable landmarks. Moreover, they help educate and inspire our citizens and stimulate creativity in the workplace and schools."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Francis Aranha's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.francisaranha.ca
Joe Magliocca
Running for: Ward 2 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Joe Magliocca has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Joe Magliocca has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Joe Magliocca's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.ward2.ca
Sareen Singh
Running for: Ward 2 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Sareen Singh has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Sareen Singh has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Sareen Singh's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.sareensingh.ca
Kim (Dong) Tyers
Running for: Ward 2 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Kim Tyers has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Kim Tyers has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Kim Tyers' platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.kimtyers.com
Theo Van Besouw
Running for: Ward 2 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Theo van Besouw selected, "I believe Calgary currently has many important civic priorities, including the arts. Current municipal investment in the arts is sufficient and should be maintained at its current level."
Personal arts statement: "A functional society is built on truth, justice and beauty. The challenge is to balance these aspects in an equitable manner and for this, discussions by all stakeholders are required."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Theo van Besouw's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.theowardtwo.ca
Jennifer Wyness
Running for: Ward 2 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Jennifer Wyness selected "I believe a thriving, prosperous city must have a vibrant arts scene in order to succeed. The municipal government should prioritize finding strategic ways to increase investment in the arts sector."
Personal arts statement: "A city that embraces the arts whether music, visual, theatrical, film, architecture, or any other innovative form of self expression is a more connected, creative and engaging city. The arts connect Calgarians and we need to focus on strengthening our arts community."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Jennifer Wyness' platform includes a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.jenniferwyness.com