News Flash

August 3 Submittal Deadline; Applicant Information Sessions Set for July 9 and July 17

If your organization is interested in planning a special event or festival later this year or in 2021, the City of Durham Cultural and Public Art Program wants to hear from you.

The City’s General Services Department, which administers the festivals and special events request for proposals (RFP) application process, along with the Durham Cultural Advisory Board are now seeking proposals from qualified entities to support planning virtual events this year as well as virtual and in-person events next year for new or existing cultural and arts festivals and special events.

“The Durham Cultural Advisory Board recently reviewed the festival and events funding process and suggested modifications that would provide greater flexibility, encourage creativity, allow for healthy, safe environments, and sustain our diverse history of engaging cultural events in light of our current challenges,” said Chair Tom Jaynes of the Durham Cultural Advisory Board.

A complete RFP and application form can now be found at Cultural and Public Art Program webpage. Completed packets will be accepted until 3 p.m. on Monday, August 3. Application packets must be submitted by email since hard copies will not be accepted. Successful respondents must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Not-for-profit entity
• Suitable experience in festival planning or similar projects
• Sufficient insurance against any potential liabilities
• Adequate financial capacity

Two workshops to answer questions from potential RFP applicants will be hosted virtually on Thursday, July 9 and Friday, July 17 at the phone numbers provided on the Cultural and Public Art Program webpage or by using free Zoom software.

For technical questions on the RFP and submission process, applicants may also contact Cultural and Public Art Program Manager Rebecca Brown with the City’s General Services Department at (912) 398-8075 or by email.

About the City of Durham General Services Department

The General Services Department builds and maintains City properties to make Durham a great place for people to live, work, and play. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department’s core functions include the acquisition and sale of properties, design and management of new construction and renovation projects, building maintenance, landscaping and urban forestry services, cemeteries management, sustainability and energy management, and supporting the nonprofit Keep Durham Beautiful.

About the City of Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board serves as an advisory board to the City Council and the City Manager, and its functions include: assisting the City’s General Services Department on matters related to the Cultural Master Plan; advising the City on funding for local arts and cultural organizations; and the promotion of economic and workforce development through arts and culture, including the recruitment and retention of cultural non-profit organizations and for-profit cultural businesses.