American Rescue Plan Act Creative Training Incentive Program

Request for Interest (RFI): American Rescue Plan Act
Creative Training Incentive Program
Date Issued: April 16, 2026
RFI Deadline to Apply: May 7, 2026
The City of Durham's Cultural and Public Art Program (referred to as "City") is seeking individuals and
organizations in the Arts and Cultural Sector (Artists, Creative Workers, Cultural and Creative Workers,
Non-profits, Businesses) (referred to as "Candidates") to apply to participate in professional
development training courses. These courses are designed to strengthen the capacity of Durham's arts
and cultural community and support the implementation of key initiatives outlined in the Durham
Cultural Roadmap. Selected candidates who are eligible will receive an incentive of $5,000 for their
participation, based on reporting and compliance with the course programs. This reporting will require
the selected Candidate to comply with the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
guidelines, the City and Durham County's reporting requirements.
These training courses will support the growth and development of the arts sector for individuals, non-
profit organizations and businesses, including the following topics:
Group I: Small Business, Individual Artists, For-Profit & Non-Profits Arts and Cultural Organizations
* Marketing for Organizations
* Grant Writing for Organizations, Events, and Festivals
* Finance for Organizations
* Development for Organizations
Group II: Practicing Artist and Artist's Businesses focused
* Artists' Pricing
* Artist Development & Grants
* Artists Marketing
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20. Project Manager and Contact with City; Questions about this RFI.................................................................. 3
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND NATURE OF RFI........................................................................................................ 3
30. Project .............................................................................................................................................................. 3
31. Site Description ................................................................................................................................................ 4
32. Project Background .......................................................................................................................................... 4
33. Community Engagement .................................................................................................................................. 5
40. Scope of Work .................................................................................................................................................. 5
50. Project Budget and Compensation Amount .................................................................................................... 7
60. Definitions in this RFI: City, RFI, Proposal, Candidate, Contractor, Should ..................................................... 7
70. Contract ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
70.1 Interpretation and translation services ......................................................................................................... 8
100. Insurance Requirements of Selected Candidate(s) ........................................................................................ 8
110. Discretion of the City ...................................................................................................................................... 8
SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................................................... 9
120. Proposed Schedule ......................................................................................................................................... 9
140. Deadline to Receive Submissions ................................................................................................................... 9
GETTING MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT AND RFI PROCESS ..................................................................... 10
150. Questions...................................................................................................................................................... 10
151. Pre-submittal Meeting ................................................................................................................................. 10
EVALUATION CRITERIA ............................................................................................................................................. 10
180. Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................................................ 10
190. Call for Artists/RFI Eligibility ......................................................................................................................... 11
200. Project Partners ............................................................................................................................................ 12
240. RFI Submission RequirementsThe RFI submissions shall include the following: ......................................... 13
300. Candidate to Bear Expense; No Claims against City .................................................................................... 15
310. State Treasurer's lists regarding Iran and Boycott of Israel ......................................................................... 15
320. Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act ....................................................................................... 15
330. Values of City of Durham regarding Treatment of Employees of Contractors ............................................ 15
Sample Artist Contract and Non-Collusion Affidavit ................................................................................................ 17
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10. Date of RFI
Date Issued: April 16, 2026
RFI Deadline to Apply: May 7, 2026
20. Project Manager and Contact with City; Questions about this RFI
Direct questions and concerns to:
Att: Rebecca Holmes
Cultural & Public Art Program
General Services Department
2011 Fay Street
Durham, NC 27704
(919) 560-4197, ext. 21245
Rebecca.Holmes@DurhamNC.gov
If you have concerns about this RFI that you believe are not being addressed by the project manager, please
contact:
Att: Jaci Field
Community Programs
General Services Department
2011 Fay Street
Durham, NC 27704
(919) 560-4197
Jaci.Field@DurhamNC.gov
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND NATURE OF RFI
30. Project
The City of Durham's Cultural and Public Art Program (referred to as "City") is seeking individuals and organizations
in the Arts and Cultural Sector (Artists, Creative Workers, Cultural and Creative Workers, Non-profits, Businesses)
(referred to as "Candidates") to apply to participate in professional development training courses. These courses
are designed to strengthen the capacity of Durham's arts and cultural community and support the implementation
of key initiatives outlined in the Durham Cultural Roadmap. Selected candidates that are eligible will receive an
incentive of $5,000 for their participation, based on reporting and compliance with the course programs. This
reporting will require the selected Candidate to comply with the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) guidelines, and the City and Durham County's reporting requirements.
