NewHavenBIZ

38 n e w h a v e n B I Z | J a n u a r y 2 0 2 0 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m By Frank Rizzo A R T S & C U LT U R E Philosophically, how do you see the role of municipal government with regard to the arts? In general, the role of govern- ment is to make people have more opportunities to succeed, and there are many ways government can im- plement policies that can level the playing field and eliminate barriers. e arts are one way that can enable people to thrive. What I mean by that is, some view the arts in New Haven as people from the suburbs coming into the city to watch a con- cert, or go to the theater and then perhaps to dine out — and there's a certain economic advantage to that. But that's not really going to move the dial on people improving their lives. I think the government's role is in nudging the arts towards investing in communities that are struggling, and using the limited resources we have to support local artists. Do you anticipate changes in the city's arts, culture and tourism office? ere's not a huge budget there. I'm currently exploring who I think would be the right fit in that posi- tion [to head the office, currently vacant], and who would collaborate with the [Cultural Affairs Com- A s Democrat Justin Elick- er prepares to assume office Jan. 1 as the 51st mayor of New Haven, what is on his mind in re- gards to arts and culture, one of the defining aspects of his city's identity? We talked to the mayor-elect in early De- cember on the subject of the arts and how it relates to the city's economy — and how it relates to the community. e following is an edited version of that conversation. Affording the Cultural Capital Mayor-elect Elicker on the role of the arts on the city and its economy

• Cover