What is an Expression of Interest?
Our Development Manager, Jess, breaks down what should go into an Expression of Interest (EOI) so you have the best chance of getting work.
If you're just getting going with commissions you might have seen call outs asking for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and wondered what exactly they're looking for. I'm here to break down what you should and shouldn't include for a general EOI.
But first things first, make sure it is a commission or project you want to do before you apply for it. If it doesn't feel right, don't apply, or ask questions about your concerns and then decide.
So what is an EOI?
Ok so basically an Expression of Interest is saying that you’re interested in something, putting it in writing and explaining a bit about you and your skills so that the person choosing an artist or proposal can figure out whether you’re right for this thing.
IT IS:
Short (2-4 paragraphs of text, no more than 500 words), a way to introduce yourself and your skills.
IT'S NOT:
A detailed project proposal, a CV, a place to explain your life story and entire career journey.
It's usually split into 4 parts:
1. Introduce yourself and any ways of working
Don’t assume the person knows you or your work. This is where you put points of difference, so if you’re an emerging/young or there’s a particular thing that’s integral to your practice (decolonisation, anti-racism, gender equality etc.) put that in here.
Also what is your practice? Are you an illustrator/filmmaker/photographer/all-of-the-above? Is there a common theme across all your work?
Top Tip: use clear simple language and link to resources for people to look up what stuff means (eg decolonisation).
2. Skills and achievements
So you’ve said you do all those things and work in those ways, this is where you say where you’ve done that before. Any key commissions, exhibitions, jobs, work etc. All goes in here. Ever been nominated for something or part of an impressive programme? Put it in here too.
If there’s any required skills the commissioner has listed make sure you tick those boxes in this portion too.
Top Tip: repeat any language they've used in their call out.
3. Why you’re interested in this opportunity specifically
If you’re writing the expression of interest you should’ve already decided that you do actually want to do this thing right? So write why. Is it a unique opportunity? Is it a pivotal moment for this organisation? Is it an opportunity for your development, to expand your practice or work in a new way? Great, add that in.
Some compliments never did any harm either but try not to get into gushing territory, aka “I love you, you’re amazing” etc.
Top Tip: research them! get the name of the organisation right and reference any research you've done if it feels appropriate (eg "following on from your xx event I think this commission could...").
4. Examples of your work
Usually for an EOI they’ll also want some examples of your work. If possible embed them into your document or attach to the email, rather than adding links. It’s important to pick 2-3 pieces that are similar to the opportunity you’re applying for. AKA if it’s a portrait commission, send some examples of portraits, if it’s for video/animation, send some videos.
If it’s not something you’ve done before, speak to this in the second bit (skills and achievements) and send work that fits with their branding, or the feel of what they’re asking for. So, if they’re looking for a video but you’ve done some similar photos to their branding, send those instead and mention your want to do more video.
Top tip: if they don't specify seeing examples of your work just add a link to your website/profile in the email you send with your EOI.
That’s literally it!
You can also format it however you want (usually) so get friendly with some choice fonts and nice formatting. Or if video/audio is your thing and they haven’t specified that as a choice for submission, ask them.
Oh and don’t forget to add your contact details so they can let you know if you get it 😉