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National Performing Arts Companies of Scotland

Online Social Media Design – Call for Proposals

Innovative collaborative group would like to meet specialists in online social media
development, to establish their social networking activities as a starting point for a
major internet presence.

1. Context
National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Ballet, Scottish
Chamber Orchestra, and Scottish Opera, together the five National Performing Arts
Companies in Scotland (NPACS), are collaborating to create a unique digital platform to
engender greater public engagement with their work. This collaboration forms part of the
latest strand of work of Mission Models Money. The project is intended to fuse social
networking with programme enhancement and (eventually) content distribution. It will
have local, national and global dimensions, and will act as a catalyst for collaboration
among the five companies as well as providing a platform for individual company
initiatives.

The companies have identified two distinct phases in this project.

Phase 1 is to develop an online social media presence, as an innovative spring-board for

developing the full potential of the collaboration.

Phase 2 is to develop outward from the social networking presence into the fully realised
content-delivery vision, drawing on the experience of Phase 1, and reflecting crowd-
sourced input in the design.

This call for proposals relates to Phase 1 only.

Simon Woods, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, is the lead contact
for the project, working on behalf of the group (details at the end of this document).

2. Introduction: The vision and aims for the collaborative project

Our collaborative identity

We believe that art is for all. We aspire to the very highest artistic standards. We are
committed to traditional performing arts audiences and attracting new audiences of all
ages. We welcome a public dialogue about our artforms and our work. We are
international in outlook and responsive to our own immediate environment.
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Vision
An innovative internet presence for the National Performing Companies

Aims
To promote the work of the Companies to new audiences
To facilitate a public dialogue about the work of the Companies
To leverage the combined work of the Companies for increased international reputation
To enrich the experience of those who attend the work of the Companies
To deliver the work of the Companies globally, with a special emphasis on reaching the
entire population of Scotland

3. Phase 1 Brief

The Online Social Network for the NPACS will provide a place on the web for audiences to:

• be updated and informed of NPACS activities

• access information about NPACS live programming
• network and share ideas about NPACS live events
• engage in discussions about broader issues in the performing arts
• encourage people new to the digital arena to take the first steps in participating
digitally with NPACS
• make contacts with and invite other performing arts fans to events

The social network must appeal to a range of potential target groups to be defined, drawn
from: audiences and participants of all ages from all socio-economic and culturally diverse
backgrounds; arts attenders and non-arts attenders; funders; education; community;
families; tourists; established and emerging performing artists; young people; students and
other cultural and creative industries stakeholders.

4. The work in detail

1. Create an online social network bespoke for the NPACS using an open platform
2. Work with the NPACS to coordinate the sharing of their digital content, and advise on
further content development
3. Moderate and encourage the growth of the social network together with NPACS
4. Develop the look and feel, ensuring individual brands co-exist well
5. Ensure social network embeds/links to individual companies main websites
6. Agree widget sets, feeds, registration and security protocols with NPACS
7. Meet the deadlines to be ‘live’ and available for use as specified by NPACS

The candidate should have demonstrable experience of creating online social networks
• have demonstrable knowledge of building local, national and international online
networks
• have the technical expertise to deliver the project
• be conversant in the language and world of the arts
• have knowledge of the Scottish cultural scene

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5. Management of the Activity
The activity will run from May 2009 to October 2009.

Your key contact will be Simon Woods, who is responsible for directing the work to
deadlines on behalf of the NPACS.

The work will be delivered from Social Media Designer’s own premises, although some on-
site work with the five companies is anticipated.

7. Budget
We expect to develop the scope of the project in collaboration with the Social Media
Designer, including number of days dedicated to the project, fees, and additional
resources required. Expenses for travelling to meetings will be provided.

8. How to Apply

Responses must be submitted no later than April 27

Please submit responses, or any queries about the brief, to:
Simon Woods, Chief Executive, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
simon.woods@rsno.org.uk
0141 225 3560

When responding please provide

• a brief overview of your organisation/your practice including examples of online
social networks that you have developed and grown.
• a brief CV or biography
• indicative costs and a budget breakdown, including number of days/rates
• full contact details

Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria

• a clear demonstration of previous experience of delivering similar types of work
• value for money
• vision and ambition for the project

All submissions will be acknowledged by email. Short listing will be done by the end of
April, and we will meet with shortlisted applicants to discuss their approach as soon as
possible thereafter.

9. Further information

National Theatre of Scotland www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

Royal Scottish National Orchestra www.rsno.org.uk
Scottish Ballet www.scottishballet.co.uk
Scottish Chamber Orchestra www.sco.org.uk
Scottish Opera www.scottishopera.org.uk

MMM www.missionmodelsmoney.org.uk