RFP - Resident Artist Professional Services

The City of Boston's Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture is requesting proposals for three separate one-year resident artist professional services contracts under the AiR Boston program, with proposals due January 4, 2027 at 2:00 PM. Selected artists will be embedded within City departments and partner with community-based organizations to develop socially engaged art practice addressing civic challenges from February 1 through December 17, 2027.

Minimum qualifications require five years of professional artist experience, at least five Boston-area projects, commitment to 15–20 hours per week, daily commute capability to Boston, U.S. work eligibility, and no conflicts of interest. The City's Wage Theft Prevention Certification Form (CM-16) is mandatory; proposers must certify compliance with Massachusetts wage and hour law (G.L. Chapter 149, Chapter 151) and the Fair Labor Standards Act or disclose prior violations within three years of bid submission. Vendors subject to state or federal debarment for wage theft are ineligible.

The estimated annual contract value is $52,000 per resident artist, with payment structured on phased deliverables and milestones. The City provides operational support including a program manager, facilitator, professional development, meeting space access, insurance coverage, administrative support, and up to $30,000 in materials and community engagement budget over one year. Two optional one-year renewal periods are available at the City's sole discretion.

The program spans four phases: onboarding (months 1–2), research and community dialogue (months 3–6), prototyping and implementation (months 7–9), and evaluation and reflection (months 10–12). Proposers must submit separate technical and price proposals; pricing information in the technical submission will result in rejection. Comparative evaluation criteria assess proposal clarity, artistic practice and methodology, understanding of municipal context and civic systems, community partnership strategy, work plan and project delivery, demonstrated civic impact, professional references, and interview performance.

A mandatory pre-proposal Q&A conference is scheduled November 10, 2026, with questions due November 13, 2026 and consolidated Q&A posted November 20, 2026. Vendor interviews are anticipated January 10–19, 2027, with contractor selection estimated January 22, 2027. Proposals may be submitted electronically through the City of Boston Supplier Portal or by mail to 26 Court Street, Boston, MA 02201.