As a part of Create the Vote, we partnered with the The Arts & Culture Collaborative, Waterbury Region to ask candidates about their views on the importance of supporting the arts.  Among the candidates who participated were Eric Berthel (Senate 32 - R*), Jeff Desmarais (Senate 32 - D), George Logan (Senate 17 - D*), Maria P. Horn (House 64 - D*), Michele Zommer (House 69 - D), John Piscopo (House 76 - R*), and Ron Napoli Jr., (House 73 - D).

 * Incumbent candidate.

You can watch the forum here:

1. Your Personal Connection to the Arts 

The pandemic has been challenging for so many in CT and in so many ways.

How have you personally benefited from the arts or creative expression in the last few months? What local arts experiences have you missed most during the shutdown?

2. Arts + Economic Recovery 

CT can’t recover without the arts. Arts and culture are key for CT’s economic recovery. Creative industries pump $9 billion into the state and account for 3.5% of CT’s total economy. Our non-profit arts organizations support 23,000 jobs, generate $800 million annually, and return $7 back in tax revenue for every $1 invested by the state.

How will you help harness the power of the arts for CT’s economic recovery?

3. Arts Support Racial & Social Justice 

The pandemic has deepened existing divides in Connecticut, particularly along the lines of race and class. The arts create shared experiences that can unite people and bridge divides to acknowledge the strength in our differences.

Do you believe the arts can help build racial and social justice in Connecticut? If so, how?

4. CT Needs Help from the Arts

With 62% of artists unemployed and most arts organizations unable to reopen, the industry needs emergency support to recover and thrive. CT’s arts and culture sector has suffered an estimated $400 million in economic losses.

Will you support emergency funding to support the arts industry in Connecticut? If so, from what source and at what level?

5. Arts Heal + Rebuild 

Creativity helps us process loss, fight loneliness, and create vibrant, resilient communities that attract and retain residents, businesses, and visitors.

What do you think is an important role for arts and culture to play in healing, mental health, and rebuilding the social fabric of our cities and towns?