Matthew McCarthy is currently studying a BA in Fine Art at Crawford College of Art and Design CIT. This summer he shall travel to the University of South Carolina to learn about the historical and contemporary realities of civic engagement in the US. Matthew strongly believes that the place of the artist in society is as an activist and visual historian. Working with the AnSeo Student Engagement Office in CIT, he is a mentor for incoming students helping them succeed academically but also pushing for a greater level of engagement from students in student and national politics. In recent years Matthew has participated in national and international artist lead projects such as ‘Ironr18’ in the National Sculpture Factory, and ‘Bauhaus100’ Dessau, Germany.