Closing date 2nd June at 3pm
Queries to culture@monaghancoco.ie
1. Introduction
Monaghan County Council invites expressions of interest from creative practitioners, artists, cultural organisations, educational institutions, community groups, and enterprises interested in utilising Unit 1, at Market Square, Carrickmacross for projects, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and/or other innovative projects.
This Expression of Interest (EOI) seeks to identify a potential operator who can contribute to Monaghan County Council’s mission of heritage preservation, cultural and arts engagement, and community enrichment while respecting the unique historical significance of the building.
This EOI does not constitute a commitment to enter into any agreement.
2. Objectives
The objectives of this initiative are to:
•Support creative and innovative uses of heritage spaces
•Enhance public engagement with Carrickmacross’ historical and cultural significance
•Foster community connections and educational opportunities
•Generate diverse and compelling programmes/projects that attract visitors
•Preserve and celebrate the unique character of the Market Square while enabling contemporary use
3. Eligible Activities
We welcome expressions of interest for a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:
•Art exhibitions (visual arts, sculpture, photography, multimedia)
•Performance arts (theatre, music, dance, spoken word)
•Educational workshops and programmes
•Historical research and interpretation projects
•Community engagement initiatives
•Heritage and conservation projects
•Film and media production
•Cultural festivals and events
•Pop-up retail or hospitality concepts with cultural or heritage focus
All proposed activities must be compatible with the conservation and protection of the historic site and must enhance the visitor experience.
4. Submission Requirements
Interested parties are requested to submit the following information:
Applicant Information
•Name of individual, organisation, or group
•Contact details (address, phone, email)
•Brief background and relevant experience
Project Proposal
•Project title and brief description
•Objectives and intended outcomes
•Target audience and expected visitor numbers
•Proposed timeline and duration
4.2 Heritage and Site Compatibility
•How the project respects and responds to the historic nature of the site
•Any conservation considerations or requirements
4.3 Resources and Budget
•Outline budget (if applicable)
•Funding sources or grant applications
•Insurance arrangements
4.4 Supporting Materials
•Visual materials (images, sketches, mood boards) where relevant
•Examples of previous work or similar projects
•References or letters of support
5. Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
•Quality and originality of the proposed project
•Alignment with Monaghan County Council’s arts, cultural and heritage values
•Public benefit and community engagement potential
•Feasibility and sustainability of the project/venture
•Experience and capacity of the applicant
•Compatibility with site conservation requirements
•Value for money and resource efficiency
•This EOI does not commit Monaghan County Council to accept any proposal
•Monaghan County Council reserves the right to reject any or all submissions
•Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of public liability insurance which indemnifies Monaghan County Council
•All activities must comply with relevant health and safety legislation
•There can be no structural changes, and any installations must receive prior written approval
•All proposed activities must be compatible with the conservation and protection of the historic site and must enhance the visitor experience
•Commercial terms will be negotiated separately with shortlisted applicants
7. Contact Information
For queries or to arrange a site visit, please contact: culture@monaghancoco.ie