CONSULTATION 4
CreativeSector
The fourth consultation involved individuals working in the creative sector, including artists and performers;
administrators of cultural institutions; publishers and journalists; web designers; marketing, design, and
architecture firms; andmembers of the hospitality and tourist industries. Fifty-seven people attended.
Participants at this session had a positive outlook on the future ofWindsor-Essex, and saw it as a place of promise
and community activity. They see the creative sector as particularly important to community evolution and
revitalization, noting the role this sector is playing in Detroit’s efforts. There is a lot of grassroots activity: despite
this energy and talent, they reported disconnects which have historically limited community engagement and
progress. They viewed communication, curiosity, critical thinking, resilience, and leadership as important skills that
students should acquire during their university educations. Like other sectors, they value the role of the University
as a community partner and collaborator with capacity tobring innovation and research to those collaborations.
Participants identified many positive partnership experiences with the University – some current, and others that
might be revisited. The Windsor International Film Festival collaboration; public history and community archives
projects; museum, publishing, and political science internships; the Windsor Symphony Orchestra partnership;
and Art Plus Feminism (with the Arts Council and Hackforge) were all identified as highly effective current
collaborations. Participants also recommended revisiting programs such as the multi-organization-supported
Visitor in the Arts program, social events where arts students met arts community members, and collaborations
among gallery owners and the AGW to talk to arts students about the artist and the industry. Volunteer programs
Report onCommunityConsultations:Winter 2017
