RICHMONDARTSCORRIDORRFPPROPOSAL
R I C H M O N D R E N A I S S A N C E
SectionA:RespondentCoverLetter
DearRichmondCityCouncil-Members
Thankyouinadvanceforyourtimeandconsiderationofourproposal.Ourgroup,theRichmondRenaissance,isacollectiveofartistsandcommunityleaderswithover100yearsofcombinedfirsthandexperienceutilizingthetransformativepoweroftheArtstoheal,drivesocialchange,preservetraditions,inspirecreativity, andconnectheartsacrossgenerations.WearethrilledtoapplyforthisRFPandconfidentouralignedmissionandvalueswillsignificantlycontributetothecity’seffortstoestablishanArtsCorridor.
Aslocalleaders,weknowRichmondisinaperiodofgreattransformation.Manyarestillfeelingtheeffectsofthepandemic.Climatechangehasenteredastagethatcausesextremeweatherintheformofwildfires,mega-storms,andmore.Richmondisatamomentwhereitwouldbewisetodiversifyoureconomyandreduceourrelianceonadyingfossilfuelindustry. Inthiscriticalmoment,establishingaworld-classartscorridorwillupliftourcommunity, diversifyoureconomy, andimproveourqualityoflifethroughafocusonthearts.
Inourproposal,youwillfindwhyweareuniquelysuitedforthisproject.Ourorganization’smissionistocreatearenaissanceoftheartsbyestablishingandsupportinganArtsCorridorinRichmond.Ourvaluesandpracticesincludecommunityengagement,democraticgovernance,andcommunitybuilding,focusingonthearts.
Wehaveengagedcommunityfundersinthepastyearandconductedpolicyresearchtosupporttheartscorridor. Weareconfidentthatournetworkofartorganizations,professionals,andcommunityleaderswillsignificantlycontributetothecity’sefforttodevelopastrategicplanandsupportitsimplementation.
TheKeyElementsofourproposalinclude
CoverLetter:Ourcoverletterintroducesourteam'senthusiasmandcommitmenttotheArtsCorridorinitiative,ourdedicationtodeepcommunityengagement,andourfocusoncenteringthebestinterestsoftheCityandcommunityofRichmondinthisinitiative.
BriefHistoryofExperience,Qualifications,andSuccesses:Thissectionwillcoverourproventrackrecordofsuccessfulcommunityengagementinitiatives,ourteam'sextensiveexperience,diverseexpertise,andourpassionfordrivingpositivechangeinRichmondthroughartsandculture.
BackgroundandProjectSummary:WecoverthebackgroundandcontextofourunderstandingoftheArtsCorridorinitiativeandoutlineourdeliverablesandobjectivesaccordingtothisRFP'srequests.
Methodology:Thisproject'sinterdisciplinarymethodologycombinesmultipledisciplinestoprioritizeinclusivity, agility, anddata-drivendecision-making,ensuringeffectivecommunityengagement,strategicplanning,andprojectsuccess.
ProjectTimeline:Theprojecttimelineoutlinescriticalmilestones,deliverables,anddeadlines.Wedetailtheexpectationswithamonthlyworkbreakdownoverfourmonths.
StaffingandQualifications:Ourteamcomprisesexperiencedprofessionalswithcommunityoutreach,strategicplanning,andprojectcoordinationexpertise.Weareequippedtoleadandsupportallaspectsofthisprojectandcandeeplyengageandupliftlocalstakeholders'interestsanddesiresintheartscorridor.
References:Weincludereferencesfrompastclientswhocanattesttotheprofessionalism,reliability, andabilitytodeliverexceptionalresults.
Cost:Ourcostproposalisfairandincludesdiscountstomeetthecity’srequestedbudget.
Value-AddedServices:Inadditiontoourcoreservices,weoffervalue-addedbenefitssuchasanexistingstakeholdernetwork,privatefunderengagement,andleveragingourleadership’sexpertisetoenhancetheproject'simpactandsustainability.
ResponsestoAdditionalRFPInformationRequest.
WehavereviewedandunderstoodallelementsoftheRFQandRFP. YoumayconsiderourapplicationastatementofintenttoperformtheservicesrequestedinthisRFP/RFQ.Weareexcitedaboutthepossibility, andifselected,wewillagreetothetermsandconditionsprescribedbythisRFP, includinginsurancerequirements(Attachment1),SanctuaryCityComplianceStatement(Attachment2),andinformationlaidoutinthesampleStandardServiceAgreement(Attachment3).
TheRichmondRenaissancehasnoemployeesandisvolunteer-run.Ithasbenefitedfromin-kindservicedonationsfromCriticalImpactConsultingforstrategicplanningandorganizationaldevelopment.Ourfoundershavevolunteeredtheirtimeandexpertiseoverthepastyear,representingthecommunity'sinvestmentinthisinitiative.
OurClientbaseisfocusedontheRichmondcommunity.
OfficeLocation:C/ORPA12929SanPabloAve,Richmond,CA
PhoneNumber:(415)272-5311
Weconfirmthoseresponsibleforthisprojecthaveatleastthree(3)yearsofverifiableCaliforniaexperience.
Weassureyouthattheproposalpricewillbevalidforatleast180days.
OursinglepointofcontactforthisprojectwillbeRathaLai.
Email:[email protected]
PhoneNumber:510-313-3144
Sincerely
BKWilliamsRichmondRenaissanceSteeringCommitteeChair
Briefhistoryofexperiences,qualifications,andsuccesses:
Ourorganization,theRichmondRenaissance,isanetworkoflocalart-basedorganizations.OursteeringcommitteehasbeenworkingonestablishinganArtsCorridorinthepastyear. Itwillcontinuetodevelopandsupportanartscorridorconsistingofindividualswithover100yearsofcombinedexperienceinartsandcommunityengagement.WeinformallycametogetheroneyearagotocreatemoreconnectionstotheartsforRichmondResidents.WeidentifiedanopportunitytoestablishanartscorridorthroughourdiscussionsandmonitoringofcitypoliciessuchastheAmericanReliefPlanAct.WediscussedandsettledonakeyobjectiveinourmissiontocreateanartscorridorthatcanutilizethepowerofArttoimproveourcommunity. OurgroupisfiscallysponsoredbyIndependentArtsandMedia(IAM),whichsupportsvariousartisticendeavors.
