Request for Proposals: Orange County Arts Commission/Orange County Arts Alliance Rebrand 

This RFP is for a rebrand of the Orange County Arts Commission, a unit of Orange County government, and its nonprofit arm, the Orange County Arts Alliance into a new, combined brand, “Arts Orange.” We are seeking a firm, designer, or agency whose work aligns with the following values of the organization:

• Artists, creativity, and creative vitality 
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Advocacy for the arts at local and state levels

Current website: www.artsorange.org

Budget for rebrand and refreshed website: $30,000 

Launch date for new brand: Fall, 2025

Organization Background

The Orange County Arts Commission (Arts Commission), located in Hillsborough, NC, is an agency of Orange County government. We work to develop the arts in Orange County, NC, which includes the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough. The mission of the Arts Commission is to promote and strengthen the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina.

Created on February 4, 1985, the Arts Commission is the non-partisan countywide arts agency that provides funding and support for a broad range of high-quality arts programs. As the Designated County Partner with the NC Arts Council, the Arts Commission awards state and county-funded arts grants, sponsors programs, serves as an arts information clearinghouse, and runs a community arts space, the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough. 

In 2021, a new 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Orange County Arts Alliance (Arts Alliance), was created to increase resources for the Arts Commission and the arts community as a whole. The Arts Alliance serves as an operational partner for the Eno Arts Mill and fundraising partner. 

Together, the Arts Commission and Arts Alliance offer the following signature programs for the local community:

• The Eno Arts Mill, a 10,000sf arts space located in the historic Eno River Mill in Hillsborough, offering 15 artist studios, a gallery offering exhibit access for local artists, and a classroom for classes and camps. The Mill offers monthly First Fridays at the Mill events, as well as other events in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Accessibility, diversity, and inclusion are the operating priorities of the Eno Arts Mill.
• Annual grants program for arts organizations, artists, and arts educators.
• Uproar Festival of Public Art, a countywide summer festival of art that prioritizes accessibility and community engagement
• Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out, a week-long painting competition featuring 90+ artists from the region, ending with a Wet Paint Sale fundraiser featuring 180+ works of art.
• Arts advocacy through community education and meetings with local policy makers. 
• Promotion of the artists and arts agencies of Orange County through 6,000+ enews subscribers and a robust social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

Objectives of the Project

The Arts Commission has had the same logo and visual identity for decades. We would like to create a new “Arts Orange” brand that represents the fresher, more modern and progressive creative community of Orange County. The brand would be used to redesign the current artsorange.org Wordpress website. 

Target Audience(s)

· Artists living or working in Orange County

· Cultural organizations serving Orange County residents

· Patrons of the Eno Arts Mill

· Orange County Board of Commissioners

· Orange County Arts Commission Advisory Board

· Orange County Arts Alliance Board of Directors 

· Eno Arts Mill Studio Artists

· Regional arts organizations

· National arts service organizations

· The NC Arts Council 

· Local arts advocates and supporters

· Public and private funders: foundations, corporations, government entities

· Current/previous grantees

· Arts education professionals

· Community organizations/partners

· Members of the media: arts, creative economy, policy and advArts Commisisony

Background and Challenges

While the Arts Commission has existed for nearly 40 years, its role in the community has become more visible only in recent years. Over the last eight years, the agency has shifted from a single staff granting agency housed in Orange County’s Office of Economic Development to a full-service arts council under the County Managers’ office. In 2024, the Arts Commission opened the Eno Arts Mill and now has 3.5 fulltime staff. In addition to serving as a grant maker, the Arts Commission is now a program provider, promoter, advocate, and arts space operator. 

The creation of the Arts Alliance in 2021 proved to be a necessary partner to the Arts Commission for both the efficiency of operations with the Eno Arts Mill, as well as a critical fundraiser to help supplement the Arts Commissions’ relatively small budget. However, messaging of these two related but independent organizations is confusing for the public. A unified brand, “Arts Orange,” will represent both entities, and an improved website will offer more information about the two independent organizations. 

The current Arts Commission website (www.artsorange.org) was built on a Wordpress platform over eight years ago. While the functionality and familiarity of the Wordpress platform is an efficient option for our small team, we are open to other platform suggestions if it will better serve and represent our organizations. We are currently using several external “work around” platforms to sell tickets and accept donations and would like to integrate these features into our website. 

Project Scope

We are seeking a firm, designer, or agency with experience in rebranding organizations; experience rebranding nonprofit and/or arts and creative organizations is preferred. The selected agency or designer will ideally be located in the Triangle area of NC. The selected firm/designer will work closely with the leadership of the Arts Commission and Arts Alliance to provide a new logo and redesigned website. The selected firm/designer will be given appropriate access to staff, board members, and other stakeholders during the course of the project. The rebranding effort will include the creation of a new “Arts Orange” logo, reinforced with a tagline. 

