Holly Johnstone on running for Arts and Culture Commissioner

What position are you running for, and what are the responsibilities of this position?

I am running to be VUSAC’s Arts and Culture Commissioner! The Arts and Culture Commission is responsible for much of the arts-related programming hosted on Vic campus throughout the year. This includes producing re-occurring events like the Gardiner Gala, The Bob Comedy Revue, and the Vic Variety Show as well as working in collaboration with various other VUSAC commissions and student groups to host smaller events dispersed in between.

Can you summarize the key points of your platform?

My platform can be broken down into three core priorities; namely strengthening communications, increasing arts-related programming, and developing stronger ties with the arts community at Vic. Regarding communications, I would like to do a total rebrand of both the Instagram and Facebook pages, after which they could be used to advertise events, share arts-related opportunities, and be a space where students could share their art. Additionally, taking greater advantage of the VUSAC social media channels through more regular communication with the VUSAC Communications Coordinator would be advantageous for the commission and its events throughout the year. As Arts and Culture Commissioner, I would love to see more accessible arts-related programming available to Vic students. Toronto has an incredible arts-scene; however, the cost of admission is often a barrier, especially for students. Next year, I would apply for funding from the Student Projects Committee, which has historically funded similar initiatives, to reduce the cost of tickets to events like TIFF screenings, museum & gallery admission, plays, and lectures. While wider Toronto has an incredible arts-scene, it’s also important to recognize the work being done by student artists here on Vic campus. In addition to collaborating with VUSAC commissions on events and initiatives, I would also be keen on developing stronger connections with clubs, levies, and student publications to widen the reach of arts programming at Vic. Also, with the creation of the new Maker Space, it would be fitting for the Arts and Culture Commissioner to work alongside the Dean’s Office to ensure that space is serving all Vic students equitably with a commitment to promoting student creators.

Why do you want to run for this position, and what makes you best suited to fill this position?

A strong dedication to arts, investment in the Victoria College community, and relevant experience are the three factors that make me a strong candidate for the position of Arts and Culture Commissioner. While my exposure to the arts began before I can remember, it wasn’t until junior high and high school that my involvement turned into more of a passion than a past time. For six years in junior high and high school, I was an instrumentalist in various concert bands, a volunteer for children’s arts programs, a tech theatre kid, and a writer for a youth-run digital zine. During my time in concert band, I was hired as a member of the student leadership council whose role it was to encourage community engagement among the over 300 students in the program. On this council I served as an event planner and worked to develop social programming that could cater to the entire program; successfully orchestrating ten stand-alone events over the course of two years, each hosting an average of around 200 students. In my first year of university, I was a voting member of the Arts and Culture Commission as well as a representative on the Student Projects Committee which funded various arts-related events throughout the year. Now in my second year, I have had the opportunity to work for VUSAC as their Communications Coordinator; a role in which I have worked closely with the current Commission head, the remarkable Vivian, to advertise numerous Arts and Culture events throughout the year.

What goals do you hope to accomplish if you are elected to this position?

Past commissioners have done incredible work in this portfolio over the last few years so part of my aim for next year is to continue a standard of excellence within the commission. My platform aims to fine-tune the commission in a way that I hope will prepare it for future success, with increased ties to the Vic community, a stronger online presence, and a more firmly developed commitment to recognizing student artists on campus.