IndependentArtsandMedia(IAM)providesfiscalsponsorshipservicestosupportaffiliateprojects,believingintheimportanceofdiversevoicesandfreeexpressioninculture.Foundedin2000,IAMhassupportedover200organizationsandprojectsintheSanFranciscoBayArea.
RichmondRenaissanceSteeringCommittee
BKWilliamsisanartsadvocate,filmmaker, innovativecommunityleader, andcollaboratorwithRACC.Co-FounderRichmondFilmCollective.FormerchairQWOCMAP, filmtraining.
BryanAlvarezisaneducator, researcher, andprofessionalmusician.HegraduatedfromOberlinCollegeandConservatoryofMusicwithdualdegreesinBiologyandTrombonePerformanceandaPh.D.inPsychologyfromUCBerkeley. HispassionforartseducationhasledhimtoRichmond,wherehenowrunsartsprogrammingfor4,000studentsasthedirectorofschoolpartnershipsatEastBayCenterforthePerformingArts.
FloreneWileyisaseasonedartsadministratorwhohasworkedwiththeApolloTheater,ScholasticInc.,UniworldAdvertising,theCityofOakland,andSnapJudgmentStudios.ShewasappointedtotheRichmondArtsandCultureCommissionin2018andservedasChairfrom2020-2022.SheisPresident/CEOofSpirit&ImageLLC,presenteroftheActorsWorkshopwithFloWiley, andproducerofcommunitytheatreproductionsinRichmond.
JennyBalisle, apracticingartistforovertwentyyears,hashadherartworksexhibitedinbothlocalandinternationalvenues.JennywastheRichmondArts&CultureCommissionandPublicArtAdvisoryCommitteeChair. SheiscurrentlytheARTSCCC(ArtsContraCostaCounty)ExecutiveFoundingDirector.
NavaMizrahhiisalifelongwomen’srightsandsocialjusticeactivistandcommunityleaderinRichmondsince2014,includingRichmondRainbowPride,SistersinSolidarity, formerRichmondArts&Culturecommissioner, andSuppressedHistoriesArchives—globalwomen’shistory.
CriticalImpactConsulting,ledbyRathaLai, willbetheprimarystaff personresponsibleforthiscommunityengagementRFP. Rathabringsadecadeofexperienceinempoweringlocalcommunities,especiallyinRichmond,from2014,whichhasresultedinchangesovertime.RathahasorganizedRichmondcommunityfestivalsandThe2017RichmondPeople’sAssembly. ThePeople’sAssemblyincludedadeepcanvassingeffortwherehecompletedtrainingforninelocalorganizationstocanvassandreachedover1,000residentsinlessthantwomonths.ThisresultedinnewinitiativesinRichmond,suchastheReimaginingPublicSafetyeffortknownasReimagineRichmond.Ratha'seffortsasaconsultantincludedoutreachtoAfricanAmericansinRichmond,upliftingtheirconcernsaboutCOVIDandthevaccineandultimatelyhelpingtoensurethesafetyandimportanceofvaccination.Ratha’scommunicationstrategieswereadoptedbytheKaiserFoundationandreproducedenmassetoanationalaudience.RatharecentlydevelopedthecommunityengagementplanandacommunicationstoolkitfortheAB617CommunityEmissionsReductionPlanCommittee.
KyndelleJohnsonisacommunityadvocateandorganizerwhoseexperiencewithmanyissuespreparesherwellforneighborhoodoutreachandengagementtowardanArtcorridorinRichmond,CA.Since2015,shehasworkedonyouthempowerment,racialandsocialequity,andhousingjusticeissues.Withapersonaldedicationtomentalhealthawarenessandcreativeexpression,sheisdedicatedtohavingeveryone'svoiceheardandvaluedindevelopingaworld-classartscorridorinabeautiful,diversecitylikeRichmond.KyndellegrewupinRichmondandElCerritoandstudiedSpanishandPoliticsatOberlinCollege.Shespecializedininternationalstudiesandtookcoursesinsociologyandarthistorytounderstandhowartisticandculturalexpressioncanbuildcommunitypower.
SectionB:BackgroundandProjectSummarySection
AccordingtotheCaliforniaHealthyPlacesIndex, adatareferencethatexplorescommunityconditions,livinginRichmondcancutyourlifeshorterthanitneedstobe.Richmondfallswithinthelowestquartile,whereascommunitieswithintheMacdonaldAvenuecorridorrankat14.2%andsurroundingcommunitiesbetween15%and23.5%.
Furthermore,thecombinedeffectsofthepandemicandinflationhaveworsenedconditionsforRichmondresidents.Despitethis,Richmondresidentsareresilientandhaveahistoryoforganizingandbuildingcommunity.
RichmondRenaissanceaimstoimproveRichmondthroughtheArtsbyestablishingaworld-classartscorridoronMacdonaldAveand23rdStreet.WebelieveestablishinganArtscorridoraspartofthefabricofRichmondwillbeautifyRichmondinprofoundwaysthatwilllivebeyondourlifetimes.Inadditiontotheastoundingwonderthatarthasonus,anArtscorridorhasthepotentialformultiplesocialandeconomicbenefits.
Deliverables● ResearchandReviewexistingcitydocuments,includingbutnotlimitedtothe2030GeneralPlan,updatedArtOrdinancesandArtPoliciesandProcedures,andtheAmericanRescuePlanAct(ARPA)FundGuidelines.● DevelopanArtsCorridorStrategicPlanwitha10-20-yearfinancialprojection,mission,visionandgoals,boundaries,cityandcommunityassets,locationareas,andatleasttwelvepriorities.● Animplementationplanthatincludescommunityengagementfeedback.● IdentifyandrecommendexistingandnewCitysupportrolesandresources,suchaspublicartprogrammingandtemporaryandpermanentartcommissions.● IdentifyandcultivateadditionalfundingsourcesoutsideofRichmond.
