Aaron Dekeyzer // Democrat // Salt Lake County Council

  • How have the arts, culture, and/or humanities impacted your life?
    • I have an undergraduate degree in philosophy, which is a shrinking field, along with many others in the humanities. I also have a Master of Arts in Transpersonal Psychology. In both I learned about different ways to analyze how humans interact with the world, including arts and culture. It is imperative to humanity that we continue to support these because we are increasingly being influenced by technological forces. Specifically, I have been impacted by photography as a mode of expression and connection with others. As it is said, a picture is worth a thousand words. I love sharing my perspective with others through photographs, and very much going to museums that focus on photography and art. I am a collector of vintage European posters, and am working to build a collection of Francis Zimbeaux (a local Utah artist, that I learned about on a Gallery Stroll). Also, I love music, and have been a member of Red Butte Garden for many years. There I can experience the beauty of the environment in unique ways, and also through music with their concert series. On that note, I love going to shows: Utah Acting Company, Hale Centre Theatre, Eccles Theater, Capitol Theater, Abravanel Hall, and other local spots are favorites of mine. To laugh out loud for hours, be moved to cry, or inspired by a speech are especially influential in person and why I love the arts. The creativity and collaboration that people can achieve in these modes transcends political parties, for example, and connects us as a species. I'll finish by noting that my favorite board game is Through the Ages, where one wins by strategically building culture.
  • Utah's humanities and arts employ 123,000 Utahns, provide $4.4 billion in earnings, and $13.2 billion in sales. This is a larger economic impact than agriculture, mining, and real estate. Do you consider the arts and cultural sector an economic driver in Utah?
    • Yes
  • Fiscally responsible government investment in the arts and humanities (including humanities and arts education) means to me:
    • Using the money to best connect people with arts and humanities. This would definitely be an important area in my budget proposals.
  • Items of Legislation I support:
    • I support the RAP tax
    • I will ensure existing fund balances are preserved for recreation, cultural organizations, and parks
    • Percent for public art programs, which optionally designate 1% of government capital costs for public art
    • My county's redevelopment authority should have a public art ordinance
    • Friendly ordinances that encourage public and private mural creation
    • Increased investment in public art projects to encourage murals, sculptures, utility wraps, and more
  • Would you elaborate on your answers above?
    • Given my educational background, support for the arts, and outlook on humanity, I would even seek to increase RAP funding in SL County.
  • I believe percent for art ordinances should apply to:
    • Public buildings
    • Transportation
    • Utilities
    • Private Developments
    • All government capital projects
  • Anything else we should know about you?
    • I am a community builder, and believe that the government belongs to the people. The county council should bear a responsibility to enrich our community and everyone should have access to culture. A function of the county should be increasing that access. I will work to improve arts and culture. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to having your endorsement!