At the Loudoun Arts Council we're committed to promoting the arts as a vital part of our community. The arts strengthen our economies and our ties to each other.

 

As Election Day draws near, we asked candidates in state and local races for their thoughts about the importance of the arts. Leesburg Town Council Candidates Josh Thiel and Vanessa Maddox responded. The LAC Surveyed Local and State Candidates on Their Views about the Arts

Question 1: What is your personal background/experience in the visual and performing arts?

 

"I have been involved in art and music almost my entire life. I start playing the guitar at the age of 9, which later inspired me to learn other instruments including the bass, drums and piano. In high school I was part of the Heritage Singers at Heritage High school, which is a selected singing group, where we performed all over the state and performed at Disney's EPCOT for their Christmas Performance. Also, in high school I was in a band where we played at local car shows and the Loudoun Festival at Ida Lee. In college, I was part of the college choir but it was very short lived since I was on the football team."

 

Josh Thiel, Candidate for Leesburg Town Council Question 2: Most state and federal grantors require matching funds from local governments. Would you endorse increasing future arts grant funding to benefit the Town of Leesburg?

 

"If  the application of the program meets at guidelines of the Town and depending on how much it would cost for the town/taxpayers. I would be willing to look into a grant that would benefit the arts in Leesburg. It would depend on the cost as a whole."

 

Question 3: Would you support future temporary and/or permanent public arts projects within the Town?

 

"Depending on the event and location of the temporary or permanent art work and size, also what it would contain. In some circumstances I would be happy to help public arts in Leesburg."

Question 1: What is your personal background/experience in the visual and performing arts?

 

"During grade and high school, I performed in a pageant, performed in ballet and jazz dance performances and attended many performing arts events."

 

Vanessa Maddox, Candidate for Leesburg Town Council Question 2: Most state and federal grantors require matching funds from local governments. Would you endorse increasing future arts grant funding to benefit the Town of Leesburg?

 

"I am a supporter of the arts in general. If I’m elected, I'd be willing to endorse future funding. However, it would depend upon the priorities on the Town agenda at that time."

 

Question 3: Would you support future temporary and/or permanent public arts projects within the Town?

 

"I’d be willing to work with my colleagues on the Town Council (if elected) to support art projects."