Request For Proposals: Cultural Space Sustainability Consultation
Vancouver Creative Space Society (C-Space) is requesting proposals from experienced arts and social profit consultants to support our work developing a model for sustainable affordable arts space in Vancouver.
BACKGROUND
In 2009, a dream between four kindred theatre organizations was realized when Boca Del Lupo, Electric Company, Neworld and Rumble opened Progress Lab 1422, a 7,000 ft2 centre for creation and development in East Vancouver. Guided by a deeply felt spirit of collaboration, community and resource-sharing, PL1422 quickly became a sought-after cultural facility, accommodating not only the tenant companies but external rentals and partnerships. To support this growth, the Vancouver Creative Space Society (C-Space) was founded to manage PL1422 and other possible future cultural property development projects in the Lower Mainland. Now, in 2020, PL1422 remains home to three of the founding companies—Electric Company, Neworld, and Rumble—while welcoming Company 605, Playwrights Theatre Centre, rice & beans theatre, Tara Cheyenne Performance and Theatre Conspiracy into the fold. PL1422 continues to be a vital presence in our community, providing exceptional, readily available, and affordable creative space to the theatre industry and the wider arts sector.
THE PROJECT
C-Space is seeking a consultant to support our work creating affordable space for arts and culture in an increasingly hostile economic climate. We are the in the process of exploring operational models, policy environments and relationships with government and funders that can promote stable, sustainable operations for arts and culture facilities. This project is responding not only to our own imminent need for long-term solutions to increasing costs, but to the reality that many arts spaces are closing or have closed in recent years due to ballooning costs and the pressures of gentrification and development. We are seeking a radical solution to a sector-wide problem. This project will build on the work already done by the team at C-Space and others in our community to develop a model for sustainable operations of arts and cultural space and develop the resources to fund that model.
Activities will include:
• Becoming familiar with C-Space’s existing structure and challenges,
• Building on existing work and initiatives to develop long-term solutions,
• Working with the board of directors to create a plan for long-term stability,
• Identifying additional sources of funding,
• Consolidating a case for support,
• Identifying municipal and provincial policies that may support or do interfere with long-
term stability,
• Work with the board of directors on lobbying efforts to achieve favourable policy
changes,
• Document all findings and efforts from the project and deliver a final report.
THE PERSON
We are seeking Requests for Proposals from consultants experienced working with the social profit sector who are passionate about the place of arts in the city. The ideal candidate will be well versed in other initiatives locally, nationally, and internationally that are seeking long-term solutions for sustainable, affordable space. Familiarity with City of Vancouver land policies and plans will be an asset, as will a history of fighting for transformative change.
Vancouver Creative Space Society is dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination on any basis including race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, class, and physical ability.
THE BUDGET
A maximum of $30,000 is available for consultation fees, plus a small additional budget for ancillary costs such as meeting supplies, honouraria and communications.
PROJECT TIMELINE
We are looking for someone to begin working with our team as soon as possible. Proposals are requested by November 30, 2021. The project should be complete, including documentation of findings by October 31, 2022.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:
• The Consultant will be engaged as an independent contractor.
• The Consultant can provided administrative work space as necessary and is asked to provide
their own computer.
• The Consultant will work on a flexible, self-directed schedule, liaising with C-Space board and
staff.