Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at CIACLA, The Contemporary Irish Arts Center Los Angeles work together to oversee the strategic direction of the organization and is composed of artists, arts professionals and experts who contribute experience in fundraising, financial management, human resources, administration, and technical expertise to our successful operation. Scroll down to view our current board of Directors and also check out our full Team here.
If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors Please scroll down to view our Open Call for Board Members.
Board of Directors
Matthew Nevin
President & Executive Director at CIACLA.Matthew Nevin is a Cultural Producer with over 20 years of experience working in film, television and the arts throughout the US, Ireland, UK and Europe. He is Co-Director of The MART Gallery & Studios Dublin where he oversees the running of over 100 artist studios and a Contemporary Art Gallery, and serves as Executive Director of CIACLA – The Contemporary Irish Art Center Los Angeles – a non profit which produces contemporary Irish cultural events in California.
Matthew has recently Produced and Directed the award winning feature length documentary What is Going to Happen Next?, which reaches into the minds of one person from every country in the world; winning several awards and screening at 21 international film festivals. Recently produced projects include the short films ‘Maggie’ and ‘180 Degrees’ both filmed during the covid-19 pandemic. As an Art Director & Designer for film and tv he has worked on hit shows, such as Luther, Eastenders, The Bill, The Amazing Race, working with CBS, BBC, ITV, Element Pictures, RTE, TG4 and MTV.
Matthew has produced over 60 exhibitions internationally, curating several large scale creative projects in Ireland, UK, Europe, USA and Japan; for MART, CIACLA, PQ, IrelandWeek, EUCIA and Imagine Ireland. Through his own artwork he has exhibited internationally and created artwork for leading brands such as Ralph Lauren.
Matthew is a passionate advocate for the arts, he looks to create conversation and dialogue about key world issues, directly connecting the audience with a relatable narrative. He has a particular interest in the creation of inclusive projects that actively break down social and economic barriers.
Matthew holds a degree in Film & TV & Scenography from the University of Wales Aberystwyth and a Masters in Art in the Contemporary World from National College of Art & Design Dublin. He has secured funding from Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Ireland, Kildare, Galway & Dublin City Councils, Visual Artists Ireland, IFA Germany, Alliance Francaise, David Manley Awards, JEC Fund, Dept of Foreign Affairs Ireland, Creative Ireland and received a commission from Ralph Lauren.
www.matthewnevin.com – www.mart.ie – www.ciacla.com – www.whatisgoingtohappennext.com
Email:matthew@ciacla.com
Jennifer Minniti-Shippey
Treasurer & Director of Development at CIACLA.Jennifer Minniti- Shippey is the Director of Development for CIACLA, Editor at Calypso Editions, and Director of the Coyote Creek Writer’s Residency. She served as the Managing Editor of Poetry International literary journal and the Director of Poetic Youth programs in San Diego from 2009-2019. She is the author of 2018 San Diego Book Award finalist, After the Tour, from Calypso Editions; Done Dating DJs, winner of the 2009 Fool for Poetry Chapbook Competition, presented by the Munster Literature Centre; and Earth’s Horses & Boys, from Finishing Line Press. Her writing has appeared in Tupelo Quarterly, Salamander, Spillway, Cider Press Review, Tar River Poetry, and others.
Email:jenny@ciacla.com
Jenn McGuirk
Secretary & Director of Programming at CIACLA.Jenn McGuirk is an Irish actor, filmmaker, voice artist and singer. In 2017 she relocated to LA to study and work at Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre. At Stella she was proudly appointed Head of Outreach, coordinating the delivery of acting for camera and drama to those without the means to access training at: local high schools, communities and middle school children. Jenn is also on the selection committee for the play festival A Light In Dark Places, a non-profit that using the arts to bring understanding, resources and hope to those affected by suicide. Jenn has over 15 years experience working internationally as an actress, voice artist for radio and tv, and also branched into narration and voice acting. Since 2019 Jenn worked as an Events Manager at CIACLA and in 2022 will continue her work with the organisation now serving as Director of Programming at CIACLA The Contemporary Irish Arts Center Los Angeles.
Email:jenn@ciacla.com
Sinéad Finnerty-Pyne
Director of Community Engagement at CIACLASinéad Finnerty-Pyne is marketing director at Long Beach-based Studio One Eleven, an integrated practice of architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture. Her accomplishments reflect her passion for the arts and design. She brings perspective to her work from her previous experience as Director, Marketing & Business Development at Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects, and as Exhibitions Manager and Assistant Curator at Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena. Sinéad earned a Master of Arts Degree in Museum and Curatorial Studies from California State University, Long Beach. She has a bachelor’s degree in Art History, Cum Laude from Loyola Marymount University and studied at University College Dublin, Ireland.
Sheila McMullin
Writer / Poet
Rachel Rath
Actress
Brendan Connell, Jr.
OPEN CALL to Join CIACLA’s Board of Directors
CIACLA: Contemporary Irish Arts Center Los Angeles | www.ciacla.com | A 501c3 Non Profit Organisation
CIACLA is seeking new members for our Board of Directors!
About CIACLA
CIACLA is a non profit 501(c)(3) arts organisation that promotes Contemporary Irish Culture and supports local communities in Los Angeles through a multidisciplinary diverse programme in collaboration with local and international cultural partnerships. CIACLA is focused on developing a creative platform to support and challenge artists as a means of promoting creative innovation and collaborative initiatives in Los Angeles and across the USA. Visit these links to learn more About CIACLA and our previous Program.
Board Position Summary:
This volunteer position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment, providing oversight and direction to CIACLA’s team and fellow Board Members. CIACLA’s Board works together to shape the strategic direction of the organization. Our expanding board aims to include industry professionals, arts professionals, and experts who bring valuable experience in fundraising, programming, financial management, human resources, administration, and technical expertise to support our mission.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide guidance and oversight to advance CIACLA’s mission and strategic plan
- Attend quarterly board meetings (via Zoom or in person)
- Support governance of the organization, including operations, fundraising, artistic planning, and development
- Apply legal, financial, and organizational expertise as relevant to CIACLA's nonprofit structure
Board Contribution Commitment:
All board members are expected to contribute meaningfully to CIACLA’s mission each year by selecting one of the following options:
- Volunteer at least 150 hours per year (≈12 hours/month) by supporting fundraising, programming, governance, or events.
- And/or - Raise a minimum of $5,000 through fundraising efforts
- And/or - Make a direct donation of $5,000
A full agreement and responsibility breakdown will be provided to interested applicants. Potential Board Members ideally will live in Los Angeles County or California but we are open to outside these areas.
Interested in joining?
Please email info@ciacla.org with the following:
- A short biography
- Any relevant links (website, LinkedIn, etc.)
- A few sentences on why you want to join CIACLA’s Board of Directors and how you would like to contribute (e.g., through finances, in-kind support, cultural knowledge, community outreach, etc.)
This is a rolling call. All submissions will be reviewed within one month. Due to limited capacity, some successful applicants may be invited to join the board at a future date or join our Advisory Board.