Tender

Research into the Business and Operational Needs of the Arts Sector in Wales

ARTS COUNCIL OF WALES

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

21 May 2026 at 09:58

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Arts Council of Wales is inviting tenders for a comprehensive research project titled "Research into the Business and Operational Needs of the Arts Sector in Wales". This tender is part of their efforts to enhance the business resilience and capabilities within the arts community in Wales. The procurement is in the tender stage and has been classified under the research and business services industry categories. Open competition rules apply, with a submission deadline set for 30th June 2026. The project must be conducted in Cardiff, Wales, with a contract period from 30th July 2026 to 16th September 2026. The estimated contract value is £36,000, and submissions must be made electronically via Sell2Wales.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for research organisations with expertise in business consultancy, operational analysis, and development services. Companies with a strong background in delivering research and consultancy services, particularly those experienced in the arts sector, are well-suited to compete for this contract. Furthermore, the opportunity to contribute to the strategic enhancement of the Welsh arts ecosystem can lead to long-term collaborations with the Arts Council of Wales and other stakeholders. SMEs and volunteers are encouraged to participate, offering an inclusive approach to enhance diverse participation. The procurement emphasises quality, methodology robustness, and value for money, presenting growth potential for businesses that align with these core criteria.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Research into the Business and Operational Needs of the Arts Sector in Wales

Notice Description

Background and scope 1. Introduction Arts Council of Wales, through its Business Enabler Team, invites tenders from suitably qualified and experienced research organisations to undertake a comprehensive study into the business and operational needs of the arts sector in Wales. This research will play a central role in strengthening the resilience, sustainability, and business capability of organisations and freelancers across the Welsh arts ecosystem. Important: This tender excludes any exploration of creative skills or artistic practice. The research must focus exclusively on Business, Operational and Organisational elements that include (but not entirely limited to): Organisational business capability Operational systems Infrastructure Skills and training needs related to business functions Forward-looking business trends and challenges 2. Purpose of the Research The commissioned research organisation will be expected to deliver robust, evidence-based insight into: 2.1 Training and Development Needs Identifying business-related training requirements for Arts Organisations (including Multi-Year Funded Organisations), Individuals and Freelancers. 2.2 Business and Operational Skills Gaps Mapping current and future gaps in business and operational skills, including management, governance, operations, finance, HR, planning, compliance, business growth, and digital capability. 2.3 Future Needs and Trends Exploring emerging opportunities and risks that may impact the sector's sustainability. 2.4 Recommendations Producing clear, actionable, prioritised recommendations to inform future support interventions delivered by Arts Council of Wales. 3. Scope of Work The successful bidder will be required to deliver the following workstreams (all work must be delivered bilingually (Cymraeg and English): 3.1 Sector-Wide Survey Design and deliver a survey across the arts sector in Wales. Ensure representation across: artforms, organisation sizes, freelancers, regions, and demographics. 3.2 Engagement with Existing Data Sources Identify organisations that hold relevant, quality datasets. Liaise with those organisations to integrate relevant data where permitted. Avoid duplication of existing research efforts. 3.3 Qualitative Engagement Conduct interviews, workshops, or focus groups with stakeholders (as required to achieve the Deliverables) Ensure balanced representation of the sector's diversity and geographic spread. 3.4 Analysis & Reporting Comprehensive analysis of all quantitative and qualitative findings. Identification of priority needs, risk areas, and future challenges. Evidence-based recommendations. 4. Deliverables 4.1 Full Research Report Including: Executive Summary Methodology Detailed Findings Analysis of Skills & Operational Gaps Forward-looking insights Recommendations & priority actions This Document and all associated attachments should be bilingual (Eng / Cym) 4.2 Presentation of Findings A comprehensive presentation to Arts Council of Wales and relevant stakeholders. 4.3 Data Outputs Cleaned datasets These are the final, fully prepared versions of the data collected during the research Metadata / documentation This provides a clear explanation of what the data contains and how it should be interpreted Methodological notes These explain the research approach used and provide transparency about how the findings were produced 5. Meeting With Up To 3 Applicants Following tender evaluation, up to three scoring applicants will be invited to a face-to-face clarification and presentation meeting with members of the decision panel. Location: Cardiff Attendance: At the applicant's own cost Format: Presentation + Q&A (30-45 minutes) Purpose: Final assessment prior to awarding the contract Further information on the Presentation will be provided to the top three scoring applicants

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069eb1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046887-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£30,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£30,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 May 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
30 Jun 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
29 Jul 2026 - 16 Sep 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ARTS COUNCIL OF WALES
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CARDIFF
Postcode
CF10 5AL
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Cardiff
Electoral Ward
Butetown
Westminster Constituency
Cardiff South and Penarth

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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