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John Tory's Arts Policy

Toronto needs a clean start and fresh leadership. Toronto is a city in decline and the upcoming municipal election will decide whether we continue that decline or begin to reverse it.

To reverse it we need action and I have a track record of doing just that and getting results in the business, legal and charity sectors. We need this city to be managed properly in order to get it back on track.

But it is not enough for a city to be properly managed it must have a soul. I want a city alive with arts and culture because it makes good business sense and it impacts our quality of life.

I do not accept the notion that money spent on industry is called investment and that spent in the arts are called “grants”. Arts and culture is clearly the biggest employer in this city, over 190,000 people, or one worker in seven. We need to invest in it.

The multiplier effect of investment in the arts is huge. Consider one recent example – the Toronto International Film Festival.

For 10 days we are the media capital of the world. Nine hundred print and television journalists from around the globe show the stars, the biggest films, and a city that is alive. Last year, the festival brought in $70 million to our economy. The city’s ‘grant’ was $250,000. I’d say that’s a pretty good return on investment.

Our film industry, however, is hurting. For years we have taken it for granted while others worked hard at luring it away from us. We have to stop our complacency now.

I will work to make Toronto “film friendly” again. I will have the film office report directly to the Mayor’s Office so we can cut through the red tape and facilitate what needs to be done.  I will be a tireless ambassador for this city and this industry.

And we have to do something about culture “investment” in this city. Montreal spends $26.62 per capita. San Francisco spends over $50. We currently spend $14.64. That’s simply poor management.

That investment is not just about the opera, the Art Gallery or the Symphony. We have more than 450 arts groups that teach and expose new talent and need new money. I will go out and get it for them.

All the children in this city, especially the most disadvantaged ones, need to get more music, more theatre, more dance in their lives. Culture strengthens our community, which strengthens our city.

Somebody needs to explain this to our new provincial and federal governments. Somebody has to involve private sector partners. That means you need to elect a new mayor who can get the job done.

I can get the job done. I have a track record of results. This city needs action on the arts and culture. I will take action and get results.