SectionC:MethodologySection
PolicyReviewandAnalysis:Wewillreviewcitydocumentsandpoliciesrelatedtotheartscorridorandincorporatethefindingsintothestrategicplan.OurorganizationiscompletingaresearchreportthatanalyzesRichmond’sUrbanGreeningMasterPlanandhowtheartscorridorcanalignwiththeUrbanGreeningMasterPlan.OursteeringcommitteeconsistsofseveralRichmondartsandculturecommissionerswhobringyearsofexperienceandunderstandingofthebestpracticesofworkingwithinthecitycommissionstructure.Wewillalsoreviewanddocumentthecity'spossiblemethodstodirectfinancialresourcestotheartscorridor.
CommunityEngagement:Wehaveconductedcommunityoutreachontheartscorridor, havinghadhundredsofone-on-oneconversationsandseveralcommunitymeetings.Wehaverecruitedlocalartorganizationstojoinournetworkandcontributetotheartscorridor. Wehavedevelopedoutreachmaterialsandconceptualframeworksfortheartscorridor.
Developedconceptualframework:Throughourcommunityoutreach,wehavedevelopedconceptualframeworksfortheArtsCorridor. Wewillutilizetheseframeworksinouroutreachandstakeholderengagement.Havingtheconceptualframeworksdevelopedwillgivestakeholderssomethingtorespondtoandbuildoninsteadofstartingfromscratchandrepeatingthesameideas.
Utilizingourexistingnetworkofstakeholders:OurgrouphasreachedoutandengagedlocalcommunityorganizationsandstakeholdersregardingtheArtsCorridor. OurnetworkoforganizationshasacombinedreachofoverathousandresidentsactivelyparticipatingintheartsinRichmond.Ournetworkofcommunityorganizationswillhostcommunitylisteningsessionsandutilizetheexistingnetworkofcommunitymembersengagedinthearts.
CanvassingandDirectStakeholderOutreach:Wewillcanvasstheproposedcorridorandengagestakeholdersfrombusinesses,communityorganizations,associations,communityleaders,neighborhoodcouncils,andphilanthropicorganizationsinterestedininvestinginRichmond.
CommunityListeningSessions:Ourengagementstrategywillincludeaseriesofcommunitylisteningsessionshostedbyananchororganizationinournetwork.Thelisteningsessionswillbearoundcriticalaspectsoftheartscorridortounderstandourresidents'diverseneeds,desires,andaspirations.Ourlisteningsessionswillbeginwithapresentationofthevision,researchfindings,andaconceptualframeworkwhereparticipantscanengagebefore,during,andafterthelisteningsession.Listeningsessionswillbeconductedvirtuallyandinperson,andnoteswillberecordedanddocumentedinacommunityengagementreport.
Diversity, Equity, andInclusion:Ourapproachtocommunityengagementprioritizesdiversity,equity, andinclusionateverystage.Werecognizetheimportanceofengagingwithawiderangeofvoices,perspectives,andexperienceswithinthecommunitytoensurethatallstakeholdershaveanequalopportunitytoparticipateandcontribute.Ourdirectcontactstrategiesandcommunitylisteningsessionscreateinclusivespacesfordialogueandinclusion.
DevelopingSMARTGoals:WewilldevelopSMARTGoalsinthestrategicplan.SMARTgoalsareacronymsforspecific,measurable,achievable,relevant,andtime-boundgoals.
ReportPresentation:Wewillprovidereportsandpresentationstothecityasneededtocommunicatekeyfindings,insights,andrecommendationstostakeholdersclearlyandcompellingly. Weutilizeavarietyofvisualandnarrativeformatstopresentcomplexinformationinanaccessibleway, ensuringthatallstakeholderscanunderstandandengagewiththecontent.Additionally, weprioritizetransparencyandopennessbyprovidingopportunitiesforfeedbackanddiscussiononthereportfindings.
EconomicAnalysisandFinancialProjections:Wewillcombinecomparativebenchmarking,scenarioanalysis,andbottom-upforecastingtocreateacomprehensivefinancialforecastfordevelopingtheArtsCorridorstrategicplan.● ComparativeBenchmarking:Wewillexaminesimilarartscorridorprojectsorculturaldistrictsforfinancialdataandcreateabaselineforecast.Thiswouldincludecomparingvisitornumbers,averagerevenuepervisitor, rentalincome,andoperatingcosts.● ScenarioAnalysis:Wewillalsoanalyzedifferentscenariosthatwouldimpactthecomparativebenchmarking,suchasdifferentiatingassetimprovementsandcapitalprojectsfromone-timeartmuralsandstreetpaintingprojects● Bottom-upforecasting: Wewillalsodetailtheprojectedcostsofeachphase,includingthecapitalcostsforimprovingexistingassetsandcapitalprojectcostsforpurchasinglandorbuildingacquisitionsandrenovations.
StrategicPlanContents
ExecutiveSummary:Theexecutivesummarywillcoverthestrategicplan'spurpose,process,andhighlights.
PolicyReviewandAnalysis:ThissectioncoversapolicyanalysisthatreviewstheCityofRichmond’spoliciesandordinancesandhowtheyimpacttheArtsCorridor. PolicieswehavereviewedaspartofourprocessincludetheAmericanReliefPlanAct,TrafficCalmingInitiative,OnePercentfortheArts,andUrbanGreeningMasterPlan.
ValuesandVision:ThissectionwillcoverthevaluesoftheArtsCorridoraswellasthelong-termvisionfortheCorridor.
Artscorridorpriorityprojects:Thissectionwilllisttheprioritiesoftheartscorridorforeachphaseofthestrategicplan.Theprioritieswillbeinformedbycommunityfeedback.