Applicants must be residents of Durham County, North Carolina, or operate an arts-related business or nonprofit
organization based in Durham County.
Theses training courses will support the growth and development of the arts sector for individuals, non-profit
organizations and businesses, including topics:
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Group I: Small Business, Individual Artists, For-Profit & Non-Profits Arts and Cultural Organizations
* Marketing for Organizations
* Grant Writing for Organizations, Events, and Festivals
* Finance for Organizations
* Development for Organizations
Group II: Practicing Artists and Artist' Businesses
* Artists' Pricing
* Artist Development & Grants
* Artists Marketing
The selected Candidates will work to:
* Actively participate in the assigned professional development training sessions and complete all course
components. These courses will require participants to develop or refine concrete tools such as
marketing strategies, grant proposals, financial plans, pricing structures, and/or development plans
relevant to their work, based on the course group.
* Describe how the skills and knowledge gained from the trainings has strengthened their artistic practice,
organization, or creative business.
* Submit required reports and documentation demonstrating participation, learning outcomes, and
application of course material in order to receive the incentive payment. This reporting will require the
selected Candidate to comply with the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
guidelines, the City and Durham County.
For the project website, visit: https://www.durhamnc.gov/5526/Creative-Training-Incentive-Program-ARPA.
For the application portal, visit: https://keepdurhambeautiful.submittable.com/submit
31. Location Description
Training will be held virtually and in-person at locations to be determined by the course instructors. Most
training will occur virtually and may be held at City of Durham facilities.
32. Project Background
Durham Cultural Roadmap
The City and County partnered to create the Durham Cultural Roadmap-a plan based on residents' needs that
will guide Durham's arts and cultural community through investment, resources and creative programming. The
Cultural Roadmap planning process continues into the final phase with guidance from the Cultural Roadmap
Planning Group (CRPG), our cultural planning consultants, and local artists called the Creative Engagement Team.
The Durham Cultural Roadmap process has identified, through engagement, the themes that will impact the
sector. A major theme of the plan includes cultivating leadership, with the goal to strengthen and support creative
leaders at every level, from emerging artists to established organizations, ensuring long-term growth and capacity.
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The Durham Cultural Master Plan (PDF), was approved by the City Council and Board of County Commissioners to
advance numerous cultural goals and strategies over a fifteen-year period, spanning from 2004 to 2019. Based on
the City, the County, and the Durham Cultural Advisory Board's work from 2019 to 2022 to launch a new planning
process, the Durham Cultural Advisory Board developed the vision and mission below. On October 3, 2022, the
Durham City Council and the Durham County Board of Commissioners entered a joint agreement to govern the
development of the new Durham Cultural Roadmap. The City's Cultural & Public Art Program staff provides daily
management of the plan, in partnership with Durham County's Public Art Program staff. To learn more about the
Durham Cultural Roadmap, visit www.CreativeDurham.Org.
Funding
The funding for this project is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. This act provides U.S. cities and
counties with $130.2 billion through December 31, 2024. The City of Durham will receive more than $50M as part
of this allocation. These funds will be used to help offset revenue losses resulting from the pandemic, as well as
fund other community needs. Specifically, these funds may be used to: Replace lost public sector revenue, using
this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the
pandemic.
The funding provided through the County and City's agreement will be utilized to support large and small local
arts and cultural nonprofits, businesses, venues, and independent artists through grants, training, planning, and
marketing initiatives to help restore jobs, reopen venues, and restart programming.
To learn more about the City's ARPA program, visit the City's website here:
https://www.durhamnc.gov/4529/American-Rescue-Plan
40. Scope of Work
The services and obligations that will be required from the Candidate during the contract period include, but are
not necessarily limited to:
* Working with the training instructors and City and County staff to complete the courses and
reporting requirements.
