Running for mayor of Toronto three years ago, David Miller painted himself as the arts candidate, a politician who recognized the inherent value of culture in a diverse city. More incredibly, he delivered on his promises. “In the midst of an era of city budget shortfalls and money crunches, the Miller regime has increased cultural grants for both the Toronto Arts Council and major institutions like the National Ballet and the AGO by $2 million, up to $15.2 million a year. This year, culture was one of only three major departments to have its funding increased, alongside the [transit system] and the police service.”