At the conclusion of the project, the selected firm/designer will provide the Commission and Alliance with a finalized logo and tagline, an executable brand package including detailed treatment of marketing materials (with graphic elements, fonts and color palettes), and a standards manual that will provide guidance to staff in seamlessly executing the new brand.

The rebrand will also include the design and development of a new website. Site content from the current website will need to be migrated over to a new, user-friendly, sleek and modern template that integrates photos, visual content, and text. Priorities for the new site design include migrating to a modern template that supports visual storytelling, ensuring that the website is accessible, streamlined, and innovative, updating the homepage to be more dynamic and to better highlight key activities and information. The new site must be compatible with all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge) and responsive to mobile and desktop devices. Additionally, the new site must follow all ADA accessibility guidelines, reaching WCAG-AA ADA compliance.

Selection Process 

Selection of a final partner for the project will be determined by an internal selection committee that will evaluate which applicant is best qualified to complete the project based on the information requested in the RFP. The selection committee reserves the right to determine the number of finalists, but it is expected that up to three firms or designers will be selected for further consideration. 

Schedule for Selection Process 

· Issuance of RFP: March 1, 2025

· Responses Due: April 1, 2025

· Finalists Notified by Email: April 15, 2025

· Finalist Interviews: Late April/early May, 2025

· Award of Contract: June, 2025

· Anticipated Commencement of Project: June, 2025

· Anticipated Completion of Project: September, 2025

Submittal Requirements 

Proposals must be submitted through the online application portal and include the following information:

• Firm/designer profile, length of time in business, and a description of the you/the firm’s core competencies.
• Description of the you/your firm’s design philosophy and methodology.
• A description of your development process including project stages, testing, and proposed schedule.
• Portfolio of similar work completed for previous clients including a comprehensive package illustrating rebranding through tagline development and design elements and colors carried through a variety of promotional pieces. 
• Description of your/the firm’s availability to begin the project in accordance with the schedule. Provide a proposed timeline for implementation and delivery. 
• List of service fees for the completion of the elements as requested, with the total estimated cost to complete the project, and hourly fees (with number of hours estimated) or flat rates to complete the following: Logo development including integrated imagery and complimentary design elements/font/color schemes and a standards manual for carrying out the brand across the organization in a seamless and consistent manner; tagline; and website redesign.
• Biographies for key individual(s) assigned to the project. For firms, please note that if your firm is selected as a finalist, you will be asked to bring to the interview only those key individuals who will be working on the account.
• Three references including the type of work done for each and the date of completion. Please include company name, address, phone number and contact name. 
• A summary explaining why you or your firm is most qualified. 

The Eno Arts Mill is located within the historic Eno Mill in the West Hillsborough neighborhood. The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) currently occupies two spaces with artist studios, located close to each other within the mill:

• The Eno Mill Artist Studios are 11 studios within a 3,000 square-foot working space. Click here to view a map.  
• Suite 17 includes the OCAC offices, a classroom, gallery/events space, and 5 offices/studios available to artists and/or cultural organizations.  Click here to view a map. 

All studios include 24/7 access (workspace only), wifi, utilities, opportunities to exhibit work, communal gathering and workspace, and access to a loading dock and restrooms. Both spaces are on the first floor of the mill.

Applications are accepted from artists, designers, and craftspeople looking to further their professional careers through dedicated studio practice. Studios will be awarded based on criteria listed below.

The OCAC is looking for creatives who:

• Are community-minded and will benefit from a co-working, semiprivate studio environment
• Display commitment to their craft through an existing body of work
• Create original work
• Are willing to participate in monthly public events, such as Last Friday Art Walk. The space will not be open to the general public other than during special events and by appointment with studio tenants.

Tenant Selection Considerations

• The OCAC seeks to represent a variety of artistic disciplines.
• The OCAC seeks to include artists of varying levels in their career.
• The OCAC seeks to include artists of varying ages, races, and backgrounds.
• Will this person’s practice work within the space available? 
• Does this person already have a place to work?
• Will this person use the space regularly? Will they participate in open studios and other public events?

