Solicitation Number:2026004
2.1Scope: OVERVIEW / INTENT
The City of Mesa is soliciting Request for Qualifications from qualified and experienced firms to undertake a comprehensive rebrand to be completed by August 2026. We seek a creative partner to refresh our visual identity, ensuring it aligns with our values of creativity, collaboration and inclusivity while positioning Mesa Arts Center for regional, national and international prominence.
2.2BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Mesa Arts Center, owned and operated by the City of Mesa, Arizona, is the state’s largest multidisciplinary arts campus. Housing four theaters, five (5) art galleries and fourteen (14) art studios, Mesa Arts Center welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests each year for world‑class performances, exhibitions, classes, festivals and community events. Our mission is to create meaningful arts experiences in Mesa for everyone.
2.3GOALS & OBJECTIVES
3. Unified Brand System – Develop a cohesive visual identity that connects Mesa Arts Center and its sub‑brands (Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, Mesa Arts Center Foundation, Mesa Arts Center Studios, signature festivals and programs, etc.), while allowing each entity room to shine.Inclusive Representation – Ensure that brand elements authentically represent Mesa Arts Center, the City of Mesa and Mesa Arts Center’s diverse audiences.Modern Versatility – Deliver assets that perform seamlessly across print, TV, digital, environmental and merchandise applications, including emerging technologies using motion graphics and animation. The visual identity, particularly the logo, should be versatile enough for animated and dynamic treatments in digital applications.Practical Implementation – Provide clear guidelines and templates enabling Mesa Arts Center’s team to maintain brand integrity long‑term.
2.4MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
4. Five (5)+ years proven experience in branding/rebranding for arts, culture or nonprofit organizations.Portfolio of at least five (5) large‑scale rebrand projects – arts‑institution experience preferred.Capacity to manage multi‑phase projects and meet fixed deadlines.Professional liability insurance meeting City of Mesa requirements (to be provided upon award).Proficiency in industry-standard design software and tools.Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with our team.Creative and innovative design sensibilities.Strong attention to detail.Commitment to managing deadlines for multiple projects simultaneously.Knowledge of current branding design trends and best practices.
2.5TIMELINE EXPECTATIONS
Rebrand including all Scope of Work shall be completed by September 2026. Anticipated timeline is included as Attachment D, Mesa Arts Center Rebranding Timeline.
2.6TERM & RENEWALS
An estimated initial term of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, not including any extensions subject to the terms of the Agreement. If the commencement of performance is delayed because the City does not execute the Agreement at this start date, the City may adjust the start date, end date, and any milestones to reflect the delayed execution.
2.7SCOPE OF WORK / DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
The selected firm will collaborate closely with the Mesa Arts Center Marketing and leadership team to produce the following:
7. Discovery and Strategy –
i. Review research, audience data and competitive set.
ii. Facilitate stakeholder workshops (leadership, staff, patrons, community partners).
iii. Articulate brand positioning, personality and messaging pillars.
iv. Brand audit summary.
v. Brand strategy and creative brief.
7. Visual Identity Development –
i. Develop a minimum of two (2) distinct creative directions.
ii. Refine selected direction through up to three (3) rounds of feedback.
iii. Primary and secondary logos (horizontal, vertical, icon‑only).
iv. Color palette and secondary color palette, typography system, graphic elements.
v. Accessibility‑compliant color/contrast specs.
vi. Logo lockups with the City of Mesa logo.
7. Sub‑Brand & Program Extensions –
i. Create a sub-branding system for:
7. 1. Mesa Contemporary Arts MuseumMesa Arts Center FoundationMembers Circle at Mesa Arts CenterMesa Arts Center Art Studios Mesa Arts Center VolunteersMesa Arts Center Event Services
ii. Logo lockups & usage guidance for each sub‑brand
7. Collateral & Template Suite –
i. Design key collateral: business cards, notecards, letterhead, envelopes, PowerPoint, email header, electronic signatures, social media post/grid, print and digital ads, large‑format signage (banner, window cling, marquee, billboard).
ii. Editable, print‑ready files (Adobe CC + packaged fonts).
iii. Brand GIFs and animation.
iv. Editable templates in Microsoft Office.
7. Brand Guidelines –
i. Compile a comprehensive standards manual.
ii. PDF + interactive (web‑based) brand guidelines.
iii. UI style guide*.
7. Launch Support –
i. Provide rollout plan and asset handoff.
ii. Final suite of materials.
iii. Training deck.
*Note: Mesa Arts Center’s web team will execute website design; however, the chosen firm will supply a UI style guide (color, type, graphic treatments) to ensure digital consistency.
Due Date: August 25, 2025 – 3:00 P.M. Local Arizona Time
Contact:Evan Karl Phone: 480-644-2356 Evan.Karl@MesaAZ.gov, Lorraine Barbacano Phone: 480-644-2179 Lorraine.Barbacano@MesaAZ.gov
