Pina ciotoli

It was wonderful.

We joined on a gorgeous spring morning, my family and I, and the creative citizens of Windsor who wanted to send a positive message to Mayor Eddie Francis and City Council. A positive message of integration into City thinking, and to portray ourselves as a richly diverse group of thinkers, prepared to take the city into better times.

I was uber impressed by the turnout.
The representatives who usually wake up at noon (or later) because of their jobs, sleeping patterns, etc., were there with bells on!
The appreciation I felt for my fellow creative people was quite inspiring, and I want to give everyone who decided to come out Monday morning a HUGE thank you and tip of the cap. Classy move.

There’s been more talk about the OTHER group who seemed eager to get the Mayor’s ear, local union members of CUPE.
They stopped the walk twice, chanting, “Eddie’s gotta go!” while the creative folks patiently waited for their voices to be heard.

One thing that was especially obvious (and satisfying) was the total lack of bodies on the Mayor’s Walk prior to the Walk For A Creative City’s connection to it. I think roughly 25 people in all were waiting to get started when over 250 of us went to the spot where we were to JOIN the Mayor, and head toward the celebration (Windsor’s 117th birthday) in front of Caesars Windsor.

Some artists were bummed out that the “thunder” was stolen by CUPE from the artists’ attempt to stand out from the rest of the crowd. I disagree. Clearly, there are a lot of Windsor residents who have some issues with Mr. Francis. They are all allowed to voice those opinions…and demonstrate when the availability arises. It’s not like Eddie Francis is walking around (ANYWHERE) in this town where people can have a look and a word. People chose to find him exactly where we chose to find him…and they were entitled as much as we were.

One thing though, that many art folk were annoyed by was the commentary on AM800 by a CUPE representative who responded harshly to the question (I’m paraphrasing), “When the walk was stopped, the Mayor suggested that the creative walk people lead the walk, and he was denied. Why was that?”
The reply was something to the effect of, “this is OUR city, and WE will lead this walk,” or something thereabouts.
Well, one major disagreement I have is with this sentiment.
The problem, or one of many, with Windsor is that everyone, artists included, have a myopic view of WHO Windsor is.
I’m sorry Mr CUPE rep, but Windsor is NOT just people employed by the City.
And Mr. Artist, this city is NOT just people who are painters, poets, and filmmakers.

One of the big issues I see with our town is divisive thinking. Divided we fall.
This group thinks they’re separate from that group and so on, and so on…but we are inexorably linked.
Artists should care about workers, and workers should care about artists. Struggling to take ownership of an arts walk from artists is one step past the initial project of getting the Mayor’s attention. Again, everyone on-hand from CUPE was in good spirits, and some were even walking with us from the beginning. I really only speak to the statement made to the press that I have an issue with, which might be splitting hairs.

This city is everyone’s city. I don’t care who leads the walk to the celebration, as long as that group/person isn’t so full of themselves that they realize the party is for everyone, by everyone. That goes for artists, CUPE reps, and even our Mayor. This is OUR city? I’d like to know who he meant. Who is his “we”?

Here’s a bunch of videos of that walk experience…if you’d like to revisit them. They’re far more pleasant than the broken discourse about WHO’S city this is…geez.

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With the call for walkers on this upcoming holiday Monday (May 18 at 9:30am), there was a lot of response.
Almost all positive.

You can’t take away the other side of this though…as I learned.
There are a lot of people who are angry with Eddie Francis and the city representatives (in general) with regards to their positions on the arts…and creativity. Kind of crucial when the event is called Walk for a Creative City.

The reaction, when negative, seems knee-jerk and severe, with instant refusal to sidle up next to our mayor. But with some retrospection, and understanding that this walk is at the same time separate and united with the Mayor’s (Windsor’s 117th Birthday) Walk, there are some who seem to be seeing the opportunity.

So maybe we go out and walk together, and we make a great display on our own behalf, and the news notices our creative masses.
Then nothing happens.
Gasp!
Making the effort to get together, and show that we’re capable of meeting on common ground without picket signs is a step toward our benefit.
Some may argue that they’re tired of being kicked while down. Some HAVE argued this.
I’m not here to argue.
I’m asking creative people to show their numbers for whatever reasons they may have, and to maybe make some connections to their creative brethren. At least we will be in a space where new introductions can take place and where we can take reflective pride in our numbers.

Boycotting removes your voice. It silences only those boycotting. Leaving those in your place to speak on your behalf, which no can do but yourself, is a weaker presence than showing yourself and making YOUR mark. Especially since many of the potential withdrawals know that there will be an unprecedented turnout, it really doesn’t serve their purpose by “saying something by being silent”. It just makes the arts (and its supporters) look like less than it is…which is not a wise approach, if you ask me.

Still looking VERY forward to the walk this weekend, and I will be inviting my entire local family to attend in support of their younger brother (me) and his wife (Jhoan).

It’s going to be a special day.

Tuesday May 12th, Adam Fox and I will be interviewing two very special folks on our radio show called Not In My Backyard. Pina Ciotoli of Windsor Endowment for the Arts (and Windsoreats.com) will be discussing how this walk came to be, her interest in the creative turnout, and what her predictions are for that event.

Those of you reading this in time, you can go to www.ustream.tv/channel/nimby-on-cjam and watch/listen to the show. Or you can simply turn your radio dial to 91.5FM in Windsor and Detroit to hear us.

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This is going to be tough to say in print, so I said it with video.
More to follow after the vid.

This is the sculpture we’re going to be meeting at, located on the foot of Askin Blvd., on the path along the river.

I think it’s crucial that those reading this, and watching this video make their car seats available to those who are willing to attend.
We might not have a chance to flex our artistic muscle in the public eye like this again for a WHILE.
A peaceful joining of interests. A friendly introduction of art to the City.
Be a part of this.
My e-mail is phoglounge@gmail.com. If you need a ride, I will do what I can to get you there with myself or someone else.
Please, no excuses…if you comment on this post, tell me why you ARE going, not why you’re aren’t.

See you there!

In addition to this…Pina Ciotoli, of Windsoreats.com posted this tidbit of info for any BUSINESSES interested in showing themselves at the celebration space FOR FREE!!!

“Hi everyone! Just a reminder that the Creative Cities Walk is quickly approaching on Monday, May 18th. If you haven’t already done so, please let me know if your organization or group will be participating in this year’s walk. We are expecting great media coverage for this event and I would like to include your group if participating.

This is a great opportunity to show your support for arts and culture in this community and it’s also the perfect time to showcase an event you may have coming up or fundraise for your group! Can’t make it? Send friends or volunteers out to act on behalf of your group.

At the end of our walk we will be joining in on the festivities being held for Windsor’s 117th birthday party at the Riverfront Festival Plaza. If you are interested in booth space at the Riverfront Festival Plaza, contact Nora Betram Romero at 519-255-6100×6309. Space for a 10×10 booth at the plaza is free, but you must register with Nora before May 15th.

Keep checking in to www.wea-arts.com as we will post the latest information on the site.

If you have any questions, would like to volunteer or have your group participate, please contact me at 519-890-5038.

Pina Ciotoli
WindsorEats.com
pina@windsoreats.com
www.windsoreats.com”

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