Over the past several decades, the cultural landscape of Miami Beach has evolved into a world-class destination for performing and visual arts. Visionary leaders have long understood the transformative potential of the arts and cultural economy for Miami Beach. In 1984, the City launched an Art in Public Places program that allocates two (2%) percent of hard costs for City and public/private projects to purchase public art. In 1998, the City strengthened its commitment to the arts by establishing the Cultural Arts Council (“CAC”) to develop, coordinate, and promote the arts in Miami Beach. Since the program’s inception, the City of Miami Beach Mayor and Commission and the CAC have awarded approximately $20 million in cultural arts grants, supporting thousands of performances, exhibits, and other cultural activities in the City. At present, the City awards $1,050,000 in annual grants to cultural anchor institutions and presenting organizations that create cycles of performances and events all year round. In addition, $2 million is allocated to sponsor cultural, sports, and holiday events throughout the year. These successful programs are innovative, far-reaching, and energetic. The City’s cultural investment is complemented by privately sponsored events. The result is an arts agenda impressive in reach, frequency, and programmatic diversity.

To assist the Tourism and Culture Department with  public relations services relative to the City’s robust arts and culture programming, including but not limited to strategy, marketing, media outreach, social media and public relations, the services of a well-qualified consultant are needed. In the past, the department has sought quotes annually for the services. However, the department is interested in considering a longer term arrangement for to ensure that a more strategic approach can be developed and implemented.

Accordingly, the Administration developed RFQ 2024-010-ND seeking proposals for the desired services.

Through this RFQ the City is seeking proposals from qualified public relations firms interested in being considered to nationally and internationally promote the City’s arts and culture programs and develop a public relations plan that considers the growth the City’s cultural community has experienced over the past decade.

The scope of work and requirements of the RFQ are more fully defined in the RFQ attached as Attachment A.

Following the receipt of proposals, an Evaluation Committee will review proposals in accordance with the criteria established in the RFQ.

Based on the 2022 resident survey, eighty-seven percent (86.7%) of residents either strongly agree or agree that Miami Beach free or City sponsored art and cultural activities contribute to the quality of life in Miami Beach. Sixty-four percent (64.2%) of residents either strongly agree or agree that major events contribute to the quality of life in the City. In order to continue to improve the satisfaction of these residents, the City intends to contract with a public relations firm that will promote the City’s arts and culture programs and develop a strategic public relations plan.

The estimated annual budget for these services is $60,000.  However, funding is subject to increase or decrease at the direction of the City Commission. It is not anticipated that grant funding will be utilized for this project.

It is recommended that the Mayor and Commission of the City of Miami Beach, Florida authorize the issuance of RFQ 2024-010-ND, for public relations services for arts and culture.