ConceptualMap:Wewillincludeaconceptualmapoftheartscorridorthatidentifiestheprojectoverlaidonamap.
CommunityEngagementFindings:Thissectionwillincludethefindingsfromthecommunityengagementsurveyandlisteningsessions.
FinancialForecast:Thissectionwillincludeaninterdisciplinaryfinancialforecastusingcomparativebenchmarkingandbottom-upforecastingwithmultiplescenarios.
ImplementationPlan:Theimplementationplanwillincludethreephasesofdevelopingtheartscorridor, differentiatedintheleveloffinancialinvestmentandlengthoftime.Thereisbothalong-termplanandmanyopportunitiestocreateandtransformthedesignatedareaintoanartscorridorwithinayear.
Phase1:QuickWins/HighReturnLow-RiskProjects:Thissectionwillincludeidentifyingthelocationfortransformingthevisualaestheticofthecorridor. Theseexampleswouldconsistofrenovatinganddevelopingnewmurals,streetbanners,artinstallations,traffic-calmingstreetart,urbangreeningprojects,culturalevents,andactivities.
Phase2:ImprovingExistingAssets:Thissectionwillidentifyimprovementprojectsforcityassets,buildings,parks,communityassets,andsmallbusinesses.Examplesincludethecityauditorium,supportingsmallbusinesses,andspecificgeographicfocusessuchastheBARTtoCityAuditoriumwalk.
Phase3:CapitalProjects:Thissectionwillincludelarge-scalecapitalprojectssuchaspurchasingandrepurposingbuildings,purchasingland,anddevelopingmixed-usebusinessesandaffordablehousing.
ListofCityandCommunityAssets
Thisisalistgeneratedfromthecity’sGISMappingsoftware.Itcontainsthecity'sassetsthatcanbepartoftheartscorridor. Inadditiontothecity’sbuildings,wealsoincludedcommunityassetsthatwillsupporttheartscorridor.
CityProperty AddressRichmondMainPost Office 1025NevinAveRichmondChildCare 4458thSt.
RichmondMuseumof HistoryandCulture 400NevinAve
NevinCommunityCenter 598NevinAveParkingGarage 11th&NevinAveWinter'sBuilding 33311thSt.CivicCenter Plaza 440CivicCenter PlazaCityCouncil Chambers 440CivicCenter PlazaConventionCenter 403CivicCenter PlazaMainLibrary 325CivicCenter PlazaCommunityServicesCenter 33025thSt.HousingAuthority 33024thSt.RecreationComplex 3230MacdonaldAveParksFieldOffice 3201LeonaWYPolice/FireDispatchCenter 32627thSt.Paratransit 2560MacdonaldAveEngineering(Former) 2566MacdonaldAveRichmondSenior Center 2525MacdonaldAveRichmondArt Center 2540Barret AveParksDepartment 3230MacdonaldAvePoliceActivityLeague(PAL) 2200MacdonaldAveVeteransMemorial Hall 96823rdST. RichmondCommunityAssetsEast BayPerformingArtsCenter 33911thStreetNIADArt Center 55123rdStRYSECenter 3939Bissell AveVibeBistro 1508MacdonaldAveSuiteB SectionD:ProjectTimeline
[Month1]PolicyAnalysisandBeginCommunityEngagement:
Reviewexistingcitypoliciesandordinances:WewillreviewcitypoliciesthatimpacttheArtsCorridorproject,suchas,butnotlimitedto,the2030GeneralPlan,updatedArtOrdinances,policiesandprocedures,andtheAmericanReliefPlanAct(ARPA)FundGuidelines.Inadditiontocitypolicies,wewillexaminestateandnationalpoliciesandinitiativesthatcansupporttheArtsCorridor.
CommunitySurveyandSuggestionsFormAcommunitysurveywillbedeveloped.ThissurveywillserveasoneoftheentrypointsforcommunitystakeholderstoprovidesuggestionsaboutwhattheywouldliketoseeaspartoftheArtsCorridorandtheirinterestandsatisfactionwiththeconceptplanandvision.
VisualAidDevelopmentandOutreachMaterials.Wehavedevelopedvisualaidsandoutreachmaterialsforcommunityoutreachthatcanbeusedandmodifiedtofitthepurposeofthisprojectandthelisteningsessions.
Shareandpublicizetheconceptualframeworkstocommunitystakeholders,includingneighborhoodcouncilmembersandthegeneralpublic.
NeighborhoodCouncilEngagementNeighborhoodcouncilmemberswillreceiveadigitaldocumentwiththeArtsCorridorvisionandconceptualframeworksandwillbeallowedtoprovidewrittenfeedbackthroughtheonlinesurveyform.Theywillalsohaveanopportunitytoscheduleafollow-upone-on-oneconversationwithourcommunityengagementstaff ororganizationalrepresentative.Theinformationgatheredwillthenbepresentedataneighborhoodcoordinatingcouncilmeetingwherefurtherdiscussionsandinformationgatheringwillbeconducted. [Month2-3]CommunityEngagementandOutreach
CommunityEngagementGoalsandObjectives:1) Gatheranddocumentstakeholderinputandfeedbackontheartscorridormodelconcepts.2) Hostsevencommunitylisteningsessions.3) AnalyzeandincorporatefindingsintotheStrategicPlan.
Step1:Gatherfeedbackonconceptualframeworks.● Wewillprovideafeedbackformthatwillbepublicallyavailableonlineforanybodytoprovidewrittenfeedbackontheartscorridor.● Shareandpublicizeconceptualframeworkstocommunitymembers,neighborhoodcouncilmembers,andotherstakeholders.● 1on1Follow-ups:Alongwithsharingthemodelconcepts,wewillprovideanautomatedlinktoscheduleaone-on-onephonecallandprovidemorein-depthfeedback.● Afteramonth,wewillanalyzetheinformationcollected,identifykeythemes,andpresentourfindingsattheneighborhoodcoordinatingcouncilmeeting.● CanvassingtheCorridor: Wewillcanvassthecorridortoreachbusinessesandorganizationsdirectlyinthecorridorarea.Wewillworkwithcommunityorganizationstogatherinformationfromtheirmembers,attendeventstospreadawareness,andprovideoptionsforfeedback,suchasthecommunitysurveyorattendingacommunitylisteningsession.
