I'm not a big fan of politics but I do support the Arts. I received a notification via e-mail on the Mayoral Forum on the Arts being held at the Kentucky Center. The event was free to the public and ran exactly two hours. Keep reading as I give a rundown of what went down.
First and foremost Chuck Maisch, President of the KCA took the podium nestled between the two tables dividing the mayoral candidates. He began speaking about the 1937 flood which then segued to talking about how late Mayor Charles Farnsley started an arts fund and how the Louisville Orchestra was saved. He wanted to make sure that the forum concentrated on advancing the arts into the future.
“We think the importance of art in our community is better than 'nice to have.'” -Chuck Maisch
Up next to the podium came David Cupps, the moderator for the evening. Cupps is the Executive Director of Arts Kentucky. The rules were as follows: the candidates will make their opening statements. Then there are six questions that four candidates a piece will be asked and responses are limited to 90 seconds. Following are questions from the audience that two candidates will have one minute each to respond to. Lastly the candidates will have their closing statements.
At the left table in attendance were Tyler Allen, graphic artist, entrepreneur, and part of the “8664” project; Burrel Charles Farnsley, son of the late aforementioned Mayor; Greg Fischer, entrepreneurial inventor of the soda and ice machines you see at fast food places like McD's and Taco Bell; Jackie Green, property renovating intellectual; Hal Heiner, businessman and councilmember. Sitting at the right table were Jim King, career politico; Connie Marshall, outspoken and adamant real estate agent and business owner (and even a former Tina Turner impersonator); Lisa Moxley, arts and entertainment executive; Johnathan Robertson, local businessman whose daughter is a violist; David Tandy, current Councilman representing the downtown area and the major arts organizations; and Shannon White, hard-working mother, entrepreneur, and not a big fan of visual arts.
The first question dealt with comparing our current Arts community to the Louisville of the 1950's. What would we do to equal it or make our current arts community better? King, Marshall, and Robertson all ambled on the responses they gave and could only reaffirm their campaign platforms. Moxley gave a glimmer of hope with the fact that she had helped with the film tax breaks for Kentucky and wanted to expand filmmaking in the Bluegrass state.
Question Two: do the candidates support art funding? David Tandy was behind the idea, saying that being behind it would create economic buildup. Shannon White responded that it wasn't just about funding the arts but getting government funding for the overhead expenses. Tyler Allen said, “Arts engage not just the economy but the spirit in us.” Burrel Farnsley opted out of the question, wanting to save time until the end. Greg Fischer wants to see programs that outreach to under-served audiences.
How would a candidate use the Arts to improve an area? Green reiterated his stance on renovating areas. Heiner talked about taxes and buildings. King wants to improve 4th and Oak and use that as a connecting juncture. Marshall didn't have a lot to add.
The next question involved the ability to “replicate the success of East Market Street.” Moxley made a point to mention that the Arts shouldn't just be in one area and that all areas of Metro Louisville should invest in where they live. Robertson didn't have anything to add. Tandy spoke about renovation. White wanted the focus on the arts “to be more than visual art” and spoke about tax incentives.
How would a candidate use the art/creative workforce to help the economy? Allen, a graphic artist, said that he would get the city to work with artists and to create a “creativity friendly” place. Fischer said that he would work to improve arts education now. Green wants to make the downtown area the Center of Louisville saying, “Downtown must be an experience,” and that “Arena traffic is about to teach us a lesson in access.” Heiner finished with saying that he wanted to encourage youth, give better access to and expand the Arts.
The final question dealt with what's called a “percentage to the arts.” Basically, any building constructed has to have one percent dedicated to art. Several other cities have enacted this concept. Jim King supports it and is a proponent for arts funding. Marshall was unsure of the idea, wanting to first know contract stipulations. Moxley wanted to know more about development details. Robertson said that he has spoken with several developers who are, or could be, discouraged by the concept.
Next came audience questions which I won't go into much detail on but I will give a few thoughts from the candidates. Tandy and White would be in support of a local options sales tax for the arts, with White wanting to make sure that artists get a fair cut on their work. Allen would help artists in the community through development while Fischer reaffirms that he supports the local options sales tax. Heiner wants to put in place a vision of the Arts while Marshall would like to see a website for local artistic culture open to teachers and students.
The forum ended and Churchill Davenport took the podium. He's the Director of the Kentucky School of Art and made a small mention about it followed by “special thanks to.”
Closing comments: Allen is in support of the Arts “for what they bring to all aspects of the City.” Farnsley finally chimed in with a story regaling about a birthday party he had and his father's connections at that point in time. Fischer is about integrity, inclusion, and expansion; “Art is democratic.” Green said that we need more artists to help envision and create the future. Heiner responded that the arts need our continued support to survive and proposed that, if elected Mayor, he would commission an annual art piece. “Arts... are essential to the quality of life...” -Jim King. Marshall supports arts education. Moxley is about changing the way the arts are funded (citing that they are the victim of budget cuts). Robertson would like to make art accessible to everyone. Tandy would like to use it to pull people together. White didn't have anything to add.
My final thoughts? It depends on how this is to be viewed. On an artistic spectrum I give credit to Moxley and Allen for being artists and candidates and knowing what artists go through in terms of crafting a life from their work in the city; the corollary is that some candidates (Robertson, Marshall, Farnsley) are removed from the concept. But, this is politics and unfortunately I don't feel that on that front Moxley and Allen will make it, but then again neither will Robertson, Marshall, or even Farnsley. If this were political “Survivor,” my money is on Jim King to make it to the end. By the way, what the hell IS Burrel Farnsley doing running for office? Aside from blowing money and wasting time?
God help Louisville if we elect that Jim King!
We deserve a better leader than someone with Jim Kings background. Do not take my word in it, just learn about his background.
I'm not a big fan of politics but I do support the Arts. I received a notification via e-mail on the Mayoral Forum on the Arts being held at the Kentucky Center. The event was free to the public and ran exactly two hours. Keep reading as I give a rundown of what went down.
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Film Guy