Do you know who you’re voting for on October 27th? More importantly, do you know why you’re voting for them? “Not Rob Ford” is a good reason, but it shouldn’t be your only reason. Are you familiar with John Tory’s position on the municipal grants system for artists? Do you know how Olivia Chow envisions the role of public art in Toronto spaces? What about Ari Goldkind’s vision for keeping Toronto’s creatives here to vibrant up the city, instead of moving to LA and New York? Artsvote wants to help you find out, with a debate next Monday.

Moderated by Damian Abraham (aka the lead singer of Fucked Up), the debate will give the candidates a chance to present their plans for and opinion of art and artists in Toronto. If you’re an artist, or care about the city’s cultural landscape, or want an excuse to come back late after lunch, this is probably an important debate to attend. You’ll have the opportunity to see alllllmost all the frontrunners in the upcoming mayoral election (Doug Ford has been invited to participate but has not confirmed, which seems weird because that guy probably LOVES the ARTS, right?) talk about their dreams for the city’s arts infrastructure and cultural policy.

The Mayoral Arts Debate will be held Monday, September 29 from 12pm-2pm at TIFF Bell Lightbox. It will also be livestreamed on nowtoronto.com. Questions for candidates can  be submitted by tweeting @nowtoronto using the hashtag #artsvoteyyz. See artsvote.ca for more details.