Title
Ted Fullerton provided a deputation to City Council on behalf of the Campus Gallery/Culture Barrie in opposition to motion 13-G-019 concerning the 2013 Business Plan. He noted that he is an active member of the cultural community, a Professor of Fine Arts and the Head of the Design and Visual Art Department at Georgian College. Mr. Fullerton explained that he is a Board Member for the McLaren Art Centre and has been an advocate for the cultural health in Barrie for many years. He expressed concern regarding the proposed $50,000 reduction to the Cultural Grants Program. Mr. Fullerton indicated that he feels it is important to focus on the facts and explained that the Ontario Arts Council released a report in 2012 entitled Ontario Arts and Culture Tourism Profile. He commented that the report provides a comprehensive profile of Ontario's arts and culture tourists. He quoted statistics from the report regarding information on the number, characteristics and impact of Ontario's arts and culture tourists. He concluded by commending City Council for their dedication to arts and culture and requested that they continue with their investment.
A Member of City Council asked a number of questions concerning the information provided and received responses from the presenter.