Contracted Creative Communities Project Consultant

Request for Proposals
Contracted Creative Communities Project Consultant

RFP summary
Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center seeks proposals for a Creative Communities Project Consultant. This yearlong, contracted position is part of a three-year IMLS grant-funded program that begins in spring 2023 and concludes in summer 2026. This first year will focus on the institution’s pre-existing Creative Foundations for Veterans program and will work with full-time staff to evaluate the current audience and staff, work with veterans’ agencies for consultation, host roundtable meetings and present findings and recommendations. Due to the nature of the project, the consultant can work remotely but must be on site for all roundtable sessions and meetings.

Project Summary
Funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the goal of Creative Communities project is twofold: to deepen Oklahoma Contemporary’s relationship with historically underrepresented communities while also increasing our long-term organizational capacity for serving these audiences. Specifically, the project will provide access to our Studio School’s adult art-making classes to three groups over three years, starting with the Oklahoma City metro’s veteran community and then including residents from the Southside and Eastside neighborhoods of Oklahoma City, respectively. This is in conjunction with a larger community engagement plan. As part of this initiative, Oklahoma Contemporary will partner with key community organizations as we identify and recruit participants, train staff and instructors, design curricula and evaluate results.

In a survey of Studio School participants from FY19 and FY21, we learned that 80 percent of our students identified as white. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma City’s population in 2019 was much more diverse: 54 percent white, 15 percent Black, 19 percent Latino/Latinx, 6 percent Asian American and Pacific Islander, and 3 percent Native American/Indigenous. Through the Creative Communities project, we seek to attract and retain audiences as diverse as those who call Oklahoma City and its suburbs home, while ensuring that these participants feel safe and welcome here.

The project seeks to expand institutional capacity for authentic community engagement, program co-development and the design of mission-aligned, culturally relevant curricula. We also endeavor to grow deep, reciprocal relationships with community organizations and individuals historically made to feel unwelcome at museums and cultural institutions.

Scope of work
Oklahoma Contemporary’s Creative Communities Project Consultant will serve as the main organizer and administrative lead for the first year of this initiative, which focuses on evaluating and redesigning our Creative Foundations for Veterans program. They will work closely with the Director of Education and Studio School staff to complete the timeline established as part of the IMLS grant. The Project Consultant will be responsible for articulating the program goals in the community, keeping the program on schedule, audience research, facilitating roundtable meetings, program evaluations, and a presentation of their findings.

Experience working alongside diverse communities and veterans is strongly preferred. Individuals with a background in audience research, curriculum development, nonprofit advocacy, community organizing, marketing, business management or social work are encouraged to submit a proposal. We seek an organized, diplomatic, humble, independent and self-aware individual who is passionate about positive social change. The consultant will be required to provide the following services:

• Serve as primary administrative contractor for the initial phase of the project.
• Co-design and facilitate enrollment in free art classes in multiple media (ceramics, oil painting, etc.).
• Research, assess and contract veteran-group programmers/consultants to share evaluation of our program and potentially to provide training to Oklahoma Contemporary staff and instructors.
• Manage all emails and other correspondence for the project.
• Monitor project budget in consultation with Director or Studio School.
• Arrange and facilitate public planning meetings/roundtables.
• Work constructively with staff, school instructors, organizational partners and community members with a high degree of cultural competency, respect and sensitivity.

Minimum requirements

• Undergraduate or higher degree or equivalent professional experience.
• At least three to five years’ experience in project management.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, ability to create and follow timelines and work within set budgets.
• Proven proficiency in meeting facilitation and public speaking.
• Ability to identify and initiate relationships with community organizations.
• Keen ability to solve problems independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of arts education, visual art and/or teaching is a plus.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite, Asana and basic office software preferred.
• Consultant will work offsite with regular meetings at Oklahoma Contemporary.
• Must have access to a vehicle for frequent local travel.

Proposal requirements
Please include the following in your response:

• Resume
• Detailed description of how you will meet our objectives
• Examples of similar work and successes
• Any additional elements we should consider
• References
• Terms and conditions

Timeline

Schedule: Five to 15 hours weekly, April 2023-March 2024
Contacted rate: $10,000 contract
Payment schedule: three payments — one upon signing, one at midpoint and one upon completion

Submit your proposal here. Review will begin immediately. All proposals received by May 26 will be considered. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About Oklahoma Contemporary
Oklahoma Contemporary is an inclusive center for the arts where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience art, encounter new ideas and ignite their creative potential. Through visual art exhibitions, performances, public programs, community-building initiatives, outdoor installations and special events, Oklahoma Contemporary creates opportunities for everyone to celebrate contemporary culture and artistic expression. With year-round classes and seasonal youth camps across multiple disciplines, the arts center’s education programs encourage youth and adults to express their ideas across various media and learn new skills. Oklahoma Contemporary believes art is for everyone and places accessibility and education at the center of all programming. Admission to exhibitions is free. Oklahoma Contemporary is a regional 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by businessman and philanthropist Christian Keesee and Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Marilyn Myers.

Inclusion
Oklahoma Contemporary strives to demonstrate leadership by modeling excellence and best practices for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We believe in the power of human creativity and value the opportunities for connection and learning that exist when cultures and communities come together in collaboration and understanding.

We commit to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster cultural equity and create an accessible and inclusive environment. Oklahoma Contemporary does not discriminate based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status or religion. We recognize our strengths lie in the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to our mission and are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive place for them to explore creativity.