Step2:HostsevenCommunityListeningSessions● Organizationsinournetworkwillhostacommunitylisteningsessionfortheirmembers.● ListeningSessionswillengagecommunitymemberstoprovideinputthroughsmallgroups,writtenfeedback,andinteractivebrainstormingsessions.● Wewillincludeagraphicnote-takerandensuretranslationsareprovidedasneeded.● Wewillscheduleandpromoteallthelisteningsessionsthroughoutatwo-monthperiod.TheselisteningsessionswillincludetheGeneralPublic(Online),WorkingArtistsandculturalpractitioners,YouthandEducators,BusinessesandSmallBusinesses,ArtOrganizations,Residents,Non-Profits,andAnti-displacementgroups.
Step3AnalyzeinformationandincorporatefindingsintotheStrategicPlan.● Oncealltheinformationiscollected,wewillanalyzethedatafortrends,themes,considerations,andconcerns.● Wewillusethedataandprovidealistoftheattendeesandparticipatingorganizationsinthecity.
CommunityEngagementCoreMessagingandFraming:
Sustain:HonorandPreserveRichmond’sCulturalHeritageProtectandpromotetherichculturalassetsofRichmond’sdiversecommunities,especiallyBlackandBrownresidents,byensuringthatpublicartandculturalinitiativesreflectandcelebratetheirhistories,traditions,andwayoflife.PrioritizeprojectsthatempowerlocalresidentstoshapethefutureoftheartscorridorwhilepreservingtheessenceofRichmond’sculturalidentity.
Cultivate:ElevateCommunityArtsandEnrichQualityofLifeSupportandamplifylocalculturaltraditionsbycreatingopportunitiesformentorship,artisticgrowth,andcollaboration.Focusonfosteringathrivingcreativeenvironmentthatenhancesthequalityoflifeforresidents,usingarttopromotehealing,joy, andconnectionacrossallneighborhoods.
Unite:BuildStrongPartnershipsandCommunityCollaborationCoordinateeffortsbetweenthecity, localorganizations,artists,andbusinessestoensureaunifiedapproachtorevitalizingRichmondthroughthearts.Promotesharedresources,fostercommunity-drivendecision-making,andstrengthenpartnershipsthatprioritizetheempowermentandwell-beingofRichmond’sresidents.
GuidingQuestions:Thesearequestionswewillengagethecommunityandidentifyanswersto.● Wherecanartsandcultureinitiativeshavethemostimpactonourcommunities?● Howcanweprioritizetheareaswherepublicartandculturalactivitieswillenrichdailylife,supportcommunityconnection,andcelebrateRichmond’sdiversity?● WhattypesofartprogramsorinstallationsfostercivicprideandcreateasenseofplaceforRichmondResidents?● HowcanweensuretheseprojectscontributetothevibrancyofRichmondwhilepromotingeconomicdevelopmentandculturalidentity?● WhereshouldRichmondfocusitsinvestmentinpublicartstoupliftunderservedcommunities?● HowcanweensurethatBlackandBrowncommunitiesareatthecenteroftheseefforts,promotingequitabledistributionofresources?● HowcanwebettersupportandelevatelocalartistswhileinvitingexternaltalenttoenrichRichmond’sartscene?● Whatstructuresandopportunitiesareneededtofostermentorship,collaboration,andvisibilityforRichmond-basedartists?● Whatuntappedopportunitiesexistforfunding,programming,andcollaborationacrossthebroaderEastBayartscommunity? StakeholderstoEngage
ArtsOrganizationsLocalartsorganizationshavetheexpertiseandnetworkstohelpbuildandsustainRichmond’sartscorridor. Theirinvolvementinprogramming,mentorship,andcommunityartsdevelopmentensuresthatthecorridoroffershigh-qualityopportunitiesforcreativeexpressionandengagement.
CulturalPractitionersRichmond’sculturalpractitioners—storytellers,healers,andtraditionkeepers—playavitalroleinpreservingandamplifyingtheculturalrichnessofthecommunity.TheirengagementwillensurethatpublicartandculturalactivitiesarerootedinRichmond’shistory, traditions,andvalues,fosteringadeeperconnectionbetweentheartscorridoranditsresidents.
EducatorsandSchools:Engagingeducatorsfromlocalschools,colleges,anduniversitiescanintegrateartseducationintothecorridor’svision.Involvingschoolshelpsfosterearlyartsengagement,createsmentorshipopportunitiesforyouth,andsupportslifelonglearninginthearts.Schoolscanalsopartnerinartsprogrammingandevents.
FundersFundersprovidethefinancialresourcesneededtobringRichmondRenaissance’svisiontolife.Engagingthemiscrucialforsecuringinvestmentsthatensureequitableartsfunding,prioritizeBlackandBrowncommunities,andsupportthelong-termgrowthoftheartscorridor.
HousingJusticeAdvocates:Housingjusticeadvocatesensurethattheartscorridor’sdevelopmentdoesnotdisplacelong-timeresidentsandsupportsaffordable,community-centeredhousingsolutions.Theirengagementwillhelpmaintainabalancebetweenculturalrevitalizationandhousingequity, protectingRichmond’svulnerablepopulationsfromgentrificationwhilepromotinginclusivityintheartscorridor.
Residents:Residentsalongthecorridorwillbecontactedtobeinformedandtosolicittheirfeedback,interest,andinvolvement.ResidentswillbeoneofthestakeholdergroupsmostimpactedbythecorridorandacriticalvoiceinensuringtheArtsCorridorisdevelopedwithinclusionfromresidents.
