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The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon

As Gaeilge

As Gaeilge

Home Artform Support Services Procurement

Artform Support Services Procurement

In June 2022 the Arts Council began to use a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) approach to engage support services for our artform teams including Advisory Services, Assessment Services and Research Services.

If you have queries about the DPS not answered here or in the information clinics or guide below please email ArtsDPS@artscouncil.ie for support.

Opportunities are regularly available to work in the above areas as a contractor alongside our wide range of art form teams including:

Architecture, Arts Participation, Arts Centres, Circus, Street Arts and Spectacle, Dance, Festivals, Film, International Arts, Literature (English), Literature (Irish), Music, Opera, Theatre, Traditional Arts, Visual Arts (Artists), Visual Arts (Organisations), Young People, Children and Education (YPCE)

For the purposes of this DPS the types of services are known as Categories and their associated artform is known as a Sub-Category eg. Advisory Services – Opera. Individuals can apply to be a member of as many Sub-Categories as they wish but must fulfil the entry requirements for each Sub-Category.

What is a DPS?

A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a method of procuring goods and services over a set period of time. The Arts Council set up a DPS for the procurement of Advisory Services, Lead Assessment Services, Support Assessment Services and Research Services specifically to support our art form teams with tasks such as policy development, funding assessments and research and development. Contracted providers will work directly with the Head of Team to support their needs.

How Does it Work?

Step 1: Applicants apply to qualify for entry into a specific category and sub-category (eg. Lead Assessment Services – Dance). In order to qualify applicants are required to demonstrate sufficient expertise and experience as outlined in the associated documentation. Once qualified, applicants will receive a letter confirming they have qualified. They will remain qualified for the life of the DPS (approximately 10 years).

Step 2: As opportunities become available within a Sub-Category (eg. Research Services – Architecture) all qualified DPS members within the Sub-Category will be notified and have the opportunity to pitch within a mini-competition to be awarded the available contract.

Full information on this is available on eTenders .

Access DPS via eTenders