Request for Proposals
Community-Based Research Consultant for Environmental Scan 

Community-Based Research Consultant for Environmental Scan
Near North Makerspace Project
Location: North Bay, Ontario

Issue Date: December 4, 2024
Submission Deadline: December 16, 2024 at 11:59pm EST 

Contract Terms and Budget
Budget: $4,500 – $6,000
Timeline: The project should be completed between January 14 and February 28, 2025.  Timeline may be negotiable.

Note: This contract is the first of two research contracts for this project. The second contract will focus on project evaluation and will be valued at $8,000 – $9,000.

Project Overview

Near North Mobile Media Lab (N2M2L) is seeking a qualified Community-Based Research Consultant to conduct an environmental scan to understand community strengths and needs, as well as current resources and gaps related to the Near North Makerspace Project. 

This makerspace will offer studio space with digital, media, print and visual arts equipment, providing development opportunities for local artists and groups working in a range of practices.

Our Vision

The Near North Makerspace Project is committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and accessible environment.  We aim to engage makers where they are at, and to provide support and opportunities that they may use to achieve their diverse goals.  

Here community members, local artists and groups can work on creative projects, develop related skills, and engage with peers. 

By promoting peer-to-peer learning and reciprocal relationships, we strengthen interconnectedness and support among makers, enhancing the creative ecosystem and ensuring that anyone can benefit from the makerspace experience.

Purpose of the Environmental Scan

The primary purpose of this environmental scan is to:

• Map existing community resources, including potential collaborators and service gaps
• Identify and assess community needs related to:
  • Arts training (e.g. digital and media arts, visual arts, literary arts, mixed media)
  • Equipment for making things (e.g. digital media production, printing equipment, other equipment related to visual arts)  
  • Studio and production space for making things (adequate for arts production, including digital, media and visual arts)
  • Social connection with other makers, including possibilities for collaboration
• Provide actionable insights to guide the development of the Near North Makerspace so it effectively meets community needs and complements existing services.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for:

1. Methodology

• Develop a detailed research plan outlining the methods and tools to be used for data collection and analysis.
• Employ inclusive and accessible research practices to ensure diverse community participation.
• Ensure data confidentiality and ethical standards are maintained throughout the research process.

2. Data Collection and Analysis

Resource Mapping

• Conduct a literature review to identify best practices in makerspace design and operations in Canada, and within rural or smaller centres.
• Compile an inventory of existing relevant arts resources, programs, and facilities in North Bay.
• Identify gaps in services and resources that the makerspace could address.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify and engage with key stakeholders such as local artists and makers, arts and crafts groups, community groups delivering arts programming, and educational institutions delivering arts training.
• Conduct interviews, focus groups, and/or surveys to gather qualitative and quantitative data on community strengths, needs and interests.

3. Final Report and Recommendations

Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing findings, including:

• Analysis of community needs and priorities.
• Mapping of current resources and identification of gaps.
• Recommendations on how the Near North Makerspace can effectively address these needs.

Deliverables

• Research Plan and Methodology: A detailed outline of the proposed research methods and tools.
• Resource Mapping Summary: Literature review and resource inventory. 
• Stakeholder Engagement Summary: Documentation of engagement activities and key insights gathered.
• Final Report: A comprehensive report including findings and recommendations.

Qualifications

The ideal consultant will have:

• Proven experience in community-based research, particularly within the arts or digital media sectors.
• Strong knowledge of North Bay and its community dynamics.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills to engage diverse groups.
• Commitment to inclusive and accessible research practices.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

• Cover Letter (1 page maximum): 
  • Brief introduction and expression of interest.
• Resume (2 page maximum): 
  • Details of qualifications, relevant projects and expertise.
  • References: Contact information for at least two professional references.
• Research Proposal (2 page maximum): 
  • A description of how you plan to conduct the research, including engagement strategies, data collection methods, and analysis techniques.
  • Work plan: Confirming ability to complete the project within the specified budget and timeframe. (To be assessed based on feasibility.)

Submission Details

Submit proposals by December 16th to:
Sharon Switzer, Executive Director, Near North Mobile Media Lab
[email protected]
705-476-6402