Request for Proposal: Looking to partner with a Treaty 7 Indigenous Artist

Request for Proposal (RFP): Looking to partner with a local Indigenous artist to illustrate a map about water in Ward 9

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Over the last several years, the Ward 9 office has created a series of community maps, storytelling about the neighbourhoods, people, places, and services that make our communities so unique. You can see examples of our previous mapping projects by visiting gccarra.ca/maps.

Our office is seeking proposals from Indigenous artists with a connection to Treaty 7 land interested in partnering to design and create an illustrated map about water. This map will highlight water resources, infrastructure, and landmarks, while sharing stories and raising awareness about water conservation, management, history, and the importance of water in Ward 9 and throughout Calgary.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

To visually represent the water systems, resources, and landmarks within Ward 9.
To share stories about the history and importance of water in Calgary.
To educate residents and visitors about the significance of water in our communities.
To promote awareness about water conservation and sustainability practices.
To enhance community engagement and appreciation for local water resources.
To uplift, promote, and celebrate an emerging or established local Indigenous artist in Calgary.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The selected artist will be responsible for:

• Participating in an initial meeting with the Ward 9 team to brainstorm, research, and identify key water resources, infrastructure, and landmarks in Ward 9 and the general scope of the map.

• Provide illustrated drafts and revisions based on feedback from the Ward 9 office.

• Deliver the final high-resolution, print-ready digital files suitable for print and online use. We are open to a variety of artistic mediums to create the illustrations, however the final output of the illustrations needs to be digitized.

In the past, we’ve completed the map in one of two ways.

Option 1: you work as the artist creating a set of pre-determined illustrations and we hire a separate graphic designer to create the background and layout of the map. Your illustrations will be a variety of smaller, standalone illustrations that the graphic designer could then place throughout the map that they design. We will require approximately 25-35 illustrated assets. Some will be small and simple, while others may be slightly more elaborate. During our initial brainstorming session together, we will create a clearer idea of the overall look and feel of the map and will compile a list of illustrated assets for you to create.

Option 2: You work as both the artist and designer – your skillset is such that you are able to create a fully illustrated map of Ward 9 - including the illustrated assets we agree on, as well as incorporating provided text/copy to be placed throughout. You will be responsible for all design and layout elements of the map and will provide a final print-ready file setup as specified by our printing company.

BUDGET

This is a paid project. Our total budget for artwork and layout/design is $3,000.00

Option 1: If you choose to create the illustrations only and we use a graphic designer for the design and layout, total compensation for artist creation of 25-35 illustrations will be $1,000.00

Option 2: If you are able/selected to do both the illustrations and map layout/design, total compensation for the project will be $3,000.00.

IMPORTANT DATES + TIMELINE:

RFP Submission Deadline: June 15, 2024
Selection of Shortlisted Candidates: June 15-20, 2024
Final Selection and Notification: June 23, 2024
Project Commencement: July 2024 (Initial planning session TBD based on mutual availability)
Project Completion: Aiming for print-ready files to be complete November 2024

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:

For this project, we are looking to partner with an Indigenous artist connected to Treaty 7 land.

Interested artists are requested to submit an email proposal containing the following information:

1. Artist's portfolio showcasing previous relevant work (this can be a link to your website or social media platform(s), or a selection of samples attached to your email submission.)

2. Details on your preferred artistic medium and whether you are interested in providing the illustrations only or would be able to design and illustrate the full map.

3. Confirm that the timeline below works with your availability.

4. A little bit about yourself – please share a few sentences about your life, your artwork, and your connection Treat 7 and your to community.  

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Please submit proposals electronically to Jessica at caward9@calgary.ca no later than June 15, 2024.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The Ward 9 team will review and evaluate all submitted proposals. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to answer a few follow-up questions about their proposals. All candidates will be notified of the final status of their application, regardless of outcome.

Thank you for your consideration.

Team Ward 9
Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra – City of Calgary
W: gccarra.ca

For questions or clarification regarding this RFP, please contact Jessica at caward9@calgary.ca