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1. YOUR PERSONAL CONNECTION
How have you personally benefited from the arts or creative expression during the COVID-19 pandemic? What local cultural experience are you excited to participate in soon?
Creativity has been essential to everyone during these challenging times.
During the early days of the pandemic, I took up painting and sewing. I made masks for friends, family, and donated hundreds to strangers. Keeping busy and doing something with my hands helped relieve stress. The creative expression was calming when I was panicking about how my children would learn, how to best help neighbors in Hamden, and the prospects of how long the pandemic and lockdown would last.
2. ECONOMIC RECOVERY
How will you leverage the creative sector to help the local economy recover and grow?
Greater New Haven’s nonprofit arts organizations support 5,667 FTE jobs and $135M in economic impact, creating a strong economic ripple effect throughout our region.
Hamden has many gifted local artists. As we make infrastructure improvements and renovations, installing sculptures and art outside developments allows everyone in our community to enjoy the art and draws people into the space. I believe that art makes spaces more beautiful and beautiful spaces make people feel safe and fulfilled. Businesses and people will want to establish themselves around public art displays.
3. CREATIVITY + YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
How will ensure that creative outlets are accessible and affordable to all children and families in your community?
The arts increase academic achievement, cultivates identity, and develops the whole child.
Hamden's nonprofit youth organizations are growing. Partnerships with nonprofits to include artistic expression helps the youth that are most in need. Funding education and working with the Board of Education to ensure that arts are not cut from the budget is a priority. As a young student, I played in band and orchestra. Music made me a better student and gave me early leadership skills.
4. CREATIVE JUSTICE
How will you support BIPOC, LGBTQ, and low-income residents through arts and culture?
The pandemic has deepened existing race and class inequities locally and nationally. Arts and cultural experiences can bridge these divides to acknowledge the strength in our differences.
Economic development must happen in Southern Hamden. My vision is to create public art displays to beautify these spaces. This art will be crafted by BIPOC, LGBTQ, and/or low-income residents. I will endeavor to ensure equity in development. Additionally, I will highlight BIPOC owned businesses and LGBTQ businesses mapped out in Hamden.
5. INVEST IN THE ARTS
How will you invest in arts and culture in your community? Will you allocate at least 1% of our American Rescue Plan grant to help your local creative sector recover?
Local funding is key for a vibrant creative ecosystem, which is why the American Rescue Plan grants that all municipalities received prioritizes support for artists and cultural organizations.
I will allocate at least 1% of the American Rescue Plan grant to the local creative sector through economic development, assistance to nonprofits that work with the youth in our community, and supporting improved access to community events organized through the Hamden Arts Commission.
6. Your Priorities
In your first 100 days in office, what actions will you take to affirm the importance of arts and culture for your community?
The start of the term will set your administration’s tone and priorities.
Economic development is a priority. I will create plans for development in Southern Hamden and issue a Request for Proposal for a public art display. I will partner with nonprofits for the youth in our community. My administration will draft plans to improve our public spaces for improved access to community events.