* Attending and actively participating in all required training courses.
* Completing the training and reporting requirements from the Federal Government, including
narrative and financial reporting.
Proposed course descriptions:
Group I: Small Business, Individual Artists, For-Profit & Non-Profits Arts and Cultural Organizations
Marketing
Staff members of small arts organizations will learn practical marketing fundamentals designed for teams with
limited time and resources. This course is intended for organizations that do not have a dedicated marketing staff
or large advertising budgets. Participants will explore effective approaches to social media and email marketing,
with an emphasis on high-impact, cost-effective strategies and tools that help streamline communication and
outreach.
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Grant Writing Clinic (Festivals/Events/Nonprofits)
Staff members from small arts organizations will work directly on their own grant materials in this two-part
workshop, held over three weeks and led by an experienced arts administrator. Participants will develop and
refine their organization's grant collateral (such as project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials) while
reviewing real, active grant opportunities where applicable. The workshop combines group instruction with
individualized guidance, including one-on-one meetings to address each organization's specific needs and
circumstances. By the end of the course, participants will leave with stronger, more competitive grant materials
that can be used for future funding applications. Programming will be recorded, and participants will have 30-day
access to the recordings.
(The instructor will request background information about participating organizations prior to the course.)
Financial Management for Small Arts Organizations
Staff members from small arts organizations will learn the fundamentals of financial management from an
experienced nonprofit manager. The course will focus on developing the key financial documents most commonly
required for grant applications and board reporting, helping organizations build clearer, more effective financial
practices.
Development for Small Organizations
Staff members from small arts organizations will learn essential skills for strategic fundraising, with a focus on the
practical realities of serving as a one-person development team. The course will cover key fundraising strategies,
donor cultivation techniques, and effective approaches to building sustainable support with limited resources.
Participants will also explore methods for managing their workloads and maintaining a healthy work-life balance
while carrying development responsibilities.
Group II: Practicing Artists and Artists' Businesses
Artists' Businesses --- Pricing Your Work
Visual, craft, and performing artists will explore the elements of a sustainable, career-long pricing strategy
designed to support profitability and long-term financial stability. This course will cover practical approaches to
budgeting, pricing artwork and artistic services, understanding wholesale versus retail pricing, identifying
productive work hours, and setting prices that align with desired income goals. Participants will work through a
business case study and engage directly with the calculations involved in pricing creative work. Takeaways include
downloadable tools such as a pricing spreadsheet and customizable budgeting templates that artists can use in
their own practice. Programming will be recorded, and participants will have 30-day access to the recording for
review.
Artists' Development & Grants -- Writing Clinic for Artists and Performers
Visual, craft, and performing artists will develop and refine their grant application materials in this two-part
workshop (held over three weeks) led by an experienced artist and arts entrepreneurship educator. Participants
will work directly on their own grant collateral (such as artist statements, project descriptions, and supporting
materials) while receiving practical guidance on strengthening applications for grants, residencies, and other
opportunities. The workshop includes individualized support, with one-on-one meetings to address each artist's
specific goals and circumstances. By the end of the course, active participants will leave with stronger, more
competitive materials that can be used for future applications. Programming will be recorded, and participants
will have 30-day access to the recording for review.
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Artists' Marketing -- One-day Website Clinic
Visual artists and performers will use a free platform to create a one-page informational website to promote their
work. Led by an artist and marketing professional, the course introduces effective templates and best practices
for website design that are simple to maintain and update over time. Participants will build their sites during the
class, and active participants will leave with a functioning one-page website that can be used to showcase their
work, share with potential collaborators, and promote upcoming projects. Programming will not be recorded, but
participants will receive supporting materials and documentation to assist them after the class.
50. Project Budget and Compensation Amount
The proposed budget for the project consists of $5,000 in total incentive fees, which will be awarded to selected,
eligible participants who successfully complete the program requirements and comply with reporting and
participation guidelines. Payment is issued after completion of all program requirements, including attendance
and submission of required reports in compliance with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) guidelines.
