Nelson’s arts, culture and heritage sector plays a significant role in the social, cultural and economic life of our community. In advance of the 2026 municipal election, we are inviting candidates to share their perspectives on the sector and their priorities should they be elected. The Arts, Culture & Heritage Candidate Survey is conducted by the Nelson & District Arts Council, Nelson Museum, Archives, and Gallery, Oxygen Art Centre, Kootenay Regional Arts Council, Tapatía Collective, and The Capitol Theatre.
The 2026 local election will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026. Eligible voters will elect one mayor and six councillors, as well as two School District 8 trustees.
Two advance voting opportunities will be held at City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chambers, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 and Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the City of Nelson website.
In this survey, we hear from Kate Tait, a Candidate for the office of Councillor.
-
Civic Experience
What experience do you have working in politics?
October 2026 marks the end of my first term as a city councillor.
What is your knowledge in regards to municipal politics and responsibilities?
Having completed one term, I have a through understanding of municipal politics and responsibilities. There is always room to find out more: each agenda brings an opportunity for new issues, new learning, and new space for growth.
What vision of community would you bring to city council?
Nelson is a really great place to live. When I speak to people about why they’ve chosen to live in this community they express their gratitude for the beautiful natural landscape and vibrant arts & culture scene as key reasons for their choice. Community not only includes these features, but also means building opportunities to access these features. As a city council, it’s our responsibility to continue to foster access to these programs and spaces that create this sense of community.
-
Community Engagement & Transparency
How would you encourage residents, community organizations, and local non-profits to participate meaningfully in City visioning and decision-making?
People are busy! It’s just not realistic for every resident to participate in all the opportunities for community engagement, input, and feedback. Nelson has fabulous neighbours and leaders who bring forward ideas and share the voices of those around them. When folks have time to engage, please do! Pick you project, lean into your passion, and get involved. And when it’s not a person’s particular focus, don’t worry. I believe we can trust one another to work for outcomes that benefit the city now and in the future.
How would you ensure transparency and accountability in your own decision-making?
Council meetings are live on youtube! I encourage folks to tune in and see how the conversations play out. My experience has been that people in Nelson aren’t shy to reach out, stop me on the sidewalk, at the soccer field, in the arena, or at the park to chat, and share their ideas and concerns. You can email nelsoncouncil@nelson.ca and reach all the councillors and mayor at once.
-
Understanding Nelson’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Sector
What is your impression of Nelson’s arts, culture, and heritage sector?
In one word: Remarkable.
What role do you believe it plays in our community?
This goes back to the previous question: I believe that arts, culture and heritage are key components of community building, and I hear that other people think so too!
-
Understanding the Non-Profit Sector
Are you familiar with the operational realities and funding models of non-profit arts, culture, and heritage organizations?
Overall, I have a bird’s eye view of these issues. The NDAC along with other non-profits have shared their vision and plans with city council both as delegations and as applicants of the ReDi Grants. It’s clear that external funding is needed to keep these organizations afloat a lot of the time. I’ve witnessed the volunteers and staff and cheerleaders of these groups work diligently to capture and maintain funding, and it’s a Herculean feat. As Councillor Pineiro recently said at a meeting, “Thank god there are people in the community who feel strongly about this and advocate for this, people who are going to step up and do this work and be the champions of the arts in this town.”
What do you see as the primary challenges facing these organizations today?
Funding. Funding for operations, spaces, and growth.
-
Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenous Relationships
Arts, culture and heritage organizations have an important role to play in truth, reconciliation and decolonization.
What learning have you undertaken with Indigenous peoples, histories, and communities connected to this territory?
I’ve been fortunate in my work at Selkirk college to have opportunities to participate in professional development focussed on decolonization and Indigenization. I’ve also had the chance to attend workshops and presentations at events like the Nelson International Mural Festival, and exhibitions at the Nelson Museum Archives and Gallery.
Have you built relationships with the Indigenous community?
My efforts have centred around one to one connection and I have had opportunities to participate as a representative of city council at events and gatherings.
How do you see City Council leadership contributing meaningfully to this work?
I believe that Reconciliation begins with Truth and I’m a willing participant in this process. Truth starts with honest conversations and a willingness to learn. Reconciliation isn’t a final destination. It’s a continuous commitment to understanding one another, building respectful relationships, and taking actions that help move us forward together.
-
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility
What learning or experience have you had related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility?
As a Department Head of Student Access & Support at Selkirk College, I’ve had the opportunity to work to understand and reduce barriers to post secondary with students from different backgrounds. A big part of my role is helping create an environment where people feel welcome, respected, and supported with the services provided in counselling, accessibility services for students with disabilities and Healthy Campus initiatives. The work centres around reducing barriers to success in post secondary by supporting programming and services that promote access and student wellbeing.
If elected, how would these principles influence your work as a City Councillor?
I strive to remove barriers where I can, encourage inclusive decision-making, and support the students to contribute and succeed. This role has reinforced my commitment to building a culture of respect, belonging, and accessibility across our college community. I’ve learned that equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are not one-time goals. They require ongoing learning, reflection, and action.
-
Participation in Arts, Culture & Heritage
How often do you attend an arts and culture event in the community?
Every month!
Do you or have you ever volunteered for an arts, culture, or heritage non-profit?
In the past I have supported musical and theater productions through the Kootenay Home Educators network. More recently, I am a supporter as joyful member of the audience or as an attendee at events, exhibitions, workshops and shows.
