Meet Matthew Nevin | Filmmaker / Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Nevin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
In my journey, several habits have been instrumental to my success:

Continuous Learning: The creative world is always evolving. I’ve made it a point to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and discourses in the visual arts and Film. Regularly reading about contemporary art, and engaging with other artists and curators helps me remain at the forefront of my field, watching and researching the latest films and techniques helps me stay up to date with whats going on!

Networking: Building and nurturing relationships in the community has opened numerous doors for myself. It’s not just about attending events but genuinely connecting and collaborating with others who share a passion for the arts and film.

Resilience: There have been several setbacks and challenges – and continue to be some, but I’ve viewed them as learning opportunities – or at least tried to! My ability to bounce back and adapt has been crucial.

Time Management: Balancing the demands of my work requires meticulous time management. Prioritizing tasks, setting clear boundaries, and delegating when necessary has been pivotal.

In essence, success for me has been a blend of passion, dedication, continuous learning, and fostering genuine connections. These habits, cultivated over time, have been my guiding lights.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art, for me, is not just about aesthetics—it’s about conveying a message, generating a dialogue, and offering a perspective. My artistic journey, spanning over 20 years across film, television, and the arts in regions from the US and Ireland to the UK and Europe, is a testament to my dedication to these principles.

One thing that distinctively sets me apart is my multifaceted approach to art. I wear several hats – as a Producer at Pick Me Up Pictures, as Co-Director of The MART Gallery & Studios Dublin, and as the Executive Director of CIACLA, The Contemporary Irish Art Center Los Angeles. Each role allows me to delve into diverse narratives, ranging from producing a wide spectrum of content for Film, TV, and online, to managing over 100 artist studios and producing Irish cultural events in California.

I take immense pride in my documentary “What is Going to Happen Next?” – a monumental endeavor that delves into the psyche of individuals from every country in the world. Its international acclaim, marked by awards and screenings at 21 global film festivals, was both a professional milestone and a personal joy.

Having worked on renowned shows like Luther, Eastenders, The Bill, and The Amazing Race, and partnering with giants like CBS, BBC, ITV, and MTV, the entertainment world has offered me a plethora of learning opportunities. Each project, be it for Ralph Lauren or an international exhibition, has taught me the importance of authenticity, relevance, and passion.

But the lessons aren’t just confined to the professional sphere. Through the 60 international exhibitions I’ve produced and the large-scale projects I’ve curated, I’ve come to value the power of inclusivity. I’m driven by a desire to break down social and economic barriers, making art accessible and relatable. This commitment to inclusivity and conversation is embedded in every project, be it a documentary, an exhibition, or an art installation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Santa Monica

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
MART Gallery & Studios – www.mart.ie

CIACLA – Contemporary Irish Arts Center Los Angeles – www.ciacla.com

Website: https://matthewnevin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewnevin/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevinmatthew/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattnevin

Image Credits
You Ask Him – Short Film Poster