Payment is issued after completion of all program requirements, including attendance and submission of required
reports in compliance with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) guidelines.
Selected participants will be must:
* Enter a contract with the City. Selected participants who complete all requirements will receive the
$5,000 incentive payment through a contract with the City.
* Attend all required training sessions
* Complete assigned course activities
* Develop practical tools (such as marketing plans, grant materials, or pricing structures)
* Submit required narrative and financial reports
* Comply with City, County, and ARPA reporting requirements
60. Definitions in this RFI: City, RFI, Proposal, Candidate, Contractor, Should
Unless the context indicates otherwise - (a) The expressions "RFI," "this RFI," and "the RFI" refer to this document
as it may be amended or updated. (b) "City" and "city" mean the City of Durham. (c) The "submission" or
"application" is the response of a person, firm, or corporation proposing to provide the services sought by this RFI.
(d) The word "Candidate" or "candidate" is the person, firm, or corporation that submits an application or that is
considering submitting a application. (e) The word "Contractor" or "contractor" is the person, firm, or corporation
with which the City enters into a contract to provide the services sought by this RFI. That is, "contractor" generally
refers to a successful candidate that has obtained a fully executed contract with the City, while "candidate" is
generally reserved to the stage before a contract has been signed. (f) The word "should" is used to tell candidates
what the City thinks it wants and/or what the project manager thinks is best. Candidates that want to increase
the likelihood of being selected will, in general, do what the RFI says candidates "should" do, but failure to comply
with all "shoulds" will not necessarily and automatically result in rejection.
70. Contract
The City anticipates that at the conclusion of the RFI process there will be a contract between the City and the
successful candidate under which the successful candidate will provide services generally described in this RFI. It
is the City's intention to use the contract that is attached as Exhibit A, modified and filled in to reflect the RFI and
the proposal.
If a candidate objects to any of the contract provisions, it should state the objections in its submission. Failure to
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provide objections creates an assumption that the candidate accepts all standard City contract terms and
conditions.
70.1 Interpretation and translation services
Interpretation and translation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us at
arts@durhamnc.gov or (919) 560-4197, ext. 21243, by: April 23, 2026.
Hay servicios de interpretacion y traduccion a su disposicion sin costo alguno. Si los necesita, pongase en contacto
con nosotros mandando un correo electronico a arts@durhamnc.gov o llamando a (919) 560-4197, ext. 21243,
hasta esta fecha: 23 de abril, 2026.
80-90. Intentionally left out (staff note)
100. Insurance Requirements of Selected Candidate(s)
The City will not require insurance of the selected Candidate(s).
The selected Candidate(s) must acknowledge all risks of injury, illness, death, and property damage, and affirms
that they have assumed all responsibility for injury, illness, or death in any way connected with work detailed in
the contract.
The selected Candidate(s) agrees for itself and for any heirs, assigns, executors, and administrators to release,
waive, and discharge any legal rights they may have to seek payment or relief of any kind from the City of Durham,
its employees or its agents for injury, illness, or death resulting from this program.
The selected Candidate(s) also agrees not to sue the City of Durham, its employees, or its agents and agree to
indemnify the City of Durham for all claims, damages, losses, or expenses, including attorney's fees, if a suit is filed
concerning the services for which the contract monies have been awarded.
110. Discretion of the City
A. The City of Durham reserves the right to reject any or all RFIs.
B. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this document or in any addenda to this document, unless
the contrary provision refers specifically to this provision, the City reserves the right (i) to negotiate
changes of any nature with any candidate with respect to any term, condition, or provision in this
document and/or in any RFI submission, whether or not something is stated to be mandatory and
whether or not it is said that a RFI submission will be rejected if certain information or documentation
is not submitted with it, and (ii) to enter into an agreement for some or all of the work with one or
more persons, firms, or corporations that do not submit SOQs. For example, all deadlines are for the
administrative convenience or needs of the City and may be waived by the City in its discretion. This
subparagraph B applies to the entire RFI.