Important Information

• Filling out an application does not guarantee studio space.
• The Mill Studios are work only, we do not provide live-work spaces (however this is a possibility in coming years).
• A security deposit of one month’s rent plus first month’s rent, which may be pro-rated, are due at lease signing.
• To ensure the safety and security of all tenants, accepted tenants must be willing to undergo a criminal background check.
• All tenants must hold a minimum $1M general liability policy showing Orange County and Hedgehog Holdings as additional insured. You can anticipate this costing between $200-$500 per year, or approximately $20-$50 per month. Certificate of Insurance must be on file before keys are given. The OCAC can connect you with a local insurance agent to assist you, if needed.  
• Tenants are required to sign a one-year lease which may be renewed annually for up to three years. 
• Tenants are required to agree to our Tenant Agreement Code of Conduct.
• For studios that do not have access to natural light, interior lighting has been installed which mimics natural light (5,000 kelvins).
• Equipment or materials that produce excessive fumes requiring special ventilation, smoke, fire, excessive dust, noise, or permanent damage to the facilities are not appropriate for this space. Preservatives/solvents including turpentine, ammonia, sodium fluoride, phenol or mercury compounds, as well as spray paint/spray fixative and dry pigments are not allowed. Only low-odor or odor-free mineral spirits are allowed. All solvent-soaked rags must be placed in a self-closing waste disposal can and emptied on a regular basis.
• The studios are visual artists only; however, the classrooms and gallery can be rented for musical performance and/or rehearsal.
• Tenants must possess awareness of the health, safety, and hospitable working environment of other artist tenants and a respect for the upkeep and preservation of the facilities. This includes but is not limited to noise pollution (eg: loud equipment and music), use of toxic materials, and the use and proper disposal of studio waste (eg: solvent soaked rags, hot wax, turpentine, acetone, etc) and keeping common areas clean. Artists will also avoid unsolicited critiques and only offer feedback when asked.
•  Pets are not allowed.

Arts Educator Grant Guidelines 2025

Arts Educator Grants are available to public school arts educators in Orange County Public Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools seeking professional and/or artistic development. This program will provide four $500 grants and is designed to assist arts educators in advancing their careers. The grants are available to any public school educator in Orange County teaching in the visual or performing arts pursing professional and/or artistic development opportunities taking place throughout the 2025 calendar year. The application opens Monday, March 3; the deadline is 11:59pm on Monday, March 31. 

ALLOWABLE EXPENSE

• Travel expenses related to workshops or seminars, or to do research related to art form, such as meals, lodging and transportation.
• Expenses related to workshops, classes or coaching that will enhance the teacher’s abilities and/or allow the acquisition of Continuing Education Units, such as registration fees, substitute teacher costs, or required supplies.
• Purchase of supplies, materials or equipment necessary for the completion or production of personal work which is considered to be essential to the advancement of his/her teaching career.

Arts Educator Grant Program funds MAY NOT be used for the following:

• Classroom supplies
• Student travel
• The completion of baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degrees

ELIGIBILITY 

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be a full-time preK-12th grade teacher in the visual or performing arts at any school within Orange County Public Schools or Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
• Must be returning to an OCPS/CHCCS classroom in the consecutive school year

TIMELINE

• Application window: Monday, March 3 – Monday, March 31, 11:59pm
• Award notification: No later than Monday, April 21
• Funds disbursement: No later than Monday, May 5
• Grant completion deadline: December 31, 2025
• NOTE: professional and/or artistic development may have already been completed earlier in 2025.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Katie Murray at kmurray (at) orangecountync (dot) com

UPROAR FESTIVAL OF PUBLIC ART 2025: CALL FOR ARTISTS

Deadline: Mon, March 17, 2025, 11:59 PM

Uproar Festival of Public Art returns to Downtown Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, NC, from August 1-23, 2025. 60 selected artists will display outdoor works and compete for $21,000 in prizes.

Eligibility:

Open to artists aged 18+ from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia.

Prizes & Compensation:

• Total prize pool: $21,000
• $1,000 honorarium for each selected artist/team
• Discounted lodging 
• Sales opportunity; Uproar artwork may be for sale through the Orange County Arts Alliance

Prizes:

• 1st Place Jury: $10,000
• Runner-up Jury: $500
• People’s Choice: $10,000
• Runner-up People’s Choice: $500

Eligibility & Guidelines:

• Must be willing to travel and assist with installation and removal
• Artwork must be temporary, durable for outdoor display, and original
• All work must adhere to safety and environmental standards
• Artists may submit an application as an individual and/or team
• All artists must be willing to sign the Uproar Artist Agreement and agree to their artwork’s assigned site location.
• 2D, 3D, and installation works are allowed. Digitally projected art is NOT allowed for Uproar 2025 due to limited site accommodations.

Evaluation:

A panel of visual art professionals will select the final 60 works of art based on artistic excellence, impact, and feasibility.

Timeline:

• February 3, 2025: Application period opens
• March 17, 2025: Deadline for submissions
• April 2025: Acceptance notifications sent
• May 2025: Contracts signed and first $500 payment sent
• May, 2025: Artists notified of location of artwork
• Week of July 21, 2025: Installation window for Triangle-based artists
• Week of July 28, 2025: Installation window for out-of-town artists
• Friday, August 1, 2025: Kick-off Party at Eno Arts Mill, Hillsborough
• Saturday, August 23, 2025: Awards Party at CURRENT ArtsSpace + Studio in Chapel Hill
• Sunday, August 24 - Tuesday, August 26, 2025: De-installation window for artists, second $500 payment sent

Application Process:

• No fee to apply
• Submit one work of art with 5-10 high-resolution images, dimensions, and brief description. Site-specific and installation proposals may include photographs of the installation in prior locations, and/or drawings and sketches combined with photographs of the components of the installation.
• Details about the work (dimensions, weight, footing, etc.), plus a written or video description are required.