Stage Door News
Stage Door News
September 11, 2014; Artsvote Toronto and TIFF will host a Mayoral lunchtime debate on Monday September 29 at 12 noon in Cinema One at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Moderated by Damian Abraham, lead vocalist of Toronto band Fucked Up, the 2014 Mayoral Arts Debate will give candidates the opportunity to debate the role of arts and culture in Toronto, its impact on the economic health of the city and the role that artists play in city building. ArtsVote is a volunteer coalition of non-partisan artists, arts workers and supporters from across the City, that continues to play a key role in ensuring that municipal voters are well informed about the longstanding impact and contribution of the sector – arts, culture and heritage – to the health and vitality of our city.
ArtsVote Toronto is working to ensure that Toronto’s next Mayor is committed to the strength and vitality of the city’s cultural sector. “There are many challenges – and even more opportunities – ahead for artists and culture sector workers , ” says Jacoba Knaapen, co-Chair of ArtsVote Toronto says. " We are working to build a relationship at the city for the future. The election is just the beginning”.
Artsvote Toronto is focused on four key issues.
1. Arts and Culture Champions at City Hall
2. Affordable spaces to live, work, and play
3. Sustainable funding and growth in investment
4. A committed Partner – in every neighbourhood
Mayoral candidates who have confirmed their participation in the debate are Olivia Chow, Ari Goldkind, and John Tory. Mayor Rob Ford has been invited to participate as well.
About moderator Damian Abraham
Damian Abraham was incredibly fortunate and able to fall backwards into living his (pipe)dream. First engaging his obsession with music as a young record collector, as he grew older Damian did radio shows, zines and bands. One of these bands, Fucked Up, went on to achieve some measure of critical acclaim, touring the world and releasing records on Matador and Arts and Crafts Records. From this, he was able to host a show on Much Music for 3 years and more recently hosting a Vice produced documentary series on the Medical Cannabis industry in Canada. The only thing that he loves more than music is his family. He has lived his whole life in Toronto and is passionate about this city.
Visit www.artsvote.ca for more information
The Mayoral Arts Debate is open to the public at no charge. Box Office opens at 10am, Doors open at 11:30am am. General seating.
The debate will also be live streamed through nowtoronto.com. Questions for candidates can be submitted for consideration through @nowtoronto #artsvoteyyz.
Mayoral Arts Debate, Hosted by Artsvote and TIFF
Monday, September 29 12 noon – 2:00 pm
Box Office Open at 10 am, Doors at 11:30 am
Cinema One, TIFF Bell Lightbox , Reitman Square, 350 King Street W.
General Seating, Admission FREE
2014-09-11
Toronto: Damian Abraham to moderate ArtsVote Mayoral Arts Debate September 29