Project Information

Bid Title

Consulting Services – Cultural District Manager

Issuing Agency

Town of Belchertown

Location

Massachusetts

Published Date

Jul 1, 2026

Closing Date

Jul 20, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Inquiries

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	Consulting Services – Cultural District Manager
Category:	Belchertown Bids
Status:	Open

Description: Consulting Services – Cultural District Manager Town of Belchertown, Massachusetts RFP Issue Date: July 1, 2026 Proposal Due Date: July 20, 2026 Contract Amount: Not to Exceed $13,000 1. Introduction The Town of Belchertown is soliciting proposals for a Cultural District Manager, who will take a lead role in the designation and ongoing management of a local Cultural District. Specifically, this role will assist with the completion and submittal of the Cultural District designation application; provide administrative oversight for the Cultural District operations, if approved, and the Creative Economy Committee that manages it; collaborate in the production of large annual community events; oversee marketing communications for activities occurring within the Cultural District; raise funds to ensure continued support for programs, marketing, and staffing; partner with town departments and community groups to implement cultural programs; support local economic development through cultural activities; and ensure activities are responsive to Cultural District mission and economic development goals. The Cultural District Manager will work with support and guidance from the Community and Economic Development Planner, and regularly convene with town leadership, members of the Creative Economy Committee, and other stakeholders in the process. The consultant services sought are outlined in detail in the Scope of Services below. This role is expected to be part-time and run throughout 2026, with $13,000 in total project compensation. Proposals must remain valid until the award date of the contract for services herein sought. The Town of Belchertown shall be the Awarding and Contracting Authority. The Town may cancel this RFP, in whole or in part, at any time whenever such an act is deemed in its best interest. The Town will not be responsible for any costs incurred by a proposer in preparing and submitting a proposal in response to this RFP. Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 PM on July 20, 2026. Applicants should send proposals with a letter of interest detailing fit and related experience with the scope below, up to three past work examples, and an estimate for their consultant fees. Send proposals to Steven J. Williams, Town Manager, at For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. . 2. Background The Belchertown Cultural District is applying to be a designated cultural destination that celebrates the Town's arts, history, heritage, creative economy, and community identity. The proposed District seeks to strengthen economic vitality by supporting arts and cultural programming, increasing visitation, promoting local businesses, and fostering partnerships among artists, residents, organizations, and municipal departments. The Town seeks a consultant with demonstrated experience in arts administration, community engagement, project management, event coordination, communications, and grant administration. 3. Scope of Services The selected consultant will work under the direction of the Town's designated representative and in collaboration with the Creative Economy Committee. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Town of Belchertown Creative Economy and Project Management Support, Marketing Design and Support for Human Service Departments Scope of Services: The contractor will provide coordinated support across the following areas: Marketing and Communications as the Belchertown Creative Economy for the Cultural District Maintain and continue to develop and grow social media presence Develop and implement marketing strategies and content for departments/organizations related to the Cultural District (ex. Senior Center and Rec Department) Coordinate content, messaging and outreach across platforms Track metrics and analytics to inform programming, posting, and community engagement Press relations, media outreach, and public relations support Participate in Radically Rural events and conferences General Project Management as needed by the Belchertown Creative Economy and/or Cultural District for their Creative Economy Initiatives Timeline and workflow coordination across initiatives Coordination with town staff, departments and other related committees and groups Reporting and progress tracking Develop and implement marketing strategies and content for related projects and initiatives (pre/post), such as Gather, Lake Wallace Fall Fest, and Summit Workshop Project manage or support emergent public art or cultural events within Cultural District, as fits budget, capacity, and priorities Take a lead role in promotion of local cultural activities organized or produced by departments or organizations within the cultural district 4. Deliverables The selected consultant shall provide: Monthly progress reports Marketing and outreach materials Coordination of Cultural District events and initiatives Grant support documentation, as applicable Final annual report summarizing accomplishments, outcomes, recommendations, and next steps 5. Contract Term The anticipated contract period is: Start Date: August 1, 2026 End Date: December 31, 2026 The Town reserves the option to extend the agreement based upon funding availability and satisfactory performance. 6. Budget The total contract amount shall not exceed $13,000, inclusive of: Professional services Administrative costs Local travel Communications Materials All other project-related expenses Payments will be made according to an agreed-upon schedule based on completed deliverables. 7. Minimum Qualifications Applicants should demonstrate experience in one or more of the following: Arts and cultural management Community engagement Event planning and coordination Project management Municipal or nonprofit administration Grant writing and grant management Marketing and communications Economic development or placemaking initiatives Experience working with Massachusetts municipalities, nonprofit organizations, or designated Cultural Districts is preferred. 8. Proposal Requirements Proposals shall include: A. Cover Letter Including: Name of consultant or firm Primary contact information Statement of interest Availability B. Qualifications Include: Relevant experience Description of similar projects Resume(s) of key personnel C. Project Approach Describe your proposed approach for: Supporting Creative Economy Committee operations Community engagement Marketing and communications Event coordination Project management D. References Provide at least three professional references for similar consulting engagements. E. Cost Proposal Include: Total contract amount Proposed payment schedule Hourly rate Estimated hours Any reimbursable expenses 9. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria: Evaluation Criteria Weight Relevant experience and qualifications 30% Understanding of the Creative Economy Committee mission 25% Proposed work plan and project approach 25% Cost proposal 15% References 5% 10. Submission Instructions Submit one electronic PDF proposal to: Town of Belchertown Attn: Steven J Williams Email: For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. Proposal Deadline: July 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM Late submissions may not be considered. 11. General Conditions The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. The Town may negotiate the final scope of work and compensation with the selected consultant. The selected consultant will be required to enter into a professional services agreement with the Town of Belchertown. The consultant must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including procurement requirements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All work products created under this contract shall become the property of the Town of Belchertown. 12. Equal Opportunity The Town of Belchertown is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages proposals from qualified individuals and firms representing diverse backgrounds and experiences. 13. Questions Questions regarding this RFP should be submitted by email no later than July 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM to: Steven J Williams.  Email: For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. Publication Date/Time: 7/1/2026 12:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 7/20/2026 4:00 PM Submittal Information: Send proposals to Steven J Williams, Town Manager, at SWilliams@belchertown.org Related Documents: Belchertown RFP Cultural District Manager 2026

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Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
• NAICS 541618Other Management Consulting Services
• NAICS 541620Environmental Consulting Services
• NAICS 541690Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
• NAICS 541990All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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