JCAST: Seeking Producer for JCAST 2025
Seeking Producer for the Jersey City Art and Studio Tour (JCAST) 2025
CALL FOR LETTERS OF INTEREST
Producer for the Jersey City Art and Studio Tour (JCAST) 2025
Deadline: May 5, 2025
Introduction and Invitation to Submit Letters of Interest
The Jersey City Art and Studio Tour (JCAST) Advisory Committee seeks Letters of Interest from experienced arts organizations and event producers to manage and produce the 2025 Jersey City Art and Studio Tour, a citywide event held annually each October. For over 35 years, JCAST has been a cornerstone arts festival, providing both residents and visitors with the opportunity to explore local creative spaces and artist studios across Jersey City.
JCAST, which began in 1990, has evolved over the years and continues to be an important cultural fixture in the city. This year, the Advisory Committee invites proposals from qualified organizations to take on the responsibility of organizing and executing JCAST 2025. The Committee will review all submissions, engage in discussions with potential producers, and collaborate to ensure the festival continues to meet the needs of the arts community in alignment with JCAST’s long-term vision.
We encourage proposals from creative, experienced, and community-driven producers who will champion the spirit of collaboration, unity and innovation in the arts. The producer will be responsible for organizing all aspects of JCAST 2025, ensuring the festival is accessible, well-promoted, and reflective of Jersey City’s diverse arts landscape.
The Vision for JCAST
The vision for JCAST has been shaped by extensive community input and is detailed in the Future of JCAST – Community Feedback Report by the Jersey City Arts Council. This vision should guide the selected producer in planning and executing the event. https://jerseycityartscouncil.org/jersey-city-arts-news/the-future-of-jcast-community-feedback-report
Responsibilities of the JCAST Producer
The producer of JCAST 2025 will oversee all aspects of the event to ensure its successful execution, fostering engagement with artists, the community, and attendees. Key responsibilities include:
● Event Logistics: Plan and manage all logistical elements of JCAST 2025, including venue selection for kickoff, coordination with artists, vendors, and local organizations, and overseeing the event schedule.
● Artist and Venue Coordination: Communicate with artists and venues to encourage participation in JCAST 2025, ensuring their events are listed and promoted effectively.
● Mapping and Online Presence: Design and maintain a printed event map and a dedicated website to showcase participating locations and events.
● Marketing Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing strategy, including creating event signage, and promoting JCAST through social media, press releases, partnerships, and community outreach to maximize visibility and participation.
● Event Staffing: Organize and staff the event, ensuring leadership, administrative support, and on-site presence during the festival.
● Volunteer Management: Recruit and manage volunteers to assist with event day operations and promotional efforts.
● Sponsorship and Fundraising: Identify and pursue sponsorships, grants, and other funding opportunities to support the event, while managing relationships with sponsors and partners.
● Budget Management: Oversee the event budget, ensuring funds are allocated appropriately for operational, marketing, and artist-related expenses.
● Collaboration: Work closely with the local arts community and the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs to ensure smooth coordination and alignment with community goals.
● Accessibility Communication: Ensure accessibility offerings are communicated clearly for all participating venues.
● Kickoff Event: Organize a kickoff event to launch the JCAST weekend.
● Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from artists, attendees, and partners to assess the success of JCAST 2025 and identify opportunities for improvement.
● Outcome Analysis and Reporting: Evaluate the event’s outcomes, including attendance, sales, and community engagement, and prepare a report for stakeholders outlining the findings.
Pre-Existing JCAST Assets
The producer will have access to the following resources to assist with the planning and execution of JCAST 2025:
● Website: The current JCAST website, maintained by the Office of Cultural Affairs, can be updated with new event listings, artwork, and details. Note that significant website changes may require additional funding.
● Social Media Channels: The producer may utilize the existing JCAST social media accounts for promotion and engagement.
● Maps: Past festival maps are available to guide the design and layout of JCAST 2025.
● Logo and Images: Existing JCAST logos and images are available for use or adaptation.
● Audience Email List: Access to past participant and audience email lists for promotional outreach.
● Sponsorship & Vendor Lists: Information from previous years' sponsors and vendors is available for reference.
● Marketing Materials: Access to past marketing materials, budgets, and strategic plans.
● Signage: The Office of Cultural Affairs can assist with printing event signage.
● Gallery Walls: Limited triangle display walls may be provided by the Office of Cultural Affairs for the JCAST opening or other display needs. Specific requirements can be discussed with the Office.
Submission Instructions
Interested parties should submit Letters of Interest to: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfJerseyCity1/JCASTJerseyCityArtAndStudioTourProducerSubmission
Submission deadline: May 5, 2025.
Please include the following:
● The name of the organization and lead organizers.
● A summary of previous experience in producing arts events.
● A statement explaining why the applicant is interested in producing JCAST 2025.
● An outline of the applicant's fundraising strategy for JCAST.
● A plan for uniting artists from all neighborhoods, mediums, and spaces.
● If applicable, please outline any new or unique elements the applicant plans to introduce to the 2025 festival. The Committee would like to understand any significant changes in advance.
Please limit the letter to 5 pages or less.
Background: History of JCAST
The Jersey City Art and Studio Tour (JCAST) was originally founded as the Downtown Jersey City Artists’ Studio Tour in 1990. The event featured over 70 artist studios, 18 exhibitions, and dozens of volunteers, drawing over 1,500 attendees. This helped establish Jersey City as a cultural hub for the arts.
From 1994 to 2013, JCAST was organized by Pro Arts, in partnership with the City of Jersey City. Since 2014, the event has been managed by the City’s Office of Cultural Affairs. In 2023 and 2024, ARTS 14C took over the event, with JCAST being a part of the larger Jersey City Art Week. In 2024, the format of the tour shifted to highlight individual artist studio visits in response to the city’s evolving arts landscape.
JCAST continues to adapt to the needs of the community, and the Advisory Committee is committed to ensuring the festival remains a vital part of Jersey City’s cultural calendar.
For more information,visit www.thejcast.com.