REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Interested in getting involved in the most significant business and the arts event of Edmonton’s season? Want to influence the quality of the show, the size of the house, the benefit to local business, the arts and the selected non-profit charity?
Gain valuable arts administrative experience and join a progressive team in managing this must-see event, to be held 29 April 2013. The Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton is currently REQUESTING PROPOSALS for contractors to assist in producing the 2013 MAYOR’S CELEBRATION FOR THE ARTS.
Background Information
The Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE) is a not-for-profit arts advocacy organization, run by a volunteer board (Executive Planning Council) and one part-time staff member. Its membership consists of professional arts organizations and independent professional artists from Edmonton and the surrounding region. Serving the professional arts community in the greater Edmonton region since 1986 (originally as EPAC or the Edmonton Professional Arts Council), PACE produces the annual Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts, coordinates the ArtsVote campaign at election times and conducts advocacy campaigns throughout the year. PACE, in coordination with its sister organizations throughout Alberta, has also conducted some province-wide advocacy campaigns such as Arts at the Assembly and I Love Alberta Art. For more information about PACE, please contact us at 780-485-3085.
PACE founded, with the support of the Mayor’s office, the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts 25 years ago to honour the productive partnerships enjoyed between business and the arts in the greater Edmonton area. Edmonton was one (if not the first) of the first cities in Canada to feature such an event. Since its inception, this event has contributed over $147,000 to Edmonton charities in support of their arts-based work from the proceeds. The celebration has also employed and showcased well over 125 Edmonton-area professional artists. Most importantly, the event has conferred more than 150 awards to Edmonton-area businesses, arts-and-culture organizations and professional artists in recognition of the vital contributions they have made to our city’s arts and culture industry.
Over the years, the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts has evolved from a business luncheon format to the evening gala show and reception format it now follows. In its earliest days, the event presented two awards – one for a business and one for an artist. At different points in its history, the celebration has conferred up to ten different categories of awards. Currently eight awards are bestowed (details available at www.pacedmonton.com) – a number which could be increased with the addition of new sponsors.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
PRODUCER
This position is charged with the creation of a captivating and locally inspired presentation of Edmonton professional artistic talent. The PRODUCER will liaise with all performers, taking into consideration the input of the committee and the Mayor’s office in determining talent. Final confirmations, issuing of contracts and writing of the script fall to the Producer. The Producer will be expected to stay within budget, to handle all talent including backstage management. This also includes arranging for seating for dignitaries and VIPs. In addition, the Producer will be expected to work in cooperation with the Steward to ensure the accompanying reception runs smoothly and successfully, topping off an exceptional gala event.
Compensation: $3000 (including stage management)
PUBLICIST
The PUBLICIST is responsible for all media, whether news, advertising or contra arrangements, including social media marketing. This individual will review current media sponsorships and maintain arrangements, contract graphic design work (with approval of the committee) to create a consistent look for all print and multimedia pieces produced for the event, contract new advertising purchases within pre-set budgets, ensure releases, press conferences and follow-up coverage is provided, and oversee the purchase of any paid advertising. The Publicist is also responsible for production of early advertising pieces like the “hold-the-date” electronic piece, the postcard, coordinating with the Mayor’s Office for the production of the Mayor’s official letter of invitation, planning, directing and hosting the press conference and coordinating creation of the program (with Steward input) and its advertising sales.
Compensation: $2,500
TICKETING AND TICKET SALES MANAGER
The TICKETING MANAGER will be the sole liaison with the Winspear Box Office. Any and all requests for comps or consigned tickets will be managed by this individual. The onus is on this manager and team to come up with ticket marketing schemes in conjunction with the Publicist. The Corporate Challenge, PACE Membership Ticket Drive and follow-up phone campaign (to be completed by volunteers or seconded staff, at no cost) fall under the jurisdiction of the Ticketing Manager.
Compensation: $2,000 (with bonus available if sales targets exceeded)
STEWARD
This individual is responsible for sponsorship of all definition. Maintaining present or soliciting new Award sponsors, confirming current or securing new Performer sponsors, and working with the Publicist to confirm Media sponsors and sell advertising for the program, are all responsibilities of the STEWARD. Managing confirmed sponsors, from invoicing to hosting on show night to sending letters of appreciation all fall to the Steward. The Steward will also work closely with the Producer in organizing a spectacular evening reception, Ticketing Manager (sponsor comps), and Publicist (logos and other sponsor recognition).
Compensation: $2,500 (with bonus available if cash targets exceeded)
Each of these contract terms will run from September 1, 2012 to May 15, 2013. They are part-time, work-from-home positions that will ideally suit a self-motivated individual who appreciates the flexibility of such a work agreement, but can attend fixed committee meetings (up to 15) for updates and reporting. It is conceivable that multiple positions may be assumed by one individual. All positions are required to submit a final report together with copies of all paperwork generated during their tenure for PACE files and City of Edmonton archives.
We are looking for people with an excellent track record and impeccable references.
PACE is accepting proposals now. The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 16, 2012.
Submit to: Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton, PO Box 11933, Edmonton, AB T5J 3L1 OR by e-mail to admin@pacedmonton.com.
