1.       Background/Overview

The staging of the Rugby World Cup in France is an opportunity to celebrate the sporting relationship between Ireland and France. To mark the occasion, the Embassy of Ireland Paris, in partnership with the Centre Culturel Irlandais and Consulate General of Ireland Lyon, wishes to create an exhibition for display during the tournament at high profile indoor and outdoor locations in France. The exhibition will tell the story of this sporting relationship, tracing the historic development of the Ireland-France game, through sporting highs and lows, and showcase the stories of Irish players and coaches who have contributed to French rugby. The exhibition will also provide digital content to be shared through Government of Ireland and partners’ platforms and social media. 

2.       Specification/Requirements

Expressions of interest are sought by the Embassy of Ireland from a researcher/writer with an interest in and knowledge of the Irish - French rugby relationship, to create engaging and original content for exhibition and digital use. The researcher/writer will be expected to source and create content (text, audio tracks and images) for an exhibition consisting of 15- 20 panels, each displaying a different aspect of the rugby and sporting relationship. They will be responsible for managing copyright for use of images/footage online and as part of the printed exhibition.

The content will also be used to curate an online exhibition and for promotion on social media. It should include original interviews with key sports people, drawing on a broad and diverse range of views. These may be recorded by the Embassy, to provide digital content in support of the exhibition panels.

Limited travel costs will be made available to cover travel to interviews. The Embassy will cover the costs of recording interviews.

3. Deliverables and Timeframes

The exhibition will be completed for display during the Rugby World Cup, which starts in September 2023. Elements of the content may be used in advance for related events.

-          Applications open from 26 January to 10 February 2023.

-          Successful applicant informed by 27 February 2023.

-          Initial meeting with project team, first week of March 2023.

-          Outlines of exhibition agreed by 15 March 2023. 

-          Content completed and delivered by 19 May 2023. 

The content will then move to the translation, graphic design and printing stages.

4. Selection Criteria

The candidates should submit the following by 10 February 2023:      

1.       An outline of proposed approach (including key themes, story lines and potential interviewees) – maximum 500 words;
2.       Examples of relevant experience (include links to previous written work or/and copies of other relevant documents);
3.       A short CV, setting out relevant experience;
4.       A quote for researching and writing the exhibition (maximum budget available for this portion of the project is €5,000 including VAT). The final exhibition text will likely consist of approximately 5,000 words (approx. 100 per panel for display, with additional supporting text for digital use). An initial draft text may be longer.
5.       An indication of availability to complete the project in required time frame (by 19 May 2023).

5. Award Criteria

Criteria 1: proposed approach (50%)

-          An outline of proposed approach (including key themes, story lines and potential interviewees) – maximum 500 words;

Criteria 2: relevance and quality of experience (20%)

-          Based on examples submitted and CV.

Critertia 3: Cost (30%)

-          Submission provides value for money.

Submissions should be emailed to Marion Tanguy (marion.tanguy@dfa.ie), Embassy of Ireland, by Friday, 10 February.