Feasibility study for a grant scheme in Luton

Tender description

Luton is in bottom 20% of arts engagement and significant historic investment has not led to increased public engagement. In July 2014 Arts Council England (ACE) agreed to invest £1,500,000 between 2015-18 into Luton to support the developing cultural infrastructure to present ambitious art and increase audience engagement. The funding will be expected to link with the following working outcomes: • A sustainable, high quality cultural offer in Luton • Increased business growth over the funding period directly for arts and cultural organisations, and indirectly for local town centre businesses • Increased quality and level of public engagement in culture • The life chances of local people (in Luton) are improved • The most vulnerable (people in Luton) are supported by arts and cultural activities ACE is seeking to engage with a service provider to refine the approach and develop an operating plan for this investment (which has full agreement and support from key stakeholders including ACE). The service provider is also required to provide considered recommendations around areas such as budget allocation, governance, management, timelines, outcomes and measures of success. The contract will commence in April and run until July 2015. The estimated value of this contract is up to £30,000 inclusive of VAT and all expenses and travel costs. Bids in excess of this value will be excluded. Further information about our requirements is available in the ITT.