SmallBusinesses:Smallbusinessescanpartnerwiththeartscorridortocreateathrivinglocaleconomy. Engagingthemensuresthattheybenefitfromincreasedfoottrafficandvisibilitywhilealsocontributingtoplacemakinginitiatives.Localbusinessescansupportpublicart,sponsorevents,andprovidevenuesforartisticandculturalactivities.
WorkingArtists:Localworkingartistsarekeytotheartscorridor’ssuccess.Theycontributetheircreativetalenttopublicartinstallations,performances,andcommunityevents.Theirengagementisessentialfordesigningprogramsthatprovidesustainableincome,professionaldevelopment,andcollaborationopportunitieswhilereflectingRichmond’sculturaldiversity.
Youth: Engageyoungpeopletoensuretheartscorridorreflectstheircreativity, energy, andfutureaspirations.Youthrepresentthenextgenerationofartists,communityleaders,andculturalpractitioners,andtheirinputwillhelpshapeavibrant,inclusive,andforward-thinkingartscorridor. Theyalsobenefitfrommentorship,employment,andartisticgrowthopportunities. [Month3-4]WritingtheStrategicPlan
SummarizeandanalyzedatafromcommunitylisteningsessionsandsurveyWewillcompileallthedataandinformationcollectedfromthelisteningsessionsandputtheminareportthatdetailstheapprovalandsatisfactionoftheconceptplan,additionsandadjustments,andeliminationsfromtheconceptplan.Communitymember'spreferenceforprioritizationofprojects.
Produceafinancialforecastusingthemethodologiesdescribedearlier, whichincludecomparativebenchmarking,scenarioanalysis,andbottom-upforecasting.
ImplementationPlanandScheduleWewillincludeanimplementationplanforactualizingtheconcept.Thiswillincludethreephases,asdescribedintheprevioussections.Phase1wouldbehighrewardlowriskprojectsofvisualdesigns,murals,eventsandactivities.Phase2isimprovingexistingcityandcommunityassetsandphase3capitalprojects.
VisualAidDevelopment.Developandcompilevisualaidsforthecity'swebsiteandsocialmediamaterials.ThiswillincludecreatingaGoogleMapwithpointswherecommunitymemberscanselectandseetheirinputandhowtheconceptwillbegintomaterialize.
SectionDandE:StaffingandQualifications
Summaryofdemonstratedcapabilityandqualifications:RathaLaifromCriticalImpactConsultingwillbetheprimarypersonresponsibleforexecutingtheplanforthisRFP. SteeringCommitteemembersfromtheRichmondRenaissancewillprovideadvisorycapacitytothisRFPatnocost.BKWilliams,theleadfortheRichmondRenaissance,willplayamoreinvolvedadvisoryroleintheproject.Ourfiscalsponsor, IAM,willalsoprovidesupportwithadvisingandmarketingservices.KyndelleJohnsonwillbeprovidingsupportforcommunityengagement.
RichmondRenaissanceOursteeringcommitteecomprisesover100yearsofcombinedexperienceintheartsandcommunityengagement.
RichmondRenaissanceSteeringCommittee
BKWilliamsisanartsadvocate,filmmaker, innovativecommunityleader, andcollaboratorwithRACC.Co-FounderRichmondFilmCollective.FormerchairQWOCMAP, filmtraining.
BryanAlvarezisaneducator, researcher, andprofessionalmusician.HegraduatedfromOberlinCollegeandConservatoryofMusicwithdualdegreesinBiologyandTrombonePerformanceandaPh.D.inPsychologyfromUCBerkeley. HispassionforartseducationhasledhimtoRichmond,wherehenowrunsartsprogrammingfor4,000studentsasthedirectorofschoolpartnershipsatEastBayCenterforthePerformingArts.
FloreneWileyisaseasonedartsadministratorwhohasworkedwiththeApolloTheater,ScholasticInc.,UniworldAdvertising,theCityofOakland,andSnapJudgmentStudios.ShewasappointedtotheRichmondArtsandCultureCommissionin2018,servingasChairfrom2020-2022.SheisPresident/CEOofSpirit&ImageLLC,presenteroftheActorsWorkshopwithFloWiley, andcommunitytheatreproductionsinRichmond.
JennyBalisle, apracticingartistforovertwentyyears,hashadherartworksexhibitedinbothlocalandinternationalvenues.BalislewastheRichmondArts&CultureCommissionandPublicArtAdvisoryCommitteeChair. SheiscurrentlytheARTSCCC(ArtsContraCostaCounty)ExecutiveFoundingDirector.
NavaMizrahiLifelifelongwomen’srightsandsocialjusticeactivist,acommunityleaderinRichmondsince2014,includingRichmondRainbowPride,SistersinSolidarity, formerRichmondArts&Culturecommissioner, SuppressedHistoriesArchives—globalwomen’shistory.
CriticalImpactConsulting,RathaLai(PrimaryConsultant/Subcontractor) EducationandBackground:RathacomesfromarefugeeCambodianfamilyandhasanEnglishdegreefromCerritosCommunityCollegeandanInterdisciplinaryStudiesFielddegreefromUCBerkeleywithaconcentrationonPower, Language,andContemporarySociety.
InterdisciplinaryCommunityEngagementStrategies:Since2009,Rathahasbeendevelopingandrefiningthebestpracticesforcommunityengagementthatstemfromcutting-edgetheoriesfromUCBerkeley, suchastheuseofframingandmetaphorscombinedwithtraditionaloutreachpracticessuchasequitablefacilitation,activelisteningaswellasstrategiesfrombusinessessuchastheleanexperimentalmethodaswellasmarketingstrategiesthatallgetimplementedtoensurethateverycommunityengagementinitiativeisdonewithextremeattentiontodetailandthoughtfulnessthatempowerscommunitiesandmakelong-lastingchange.
