County Longford and County Mayo Arts Offices are inviting a suitably qualified and experienced researcher to evaluate a new circular economy project in the arts sector - R.A.C.E (Repaired Arts Circular Economy). This 12-month research contract will document and assess how artists and festival organizers can reduce waste through repair, reuse, and upcycling of art materials.

The project recognises the need to grow awareness of the circular economy and support circular practices in the Arts Sector. A significant amount of local authority art budget is spent on materials and consumables across a range of different art making disciplines. At the termination of art projects (particularly festivals), these art objects are often redundant. A significant proportion of art materials end up as land fill or deteriorate due to poor storage conditions.

The aim of this project is to develop knowledge, skills and processes at county – intercounty level to manage the repair, and reuse of materials applicable to art projects to create a circular economy within the arts community.

This programme is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Project Outline

In September 2025, the project will invite a selection of artists and cultural festivals in both counties to participate in the project. Initial baseline research will be collected from the artists and the festivals to record data of current circular economy practices. In each county, research will be collected from two St. Patrick’s Day parades and two dedicated arts festivals.

In November, Training will be organised for artists / festival organisers to introduce them to skills and practices focused on upcycling of art materials for the purposes of cultural festivals and events.

Artists / festival organisers will be encouraged to apply their learning to specific festival events taking place in 2026. Research will be undertaken at these events again to compare with baseline data and to evaluate learning outcomes and project outcomes.

Researcher will report to a Project Steering Committee comprising of four staff from Mayo / Longford’s Arts Office and Environment Sections. Longford Arts Office will be the project liaison.

The project will culminate with a seminar to bring together all participants, project stakeholders, funders to disseminate project findings.

Aim of Research

The aims of this Research Phase for R.A.C.E are to evaluate the R.A.C.E Project Objectives and specifically to:

1. Conduct baseline research at two parades and two cultural festivals in both county Longford and County Mayo to determine current levels of upcycled practices.
2. Conduct baseline research among participating artists to collect data on understanding of upcycling and current sustainability practices.
3. Identify international models of practice, how do these differ from Irish models and what we can learn from these?
4. Conduct post event research to evaluate project outcomes.
   • Quantitative Data to include data on current sustainable practices of selected events.
   • Qualitative Data to include data on knowledge, practices and attitudes of selected artists (max 30) before and after programme.
5. Write a final report documenting the project research. Report audience – research funders, Artists & Creative communities.
6. Identify key learnings from models in Ireland and Internationally.
7. Present findings at final dissemination seminar.

The Researcher Role

1. The researcher is a key position who will gather and analyse information on challenges, opportunities, attitudes, knowledge and skills that will help the arts sector move to a circular economy.
2. Write a detailed work plan / schedule and meet with all partners for briefing meeting.
3. The Researcher will select and design the reseach tools and methodology to carry out the research objectives to measure research objectives accurately.
4. The successful candidate will be experienced in their particular field, be able to deliver individually, or as part of a team and have some experience of sustainable arts practices.
5. The Researcher will advise on the training design.
6. This is a part time contract for a 12 month period with an indicative fee of €7000-9,000. It is inclusive of V.A.T, time and subsistence.
7. Estimated time commitment 2-3 days per month, with intensive periods during festival data collection.

The successful candidate will have:

• Significant research experience and use of a range of methods most suited to the context.
• Knowledge and understanding of sustainable arts practices and / or the circular economy.
• Excellent communication skills to connect individuals and groups.
• Flexibility and maturity to work on own initiative and with a team.
• Accessibility to the research locations.

Evaluation of Tenders

Research brief responses will be evaluated against the following criteria in relation to the applicant.

EVALUATION CRITERIA / WEIGHTING:

1. Evidence of Relevant Research Experience – including evidence of strong research and analytical capability to synthesise and report data, both verbally and through writing / 300
    
2. Evidence of specific experience in or understanding of sustainable art practice contexts / 250
    
3. Communication skills with the ability to communicate across diverse sectors / 250
    
4. Value for money / 100
    
5. Evidence of capacity to deliver within the timeframe / 100

A minimum qualifying threshold of 50% of the mark for categories 1-3 will be applied.

All submissions will be assessed by the Local Authority partners or their chosen representative(s).

Longford County Council reserve the right not to proceed with any proposal under this invitation and consider other appropriate courses of action.

To Apply

Please tender in writing via email and include copies of each of the following: [Please ensure you receive an email from arts office acknowledging receipt of application].

1. An outline of the planned approach to this work and proposed research methods. Outline suitability for the role: C.V, relevant experience, letters of support, examples of writing and research publications, and any other information deemed relevant.
2. Please supply supplementary information to support the application and your interest in this project. These can include; a short description of relevant previous projects, copies of photographs/audio or visual documentation, press reviews, publications, etc.
3. Name two relevant referees.
4. Contact Person for questions about the Tender: Shane Crossan I scrossan@longfordcoco.ie I 087-4144082

Please email your tender documents to artsoffice@longfordcoco.ie no later than 5pm, Friday 22nd August 2025.