Fashion Show Producer for Southwestern Association for Indian Arts
Date Issued: December 5th, 2024
Proposal Submission Deadline: December 20th, 2024
Pay Rate & Type: $30,000, Contractor (1099)
Contact Information:
Southwestern Association for Indian Arts
Jamie Schulze, Executive Director
jschulze@swaia.org
(505) 983-5220
https://swaia.org/
1. Introduction:
Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is a nonprofit organization based in Santa Fe, NM whose mission is “to bring Native arts to the world by inspiring artistic excellence, fostering education, and creating meaningful partnerships.” Best known for hosting Santa Fe Indian Market, the world’s largest and most prestigious Native North American art market since 1922, SWAIA formally extended its reach into contemporary fashion in 2014 when it developed SWAIA Native Fashion, a programming component dedicated to producing fashion shows that feature Indigenous designers and models. In 2024, SWAIA Native Fashion premiered its inaugural SWAIA Native Fashion Week which featured fashion panels, trunk shows, activation spaces, and seventeen runway shows.
2. Project Overview:
SWAIA is organizing its second annual SWAIA Native Fashion Week (SNFW), which will take place May 7 – 11, 2025 in Santa Fe, NM. SNFW will feature runway shows, pop-shops, activation spaces, and fashion panels. SWAIA’s objective for SNFW is to showcase Indigenous creativity, create networking opportunities, and amplify Indigenous voices. SWAIA is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced fashion show producers who can manage all aspects of 2025 SWAIA Native Fashion Week, from concept development to post-event evaluation. The selected producer will work closely with the SWAIA team to ensure the show aligns with SWAIA’s organizational values and provides a platform to showcase Indigenous designers and fashion artists across North America.
3. Scope of Work:
The selected producer will be responsible for the development, production, and execution of 2025 SWAIA Native Fashion Week. Tasks include but may not be limited to the following:
Event Conceptualization, Planning, and Coordination: Develop a cohesive theme and vision for 2025 SWAIA Native Fashion Week that aligns with SWAIA’s mission and goals and includes a fashion panel, trunk shows, activation spaces, and runway shows.
Timeline and Scheduling: Develop a detailed event timeline, from pre-production through to the final show, including deadlines for all deliverables.
Logistics Coordination: Coordinate venue logistics, including layout, runway and stage design in conjunction with SWAIA staff. Work with venue staff to ensure technical requirements (sound, lighting, etc.) are met. Work with SWAIA team to coordinate and address any site-specific logistics, such as check-in, load-in and load-out procedures for designers, photography, makeup and hair artists, models, and talent.
Vendor and Talent Management: Secure, contract, and coordinate with vendors such as models, hair and makeup artists, stylists, photographers, and the six fashion designers who are contracted for 2025 SNFW participation.
Rehearsal and Event Production: Schedule and organize rehearsals for models and crew and ensure that all involved parties understand their responsibilities and timelines for a smooth execution of live events.
Post-Event Report: Provide a comprehensive post-event analysis, including feedback, event success metrics, and recommendations for future events.
4. Proposal Requirements:
Interested fashion show producers are asked to submit the following:
- Professional Profile: A one-page narrative outlining your professional background, skills, experience, and qualifications as they might relate to SWAIA Native Fashion Week.
- Experience and Portfolio: Provide examples and digital references of similar events you have produced, including fashion shows, art shows, and other large-scale events.
- Creative Approach: A high-level overview of how you would conceptualize and execute SNFW, including any preliminary ideas or themes you believe would resonate with our audience.
- Timeline: A proposed timeline, starting from the moment of selection, through planning, rehearsals, the event itself, and post-event evaluation.
- References: Three letters of recommendation from previous clients or organizations who can speak to your work on similar projects. Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly by the recommender to jschulze@swaia.org.
- Additional Recommendations: Any added value or creative ideas you think would enhance the event or help us meet our fundraising goals of increasing operational funds.
5. Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Experience and Expertise: Proven track record of producing successful fashion shows or similar events.
- Creativity and Vision: Alignment of the proposed theme and overall vision with the mission and goals of SWAIA.
- References and Reputation: Strong references from previous clients or partners.
- Organizational Fit: Demonstrated understanding of SWAIA and its unique needs as an Indigenous nonprofit.
- Indigenous Preference
6. Timeline:
Proposals must be submitted by December 20, 2024. The selected fashion producer will be notified no later than January 3, 2025. Project kickoff will begin no later than January 6, 2025.
7. Submission Instructions:
Please submit your proposal via email by the submission deadline to jschulze@swaia.org.
SWAIA looks forward to reviewing your proposal and collaborating with you to create a successful and impactful 2025 SWAIA Native Fashion Week in support of SWAIA’s mission.
Thank you for your interest.