C. Where the City asks or tells candidates to do stated things, such as that a proposal and/or RFI
submission should follow a stated format or that the candidate should do stated things in seeking the
contract, the City may reject a proposal and/or RFI submission because it does not comply with those
requests, so the candidate is adding to its risk of rejection by non-compliance. Still, the City may, in its
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discretion, waive non-compliance. This subsection (C) does not limit subsections (A) and (B).
D. Once a contract is signed, the parties to the contract may enforce the contract according to its terms
as allowed by applicable law.
SCHEDULE
120. Proposed Schedule
This schedule is the City's best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. If a component of this schedule is
delayed, the rest of the schedule will be shifted by the same number of days. The City expects the services to be
complete seven months from the date of the Notice to Proceed.
RFI Promotion and Informing .......................................................... April 16, 2026
Translation Services Request due by ............................................... April 23, 2026
Pre-Submittal Meeting for Potential Applicants .............................. April 27, 2026, 12:00 pm
Pre-Submittal Meeting for Potential Applicants .............................. April 28, 2026, 6:00 pm
Office Hours...................................................................................... May 1, 2026, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Questions Due .................................................................................. May 4, 2026 by 3:00 pm
Addendum posted to the RFI ........................................................... May 5, 2026
RFI Deadline for Submissions ....................................................... May 7, 2026 by or before 3:00 pm
Review Committee Meets to Evaluate Submissions......................... May 11 - May 19, 2026
City to notify Artist(s) of decision ................................................. May 20, 2026
Finalize Organizations and Artist Contracts ..................................... May 25, 2026
Group 1 Courses ............................................................................... June & July, 2026
June 11, 6:00 - 8:00pm
June 16, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
July 9 & July 23, 6:00-8:00pm
July 14, 6:00-8:00pm
Group 1 Reporting due...................................................................... September 15, 2026
Group 2 Courses ............................................................................... August, September, October - 2026
August 13 & 27, 6:00 - 8:00pm
September 15 & 22, 6:00 - 8:00pm
October 10, 9:00-1:00pm
Group 2 Reporting due ..................................................................... November 20, 2026
130. Intentionally left out (staff note).
140. Deadline to Receive Submissions
Submissions must be received by May 7, 2026, by or before 3:00 p.m. via Submittable. It is recommended to
submit the application prior to 3:00 p.m. as all applications submitted at 3:00:01 p.m. will be rejected.
If a Candidate(s) does not receive a confirmation receipt from the City by May 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., it is the
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responsibility of the Candidate(s) to contact the City to confirm submission by May 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. to be
considered eligible.
GETTING MORE INFORMATION ON THE COURSES AND RFI PROCESS
150. Questions
Questions about the RFI and the RFI process should be emailed to Rebecca Holmes
(Rebecca.Holmes@DurhamNC.Gov), with the subject line "ARPA Training Courses" by May 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
ET.
The project manager will distribute all questions and answers to those respondents who have requested RFI's
from the City. No other City official or employee is empowered to speak for the City with respect to this RFI.
151. Pre-submittal Meeting & Office Hours
Candidates are welcome to attend the City's pre-submittal meeting for more information and to ask questions
regarding the application.
The City will conduct a virtual pre-submittal meetings on Zoom:
* April 27, 2026 12:00 p.m.
o Register in advance for this meeting:
o https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UGGMP_F3Qsm5fgFWtf7Kbw
* April 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
o Register in advance for this meeting:
o https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UGGMP_F3Qsm5fgFWtf7Kbw
Attendees should already be familiar with this RFI.
Office Hours will be available on a first come, first serve basis via Teams:
* May 1, 2026
Click to book a time, here: Book time with Holmes, Rebecca: Office Hours: Request for Interest
(RFI): American Rescue Plan Creative Training Incentive Program
160-170. Intentionally left out (staff note)
EVALUATION CRITERIA
180. Evaluation Criteria
A panel of community members, City staff, County staff, and others will use evaluation criteria to review the
submissions. If an award is made, it is expected that the City's award will be to the candidate that agrees to
meet the needs of the City. A number of relevant matters will be considered, including qualifications.
1. The Review Committee will include residents, staff from the City including representatives from
the City of Durham's General Services Department, residents, and board members of the Durham
Cultural Advisory Board and/or the Public Art Committee.
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