LIMERICK.- EVA International announces the appointment of Matt Packer as the new Director of Ireland's Biennial. Matt comes to EVA from CCA Centre For Contemporary Art Derry ~ Londonderry, where he has been Director since 2014. He has extensive experience as a curator in a temporary exhibition context nationally and internationally; he co-curated the Lofoten International Art Festival – a biennial exhibition in Norway; he will curate the 15th edition of Tulca Festival of Visual Arts in Galway and was part of the selection committee for the British representation at the Venice Biennale 2017. Matt previously held the role of Curator of Exhibitions and Projects at Lewis Glucksman Gallery, University College Cork from 2008 to 2013.

Of his appointment Matt says, “I am delighted to be announced as Director of EVA International, an organisation that I have seen transform since I first arrived in Ireland almost ten years ago. Now approaching its 40th anniversary, it’s remarkable how EVA has continued to set the horizon for changing ideas of artistic and curatorial practice, while also being respondent to broader cultural and political changes that have impacted Ireland and its relations to the wider world. Given its enormous legacy, I am very proud to be entrusted with the job of developing EVA over the coming years, strengthening its voice and deepening its impact at local, national and international levels.”

EVA International is Ireland’s biennial of contemporary art. Every two years EVA works with guest curators to create a 12-week programme of exhibitions and events that engages with the people and city of Limerick. Currently working towards the 2018 and 2020 editions of the biennial, EVA aims to strengthen its resources, to grow new audiences and to make EVA a vital event on the national and international art calendar.

Hugh Murray, Chairperson of EVA International said, “The board of EVA International feels very happy and fortunate to have Matt Packer as our new Director. His predecessor, Woodrow Kernohan, set a very high standard and we are confident that we have found, in Matt, the right person to lead the development of Ireland’s Biennial of Contemporary Art to even greater recognition as a cultural event of international significance .”

The board and staff are looking forward to working with Matt, who commences his role in June of this year. The 2018 edition of EVA International will be curated by Inti Guerrero (Bogotá/Hong Kong) and will take place from 14 April to 8 July, 2018.