The Strand: What is the importance of the Arts and Culture Commissioner’s role within VUSAC?
Vic is an arts–based independent based university. Art, in general, has a way of sharing emotions, getting people to see things from other points of view and empathize with other people. Arts, in general, has so much power, and I feel like at Vic really has to potential to create community and collaboration. I just find that really empowering.
You touched a bit on this, but what draws you specifically towards the position of the Arts and Culture Commissioner?
The three things I want to focus on in my life is writing, music, and inventing things. I feel like all the things I’ve been doing, I’m part of Acta Victorana’s editors and all the literary journals like the Goose, Almagest, Idiom, and right now I’m part of Augur as well, a speculative journal that’s both online and print right now. I want to do something for Vic in my final year, I really want to show how powerful arts can be also so that’s why I decided to apply for this.
If you are elected, what will you focus on? What is your platform?
Other than the Gardiner Gala and Bob Revue company, I want to incorporate community outreach activities. I have the idea of a book club where new immigrants and refugees can come into Vic space and we can facilitate a book club discussion about issues in Canada and issues about identity—different kind of ways to learn the English language while learning about themselves and their new home. I wanted to have a space for Vic and UofT emerging writers, artists, and just people who are interested in their arts to really share their works and their passion and vision for things. To dabble in different things, see what they’re interested in. This would be a collaboration.
So how long have you been involved in student politics?
I haven’t really been involved in politics much. In grade eleven I ran for secretary. I had a lot of fun talking to people, [getting to] interact with people as a group moving towards one cause—to help make the student experience better. enjoyed that. I was an ESU mentorship coordinator, and [had] some other positions like social media coordinator of the UofT Refugee Alliance. I want to use this opportunity to engage with my community more and I feel like through the arts I can help people.
A responsibility of the Arts and Culture Commissioner is organizing the Bob Revue. How have your past experiences prepared for this task?
I enjoy writing a lot and although I’ve only written, like, novels short stories and poems, I also want to branch out to other avenues. My previous experience writing, talking to people and organizing different programs could help me with this role.
The Arts and Culture Commissioner is also involved in planning the Gardiner Gala. What is the importance of this event?
It’s just a wonderful way of connecting with people you’ve met in your classes. I feel like it is a space for art to be explored and shared and celebrated. I think its importance is to bring people together in celebration.
Okay, last question! What makes you different from other candidates?
(Laughs) I don’t want to slander anyone! I have a lot of passion for the arts and because of that, I think I have a lot of creativity and new ideas I want to bring forward. I’m not sure if this separates me from other people, but I know who I am. I really work hard for things I love and things that I really want to do.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
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