SuccessfulCommunityEngagementProjects
2012CAStatewideCommunityListeningSessions:Ratha,aspartoftheGreenliningInstitute,ledastatewidecommunitylisteningsessiontogatherfeedbackfromunderrepresentedcommunitiesabouttheaccessibilityofthevoterguideandvotingservicesfromtheCASecretaryofState’soffice.Allofthefiverecommendationswereaccepted,whichincludedadoptingplainlanguagestandardsthatimprovedreadabilityandcutdownonpapercosts,expandinglanguageaccessbeyondthethreemainlanguagestoincludeupto9languagesasreflectedinthecensus,expandingvoterregistrationtointersectwithotherbranchestoencouragevoterparticipation,expandingearlyvotingandmakingacommitmenttobringthevoterguideandvotinginformationonline. 2016RichmondOurPowerFestivalRichmondorganizedtheOurPowerFestivalthatbroughttogetherover50community-basedorganizations,businesses,andstakeholdersatNichollParktocelebrateRichmond’scommunity’sefforttotransitiontocleanenergy. Theeventwasfamily-friendly, includingart,music,skatingcompetitions,electricvehicletestdrives,andmore.TheeventledtoastrongercommunitythateventuallyledtothecreationoftheRichmondOurPowerCoalition. 2017RichmondPeople’sAssemblyRathaorganizedtheRichmondPeople’sAssembly, whichincludedadeepcanvassingeffortthatengagedover1,000residentstocompleteasurveythataskedthemwhatissuetheyweredealingwith.Theresultswereusedtoorganizeanall-dayassemblythatincludedseveralbreakoutsessionsonsafety, educationandyouth,housing,andthelocalenvironmentandhealth.Rathatrained24leaderstolead12breakoutsessionswithover200participantsattending.Thisresultedinaddressingdisplacementissues,reimaginingpublicsafety, andmore. 2021AfricanAmericans:TheVirusandtheVaccineIn2021,RathaprovidedcommunityengagementandcommunicationsconsultingservicesforYa-NeemaHealingCircleaspartofagrantfromtheKaiserFoundation.AfricanAmericansweredyingfromCOVID-19atahigherrate,andweneededtofindawaytoaddresstheissueandensureAfricanAmericansweregettingvaccinated.RathasupportedMz.DewandaStewart,withcommunicationsmaterialandlogistics,createdavirtualforumthatbroughtAfricanAmericanleadersfromthemedical,faith,andcommunitytodiscussandvalidateconcernsfromtheAfricanAmericancommunityduringCOVID-19.Theforumwasturnedintoseveralshortvideoformatswithspecificpointsaddressingdifferentconcerns.TheKaiserFoundationadoptedthestrategyandreplicatedtheapproachatanationallevel. 2022-2023SpareTheAirResourceTeams(BayAreaAirQualityManagementDistrict)RathawascontractedbyTheAirDistricttoconductanenvironmentaljusticereviewoftheSpareTheAirResourceTeamsprograms.Rathaidentifiedkeyneedsandchangesandcontactedcloseto100environmentalorganizationsthroughoutthe9BayArearegionstogarnerinterestandidentifybarrierstoparticipationwiththeSpareTheAirResourceTeamsprograms. 2023AB617WestContraCostaCommunityEmissionsReductionPlanCommitteeRathawashiredtohelpdevelopacommunityengagementplanandacommunicationstoolkitforcommunitysteeringcommitteememberstoconductoutreachtoresidentsinWestContraCostaandengageinthecommunityemissionsreductionplan. 2024StrategicPlanning:In2024,RathawillconsultanddevelopastrategicplanforUCBerkeley’sChicanxLatinxStudentDevelopmentProgram,TheLatinxandtheEnvironment,theBerkeleyFoodInstitute,andtheLocalCleanEnergyAlliance.
IndependentArtsandMedia( FiscalSponsor)IndependentArts&Mediabelievesthatdiversevoicesandfreeexpressionareaculturalnecessity. Throughpersonalizedattention,professionalexpertise,andanactivenetwork,weprovidefiscalsponsorshipservicestosupportourAffiliateProjects.Forover20years,formorethan200organizationsandprojects,IAMhasbeenapartnerinbringingpowerfulworkstoourcommunity.
Foundedin2000,IAMbuiltavibrantarrayofaccessible,affordablemediaandartsservicesforproducersintheSanFranciscoBayArea.Earlyprogramsincludedfiscalsponsorship,theaward-winningjournalismprojectNewsdesk.org, andpubliceventssuchastheannualExpofortheArtist&Musician. Whileindependentlymanaged,theseprogramssharedcorevaluesoffreeexpression,publicparticipation,andinformedcivicdialogue.
From2000to2010,theExpofortheArtist&MusicianservedasasignatureorganizingandconnectioneventfortheBayAreacreativecommunityandbeyond,bringinginparticipantsfromasfarawayasSanDiego,Portland,andtheSierras.
Overtheyears,IAMwouldgoontoprovidefiscalsponsorshiptoover200programsandproducersthatshareourMission.Theseprogramshavewondistinguishedawardsandservedcrucialrolesinempoweringcommunityparticipationinlocalcultureandcommunity.
IAMcurrentlysupportsover100affiliateprojectsdedicatedtonon-commercialworkinmediaandthearts,includingpublishing,theater, dance,music,visualart,filmandvideo,journalism,history, andpubliceventsproduction.
KyndelleJohnson(CommunityEngagementSupport),
EducationandBackground:AcurrentRichmondWestContraCostaCountyresident,KyndellegrewupinRichmondandElCerritoandstudiedSpanishandPoliticsatOberlinCollege.Shespecializedininternationalstudiesandtookcoursesinsociologyandarthistorytounderstandhowartisticandculturalexpressioncanbuildcommunitypower.
