Vital Arts is seeking a qualified Strategic Planning Consultant to assist in developing a comprehensive strategic plan that will guide our organization over the next three to five years. Established in 2016 as a tribute to the 36 artists who tragically lost their lives in the Ghost Ship Fire, Vital Arts is dedicated to reshaping the narrative for Bay Area artists by creating and preserving affordable, safe spaces for artists to live, work, and perform. We are committed to addressing the pressing challenges artists face, such as finding stable housing amidst rising rents, evictions, and gentrification.

Future Plans

Vital Arts aims to foster lasting change and support for artists, particularly those who have historically faced oppression and marginalization. Our objectives include becoming a trusted resource and housing navigation center and artist space with case management, mobilizing communities for coalition building and advocacy, supporting existing artist spaces with fiscal sponsorship and support, and funding historically oppressed artists through programming and relief funds. A significant goal is to expand into a physical space that can serve as a hub for our operations and as a community center for artists.

Project Scope

The Strategic Planning Consultant will work closely with Vital Arts' staff, board, and stakeholders to develop a strategic plan that will:

• Assess the current organizational structure, programs, and operations.

• Define clear, actionable goals and objectives for the next three to five years with a detailed implementation plan and actionable timeline.

• Outline a mission, vision, values, within a DEI framework

• Provide a comprehensive analysis of the roles needed to expand Vital Arts, including recommendations on staffing and organizational structure.

Deliverables

• A comprehensive strategic plan document.

• An implementation plan with timelines and responsibilities.

• A monitoring and evaluation framework.

• Facilitation of strategic planning meetings and workshops.

• Regular progress reports to Vital Arts' Executive Director and Board.

• Detailed analysis of roles and staffing needs for organizational expansion.

Fee Proposal

Provide a fee proposal aligned with the deliverables listed above that clearly defines how costs are to be incurred. Please indicate the rate structure, any costs not incurred in that structure, and whether or not expenses are included. A narrative should be included to describe your methods for calculation and justification for costs.

Budget

We currently have raised $25,000 for our Strategic Planning Process.

Qualifications

The ideal consultant will have:

• Proven experience in strategic planning for non-profit organizations, preferably in the arts and cultural sector.

• Strong understanding of issues related to affordable housing, artist displacement, and cultural preservation.

• Experience with DEI processes and community engagement.

• Excellent facilitation, communication, and organizational skills.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consultants should submit the following:

1. Cover Letter: A brief introduction, including the consultant’s understanding of the project and their approach to strategic planning.

2. CV or Resume: Detailed information on the consultant’s working background, experience, and qualifications.

3. Proposed Methodology: A description of the proposed approach to the strategic planning process.

4. Timeline: An estimated timeline for the project, including key milestones.

5. Budget: A budget, including a breakdown of costs.

6. References: Contact information for at least three references from similar projects.

7. Work Sample: Please share a previous Strategic Planning Document

Deadline

Proposals must be submitted by October 8th, 2024. Submissions must be on time to be considered. Please email your proposal to info@vitalarts.org with the subject line "RFP: Strategic Planning Consultant—Vital Arts."

Contact Information

For any questions or further information, please contact Sharmi Basu, Executive Director, at sharmi@vitalarts.org

We look forward to receiving your proposal and working together to support and empower the artistic community in the Bay Area.

—-

Vital Arts is an equal-opportunity organization. We encourage proposals from consultants of all backgrounds, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.