Request for Quote (RFQ): Brand Development & Digital Asset Toolkit

Project: Carlow Beo!

Issuing Body: Carlow County Council (Arts Section & Economic Development Section)

1. Project Overview

Carlow County Council invites quotes from qualified graphic designers/creative agencies to develop a comprehensive visual identity and digital promotional toolkit for Carlow Beo! 2026 as part of promotional of events and also the nighttime economy.

Carlow Beo! is a strategic promotional campaign that supports professional performers, producers, and local venues. The initiative aims to enhance the "Carlow Experience" by fostering high-quality artistic work that drives local footfall, supports the nighttime economy, and strengthens the county’s cultural identity.

2. Strategic Objectives

• Economic Impact: Create a brand that signals professional quality, encouraging residents and visitors to spend time and resources within the local economy.
• Artist & Venue Support: Provide "plug-and-play" professional marketing assets for artists and venues who may not have in-house design resources.
• Cohesive Identity: Establish a unified "Carlow Beo!" mark that sits comfortably alongside Carlow County Council brand.

3. Scope of Work & Deliverables

The successful candidate will develop a brand identity and a suite of customizable assets delivered primarily via Canva to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders.

A. Brand Identity Suite

• Primary Logo & Visual Mark: A vibrant, contemporary "Carlow Beo!" brandmark.
• Brand Guidelines: A concise document outlining color palettes (HEX/CMYK), typography, and co-branding rules (placement of Council/Other logos).
• Digital "Quality Mark": A transparent badge/stamp for venues and artists to use on their own independent marketing (e.g., "A Carlow Beo! Supported Event").

B. Digital Asset Toolkit (Canva Templates)

The designer must provide fully editable, "locked-down" Canva templates including:

• Event Poster Suite: A3 and A4 portrait templates with high-impact imagery slots and clear "Call to Action" areas.
• The "Social Spotlight" Pack: * Instagram/Facebook Feed (1:1): Templates for single events and "What’s On" carousels.
  • Stories/Reels (9:16): Branded frames and overlays for video content/behind-the-scenes footage.
• Digital Programme Template: A modular multi-page template for seasonal event listings.
• Web/Email Assets: Branded headers for newsletters and website banners.

C.Consultation & Handover

• Attendance at two consultation meetings with the Arts and Economic Development sections.
• A brief "Handover Guide" (PDF) explaining how stakeholders can customize the Canva templates while maintaining brand integrity.

4. Required Experience & Competencies

• Proven track record in brand identity development (portfolio required).
• Demonstrated expertise in creating user-friendly Canva templates for third-party use.
• Experience working with local authorities, public bodies, or the arts/cultural sector is highly desirable.

5. Submission Requirements

Interested parties should submit a proposal (Max 4 pages) including:

1. Portfolio: Examples of similar branding projects and Canva-based toolkits.
2. Project Methodology: Brief outline of how you will approach the "Carlow Experience" brief.
3. Timeline: Proposed schedule from inception to final delivery.
4. Costing: A transparent breakdown of fees (excl. VAT).

Evaluation Summary Table

Closing date for submissions: 27th March 2026 @ 12noon.

Submissions to enterprise@carlowcoco.ie. Queries to Linda Culleton on enterprise@carlowcoco.ie or by calling 059-9129783