Do you purchase local artworks or support the sector in other ways?
I supported the arts sector professionally while serving as interim School Chair for the School of the Arts at Selkirk College. In that role, I worked closely with students, faculty, and members of the local arts community, which gave me a strong appreciation for the value artists bring to our region and the complexity of working in that sector.
I also support the arts in my personal life. I enjoy shopping at local markets and purchasing artwork, gifts, and handcrafted items from local artists and artisans whenever I can. I believe supporting local creatives helps strengthen our communities and contributes to a vibrant cultural sector.
List 8 cultural organizations and businesses that deliver community-based arts.
- Nelson International Mural Festival
- Kootenay Burlesque Festival
- Discover Circus
- Elephant Mountain Literary Festival
- MASSIF Music Festival
- Shambhala Music Festival
- Selkirk College School of Arts and Technology
- Kootenay School of the Arts at 606 Victoria
- Oxygen Art Centre
- Nelson Museum Archives and Gallery
- Capitol Theatre Society
- Nelson Civic Theatre Society
- Lalin Vocal Ensemble
- Selkirk Pro-Musica
-
The Future of Arts, Culture & Heritage in Nelson
What do you believe are the most important contributions arts, culture, and heritage make to Nelson?
It would be difficult to say what is “most” important! Arts and Culture, and Heritage are defining features of Nelson. They provide opportunities to community together and promotes connection and well-being. They preserve stories and history. They attract visitors and contribute to the local economy.
What would you as a councillor do to support the sector’s growth?
As a councillor, I would support policies that help artists, cultural organizations to succeed. These are groups with energy and expertise that have innovative ideas to help the sector grow and thrive.
How do you think the sector could be strengthened over the next four years?
I will continue to encourage partnerships between the city, community groups, and local businesses to strengthen the sector and create new opportunities. At the same time, I will continue to look for ways to expand access to arts and cultural experiences for both residents and visitors, helping ensure that Nelson’s vibrant arts community continues to be an attractant for visitors and a space for residents to participate.
-
Municipal Investment
Do you believe municipal investment in Nelson’s arts, culture, and heritage sector should be maintained or increased?
There’s always a need for more funding! The role of city council is to be stewards of public funds and to ensure investments deliver meaningful benefits to the community. Nelson’s arts, culture, and heritage sector is a vital part of our identity. I believe municipal investment should be maintained and, where fiscally responsible and supported by clear community outcomes, increased to help sustain and grow these important community programs.
How would you balance investment in the sector with the other demands on the City’s budget?
That’s the million dollar question. That’s the difficult position of city councillors. Residents advocate for programs, services and amenities that are important to them and Council has to balance those priorities with the reality of limited resources. Infrastructure, public safety, housing, climate resilience, recreation, and arts and culture all compete for the same tax dollars. I’m optimistic that we can continue to be a cohesive, thoughtful, deliberate council that works for positive outcomes across competing demands.
-
Affordable & Accessible Cultural Space
The cost and availability of cultural spaces is an increasing challenge for artists, cultural workers and non-profit organizations.
What role do you believe the City should play in protecting and supporting affordable spaces for arts, culture, and heritage services in Nelson?
The city plays an important role by providing and supporting cultural spaces through leases, service agreements, and administering programs such as the ReDi Grant. As affordability challenges grow, I will continue to support these tools and look for opportunities to preserve accessible spaces for artists, cultural organizations, and heritage services. Maintaining a vibrant arts and culture sector strengthens the community fabric of Nelson.
What role do you believe the City should play in developing affordable cultural spaces?
I don’t think it’s realistic or appropriate for the city to be the primary funder, developer, and operator of cultural spaces or programming. The city’s role should be to support community organizations through tools such as affordable leases, partnerships, grants, and access to city-owned spaces where possible.
-
Arts, Culture & Heritage in City Planning
How should arts, culture and heritage be considered within broader municipal decisions related to the following:
- Economic development and tourism?
It’s clear that Nelson is a hub and an incubator for talents in the arts and culture sector. This activity is an essential component of the economy and I believe the city understands its importance.
- City and specifically downtown planning and the development of public space?
Cultural activity brings life to our public spaces and downtown, creating opportunities for people to connect, gather, and experience Nelson’s unique character. We already have a number of beautiful public spaces, and I would like to work with artists, performers, and creative organizations to make even greater use of them. Places like the Hall Street Plaza, the Pier, and Cottonwood Park provide excellent spaces to showcase local talent and enrich community life.
- Affordable housing for cultural workers?
Affordable housing is a challenge for many residents, including artists and cultural workers. Any efforts to improve housing affordability benefit the people who contribute to Nelson’s creative community.
What role do arts, culture and heritage play in community wellbeing?
Arts, culture, and heritage should not be viewed as separate considerations from community wellbeing. They are woven into virtually every municipal decision because they involve people, place, connection, history, and our local economy.
-
Your Commitment
If elected, what is one concrete action you would like to see City Council and the City of Nelson take during the next Council term to strengthen arts, culture, and heritage in our community?
I was recently asked what strengths I bring to city council, and I think this question leads to the same answer: listening.
Listening is the most important action I can take. I’m not an expert, and the arts, culture, and heritage sectors understand better than anyone what they need to respond to the shifting sands of the economy, changing funding models, emerging trends, and evolving community needs. My role as a councillor would be to build relationships, and create opportunities for dialogue to ensure that those voices are heard in decision-making.