2024 Candidates: Michael Shia

Michael Shia

I would like to be considered for a position on the Artisans Asylum Board of Directors. My name is Michael Shia, and I am a 12+ year veteran of A2. I have a studio in Antwerp, but I love using all the shops in both buildings. I served on the Board for three years before the pandemic, and I am currently on the Steering committee, the ED search committee, and the critically important Development committee. My purpose for wanting to rejoin the Board is to continue working on Development issues and on building relationships with the large Boston creative community.

The Development committee is a “Board-level” committee, chartered to find money to keep the Asylum afloat. As of now there are no A2 Board members on this vital committee. The three members--Abigail Lipson, Karin Keane, and myself--have written grants of all types, presented A2 to foundations, and worked hard to foster relations with the Boston creative community. In the course of writing grants and pitching A2 to the larger community, we have had to develop a vision for A2’s future, plan how it will become an indispensable resource to Boston, and articulate why it is important to support A2 financially as it grows and evolves. All of these activities are properly the province of the Board of Directors; it is time for me to become an official member again.

I am highly experienced in nonprofit governance and Board duties. I was on the board of A2 when we had to rewrite our bylaws in order to ensure our survival. I am also on the Board of the Cambridge Foundry (https://www.cambridgefoundry.org/), where I am the co-chair of the Governance committee and a member of the Development and Programming committees.

I am asking you to vote for me for one of the member-elected Board positions. With my experience, energy, and commitment, I hope to be a positive force of change at the Artisans Asylym. Together, let's make A2 that jewel in the crown of the Boston creative community.

Thank you,

Michael Shia