Panel Discussion: Creative Industries - Economic Drivers | Tuesday 16 October

A panel on the impact of arts and culture on economic development. Presented by the Alliance for a Grand Community

 

Municipalities that embrace culture gain positive economic benefits for their communities. Cultural industries create job growth, turn ordinary cities into “destination cities,” create interconnections between arts and business, revitalize urban areas, attract skilled workers, and create spin-off businesses. As Waterloo Region is experiencing tremendous growth, its arts and cultural organizations provide a gateway to increased capacity for innovation. A strong cultural ecosystem leads to greater intra-sector collaboration and innovation and economic sustainability and growth. Arts and culture are economic drivers – both in their own right and in partnership with other sectors of the economy. 

The Alliance for a Grand Community, comprised of senior leaders in several arts and culture organizations in Waterloo Region, is presenting an evening discussion on the impact of arts and culture on economic development.  

Hosted by Shirley Madill, President, Alliance for a Grand Community & Executive Director, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery

Moderated by Andrew Bennett, Executive Director, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony

Panelists:  

Ken Coit, Program Manager of Public Art and Projects for the City or Hamilton

Ken Coit is Program Manager of Public Art and Projects for the City of Hamilton. Following his graduation from the School of Architecture, University of Waterloo he worked in private architectural practice for ten years serving as Project Architect on over 30 buildings, Chair of the Hamilton and Burlington Society of Architects and a Board Member of Arts Hamilton. As a Senior Urban Designer at the City, Ken has developed policy for Secondary Plans and the City’s Official Plan, and completed many Urban Design Studies including the City of Hamilton City-Wide Corridor Planning Principles and Design Guidelines in support of Hamilton’s LRT project. Since taking a lead role in Hamilton’s Public Art program in 2010 he has commissioned and installed 25 public art projects, completed a review and update of the City’s Public Art Master Plan and had a principal role in the City’s Waterfront Park Public Design Competition. In addition to his role at the City of Hamilton he currently chairs the City of Burlington Urban Design Review Panel. 

Crystal Ellis, Senior Economic Development Officer, County of Wellington 

Crystal has been working in municipal government for the past eight years and is currently serving as the Senior Economic Development Office with the County of Wellington. With a degree in Art History and Diploma in Arts Management, Crystal has experience in the local arts and culture sector and she continues to broaden her cultural experience in her municipal work promoting economic growth in the County.

Tony LaMantia, President and CEO, Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation 
Tony LaMantia’s career spans more than 25 years of experience in large public sector organizations as well as private sector growth-oriented companies before joining Waterloo EDC as President & CEO. Previously, LaMantia has worked for the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, where he was the assistant deputy minister of the investment and industry division. LaMantia helped lead the Ministry in both attracting investment to the Province and working with industry and regional stakeholders to grow existing anchor companies such as Cisco, OpenText, Toyota and Ford.  Tony has held responsibility for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and the new Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, which support local businesses in Ontario. 

Beisan Zubi, Community Relations Manager, Communitech

Currently the Community Relations Manager at Communitech, an innovation centre dedicated to growing Waterloo Region’s thriving tech sector, Beisan spends her days increasing understanding between tech and non-tech communities through community engagement, philanthropy, volunteerism, partnerships and more. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling around Waterloo Region, refinishing antique furniture and eating brunch and is currently running for one of two Waterloo seats on Waterloo Regional Council.
 

When
October 16th, 2018 from  7:00 PM to  9:00 PM