Solas Nua Seeks Board Members

WHO WE ARE

Solas Nua—“new light” in Irish—is a leading multidisciplinary arts organization dedicated exclusively to contemporary Irish arts. 

Based in Washington, D.C., Solas Nua brings the best of contemporary Irish arts to US audiences through ambitious programming, partnerships, and cultural exchange. Guided by the principle of making world class art accessible, 90% of our programming is free to attend. With 100+ nominations and multiple awards, Solas Nua has presented the work of over 1,000 Irish artists across theatre, literature, poetry, music, visual arts, and dance. Our typical season includes the Capital Irish Film Festival, Irish Book Day,  two staged theatre productions, play readings, and monthly book groups, with the agility to present more work as opportunities arise.

Our vision is to be recognised widely in both Ireland and the US as the leading multi-disciplinary arts organization to present, produce, and commission new Irish work in the US; to be known as a leader in initiating, cultivating, shaping, and nurturing art and artists; and to be always at the forefront of work coming out of Ireland.

Our values: Ambition | Innovation | Risk | Cultivation | Hospitality | Openness     

ABOUT BOARD SERVICE 

If you believe in the power of the arts to connect people, strengthen community, and support creativity, we invite you to apply. Serving on the board is an opportunity to grow and shape the future of a respected arts organization with both a local and transatlantic footprint. You will engage with contemporary Irish artists, cultural leaders, and civic partners. 

EXPERTISE WE SEEK

We are seeking individuals with a strong interest in contemporary Irish arts and culture who may have these experiences or skills:

• Donor and fund development: Ties to corporations, individuals, government agencies, family foundations, or other organizations that may be able to facilitate philanthropy, funding, corporate sponsorship, and/or with experience and drive to help connect Solas Nua to new donors and help steward fundraising efforts.
• Fiduciary oversight and financial management: A CFA, CPA/accountant, or banking experience.
• Legal, governance, or nonprofit leadership: Provide guidance on operational compliance and risk management. 
• Strategic mindset & planning: Able to help Solas Nua think in long-term and strategic ways, and support the organization in charting a path through a changing industry landscape. Interest in the planning and implementation of practices that will ensure the growth and security of the organization. 
• Audience / community growth: Expand Solas Nua’s reach beyond our current audiences through media and marketing, and an ability to forge innovative and strategic partnerships. 

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

We are a governing and fundraising Board, though we also wear other hats. Members participate as committee chairs or members, event attendees, financial advisors, and more. As a member of the Board, our main function is to guide Solas Nua to realize its opportunities for service and fulfillment of its mission. You can expect to spend 5-10 hours per month on Solas Nua Board activities. Board members will engage on: 

• Governance and leadership
  • Support organizational planning and sustainability
  • Provide fiduciary oversight and strategic guidance
  • Ensure the organization is in accordance with legal and ethical practices 
  • Participate in Executive Director evaluation and board development
• Ambassadorship and engagement
  • Serve as an ambassador for Solas Nua in professional and community networks
  • Attend and support Solas Nua events and programs
  • Follow trends in contemporary arts, Ireland, and Irish-US relations
  • Help identify new partners, audiences, and opportunities
• Fundraising and resource development
  • Support the organization with a yearly financial contribution, or meaningful contribution that is of value to Solas Nua’s work (see requirements below)
  • Cultivate patrons and donors
  • Advocate for Solas Nua’s mission and impact

BOARD MEMBER REQUIREMENTS

• Attend 4 quarterly board meetings (1.5h on Zoom or in person at Atlas Performing Arts Center)
• Option to join committees (Finance and Audit Committee, Development Committee) and participate in ad hoc committees / task forces (each committee meets 1 hour per month)
• Give/get/contribute: support the organization with a yearly financial contribution (minimum of $1,000 per calendar year) or comparable meaningful contribution that is of value to the organization (venue space, airline tickets, frequent flier miles, hotel accommodations, marketing/media exposure, etc.) 
• Attend Solas Nua programming on a regular basis
• Attend special events on occasion 
• Assist in and attend fundraising (and friend-raising) activities
• Champion Solas Nua’s mission
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Note: Board members do not need to reside in Washington, DC. We are happy to consider qualified applicants from across the communities we serve, including from across the island of Ireland. 

TERMS OF SERVICE

• Board members are elected to a 3-year term, with a term limit of three consecutive terms
• Board service is July-June, with a majority of Board work between September and early June each year.
• Board members will receive:
  • A formal Board Member Agreement and orientation
  • Advance meeting materials and financial reports
  • Staff support for fundraising and outreach
  • Directors & Officers (D&O) liability insurance
  • A collaborative, mission-driven board culture

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Please fill out this application form by Friday, April 17 for consideration to serve in the next Board term (July 2026–June 2029). 

Members of the Nominating Committee (made up of Solas Nua staff and current Board members) will select potential candidates for consideration from the applications submitted based on the criteria outlined above and priority needs on the Board.

An in-person or Zoom interview may be scheduled with candidates selected for further consideration. 

The Nominating Committee will formally nominate the top candidates for consideration by the full Board. The Board will vote to approve candidates. The candidates will then be formally invited to join the Board.

If you'd like to be connected to a current Board Member with your questions, please contact Kate Meenan-Waugh, kate@solasnua.org.