Operator of the KiMo Theatre

The City of Albuquerque's Department of Arts & Culture is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to operate and manage the historic KiMo Theatre, a 687-seat proscenium venue located in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. This Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to secure a comprehensive theater management contract that covers facilities maintenance, event programming, technical operations, marketing, ticketing, and community engagement. The contract term is anticipated to be two years with potential three one-year extensions. Proposals are due on October 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM Mountain Time, with a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference scheduled for September 12, 2025. The evaluation will be conducted by an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee using a point-based system that assesses capabilities across multiple categories including facilities maintenance, venue operations, programming, community engagement, staffing, technical operations, marketing, and financial management. Key evaluation criteria will focus on the operator's ability to maintain a vibrant cultural venue that attracts national performances while supporting local arts and community initiatives.

The RFP does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, indicating that various types of organizations, businesses, or consortia may submit proposals. The City will provide a fixed annual payment of $150,000 to support operational costs, issued in monthly installments of $12,500. The selected operator will retain all revenue generated from the venue, including rental fees, sponsorships, concessions, ticket sales, grants, and donations. The operator will be responsible for all expenses, including staffing, utilities, maintenance, repairs, and technical equipment upkeep. There is no mention of an incumbent vendor, and the RFP suggests a fresh approach to managing the KiMo Theatre. The total potential contract value over the initial two-year term, including the annual city subsidy and potential revenue generation, could significantly exceed the base $300,000 municipal contribution, depending on the operator's performance and ability to attract events and generate additional revenue streams.