GB-Exeter, Devon: The 2020 Vision-Investing in our Welcome. Interpretation Design Services to design cathedral interpretation scheme and Treasures exhibition

Over the last 5 years the team at Exeter Cathedral have produced a comprehensive masterplan for the Cathedral and its surroundings with a vision for renewal over the next decade.

Following a successful stage 1 application to the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Exeter Cathedral plans to submit a stage 2 application in August 2021. A capital project will transform accessibility and use of the East End, Lady Chapel and Chapter House and new visit-driving experiences and opportunities for community engagement will be created through the implementation of the Interpretation Plan and Activity Plan.

This contract is to design the permanent interpretation scheme for Exeter Cathedral. The scope includes design of interpretation for (i) the approach to the Cathedral (ii) the Cathedral interior including the main building, new cloister and Chapter House and (iii) an exhibition of Cathedral treasures in the Pearson Gallery (approx. 160m2)

As well as the 2D and 3D interpretation, we intend to create a multimedia app as part of the interpretation strategy. We anticipate procuring the design of this element separately, however, should you wish to manage this as well as the main interpretation design, please indicate in your expression of interest.

We anticipate the budget for interpretation will break down:

Cathedral approach & interior£130k Multimedia app and content £60k Treasures exhibition£400k

The budget must cover all interpretation costs including fees, copy/script writing, expenses, asset rights, showcases, production and installation of all elements.

Expressions of interest are sought for the design contract at this time. All interpretation designers who express an interest in the contract will be issued the brief and invited to submit a tender.

Additional information: All interpretation designers who submit an expression of interest by 12 March 2021 will be issued the brief and invited to Tender. Tenders will be appraised on quality and value for money. Tender submissions must include:

i.Outline your overall design approach, demonstrating that you have understood our audience's needs and the interpretation plan. •Including some initial ideas on the individual elements you would propose •Including some example visuals ii.Design fees •Breaking down fees for each element and design stage. N.B. there will be a break clause after Stage 1 (Concept) in case the NLHF stage 2 bid is unsuccessful •Any subcontractor costs •Breaking down staff costs detailing the amount of time input the role will require and the day rate iii.Scope •Indicate if you propose to undertake/subcontract the multimedia app development as well as 2D and 3D design (N.B. there is no requirement for the interpretation designer to take on this work package) iv.Team •Including brief biographies of the key people you propose work on the project •Any subcontractors you intend to nominate v.A brief background to / history of your company, including: •Year established, registered company number and registered company address •Summary of turnover and profit for the last three years •Number of employees by type, i.e. admin, management, sales, Directors, supervisors, technicians etc •Details of any parent companies and subsidiaries; •Details of any legal action taken against the company in the last five years vi.Experience, images and examples of relevant previous work •Demonstrating experience of similar contracts undertaken within historic environments •Scope of skills and services available and Industry accreditations / credentials / relevant experience •Details of three references we may follow up

The deadline for submission of Tenders will be 5pm on Friday 9th April 2021.