SuccessfulCommunityEngagementProjectInherpastroleasmembershipcoordinatorataRichmond-basedhousingorganization,shespreadlocalawarenessaboutamovementtowardcommunity-ownedhousing.Usingin-personoutreach,digitalorganizing,andadulteducationefforts,shegrewthemembershiptoover100people.Shecoordinatedagroupoflocalleaderstochampionrealestateprojectsintheirneighborhood.Inadvocatingforcommunityinvolvementandrealestatedevelopment,shehasusedartsandculturetoconnectresidentsandlocalartiststosharetheirstoriestobuildunderstandingandpower.
References:
ClientName:BayAreaAirQualityManagementDistrictContactInformation:ContactName:AzibuikeAkaba(Ah-ze-boo-keh)( Ah-Khab-ah)Telephone:415-243-7261Email:[email protected]:375BealeSt.#600,SanFrancisco,CA94105Descriptionofservicesprovided:ThecontractwasawardedtoCriticalImpactConsulting.ConductedanorganizationalreviewandprovidedstrategicplanningconsultingandcommunityoutreachtounderrepresentedcommunityorganizationsintheBayAreafortheSparetheAirResourceTeams.ContractAmount$250,000ProjectStartandEndDates:August2022- July2023 ClientName:WestContraCostaAB617CommunityEmissionsReductionPlanCommitteeContactInformationContactName:NancyPeaceTelephone:925-529-2393Email:[email protected]:N/AThisisacommunitycommitteemeetingconductedvirtually.Descriptionofservicesprovided:Reviewpolicydocumentsanddevelopacommunityengagementplanandcommunicationtoolkitforthesteeringcommitteetoconductoutreachforthecommunityemissionsreductionplan.ContractAmount:$14,100ProjectStartandEndDates:March2023-August2023 ClientName:YaNeemaHealingCircleContactInformation:ContactName:Ms.DewandaStewartTelephone:510-776-5453Email:[email protected]:13728SanPabloAve#1008,SanPablo,CADescriptionofservicesprovidedProvidedcommunicationssupportanddigitallogistics.Createdsocialmediaprofilesandmaterials.SupportedtheorganizationofadigitalforumandproducedaminivideodocumentaryofcommunitytestimonialsfortheCOVID-19vaccine.ContractAmount:$3,500(Additionaldonatedin-kindserviceof$17,500)ProjectStartandEndDates:July- September2021 SectionF:CostInformation
Expenses Cost Discount FinalCostPrincipalConsultant $50,000 $25,000 $25,000.00CommunityEngagementConsultant $25,000 $15,000 $10,000.00SteeringCommitteeParticipation $5,500 $5,500 $0.00CommunityOrganizationStipendsforhostingListeningSessions $7,000.00VisualNoteTaker $1,500.00OutreachMaterials $500.00FiscalSponsorshipFee $6,000.00Total $50,000.00 SectionG:Value-AddedServices
PrivateFunderEngagementOurengagementwithprivatefundersandfoundationsaddsvaluebycultivatingmeaningfulrelationshipsandsecuringcriticalresourcestosupportthesustainabilityandgrowthoftheArtsCorridorproject.Weunderstandtheimportanceofthisandbelievethiseffortalignswiththemissionandobjectivesofpotentialdonors.WehavealreadysecuredinterestfromseveralfundersandwillcontributetoresourcingtheArtsCorridor’sprogramsandinitiatives.
ExpertVolunteerTimeOurutilizationofexpertvolunteercommunityleadershiptimeaddsvaluebyharnessingtheknowledge,skills,andpassionofexperiencedindividualstodrivethesuccessoftheArtsCorridorproject.Werecognizetheinvaluablecontributionsthatvolunteerscanmakeinprovidingexpertise,guidance,andleadershipacrossvariousaspectsoftheinitiative.Whetherthroughadvisoryroles,committeeparticipation,orspecializedprojectsupport,ourapproachempowersvolunteerstoleveragetheiruniquetalentsandnetworkstoadvancethemissionandobjectivesoftheArtsCorridor. Bytappingintothecollectivewisdomanddedicationofcommunityleaders,weenrichtheprojectwithdiverseperspectives,expertise,andresources,therebystrengtheningitsimpactandsustainabilityforthebenefitofallstakeholders.
SectionHRespondentAssignmentofSub-ContractTherearenoothersubcontractsexpectedforthisproject.
SectionI:PreviousContractswiththeCityofRichmondNopreviouscontractswithTheCityofRichmond.
SectionJ:ExceptionstothisRequestforProposals.Noexceptions.WehavereviewedandwillcomplywiththeCityofRichmond'srequirementsforthisproposal.
SectionK:StatementofImpartialityandDisclosure
TheRichmondRenaissanceandallsubcontractorslistedforthisprojectwillbecommittedtoupholdingtransparency, integrity, andfairness.Providingaclearstatementofimpartialityanddisclosureregardingourpracticesandaffiliationsisessential.Wefirmlybelieveinhonestyandopennessinallinteractionswithourclients,stakeholders,andaudiences.
Impartiality:Westrivetomaintainimpartialityinallaspectsofouroperations,includingbutnotlimitedtocommunityengagement,stakeholderinteractions,planningmeetings,recommendations,anddecision-makingprocesses.Ourcommitmenttoimpartialityensuresthatpersonalbiases,externalpressures,orconflictsofinterestdonotinfluenceouractionsandjudgments.
Disclosure:Inthespiritoftransparency, wediscloseanyrelevantaffiliations,financialinterests,orpotentialconflictsofinterestthatmayimpactourwork.Thisincludespartnerships,sponsorships,investments,orotherrelationshipsthatcouldaffectourcontent'sobjectivityorrecommendations.
Byopenlydisclosingpotentialconflictsofinterest,weempowerourclientsandstakeholderstomakeinformeddecisionsandmaintaintrustinourintegrity. Transparencyisfundamentaltoourcommitmenttoaccountabilityandethicalconduct.
Ourdedicationtoimpartialityanddisclosureunderscoresourunwaveringcommitmenttoprovidingaccurate,unbiasedinformationandservicestoouraudience,fosteringtrustandcredibilityineverythingwedo.