Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Contemporary Art Gallery in Manchester
Established in 1984, Castlefield Gallery has been at the forefront of contemporary art and artist development for four decades. We provide creative and career development opportunities, exhibitions, and commissions for artists and independent creatives, fostering collaboration between artists, communities, and audiences to explore pressing contemporary issues. Our commitment to accessibility and environmental responsibility ensures that art remains inclusive and sustainable, while our partnerships with regional, national, and international organisations amplify the impact of our programmes. With a dedicated team and volunteer network, we strive to make new art happen, supporting talent development across Greater Manchester and beyond.Our gallery spaces host dynamic exhibitions and events, offering unique contexts for engagement with contemporary visual arts. Through initiatives like the Castlefield Gallery Associates membership scheme and environmental projects such as the SUSTAIN Slow Travel Residency Exchange, we continue to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of the creative sector. Our strategic focus on regenerative practices aligns with Manchesters 2038 net zero objective, demonstrating leadership in sustainable cultural operations.
Services
Contemporary Art Exhibitions
Artist Development Programmes
Gallery Hire
Environmental Initiatives
Volunteer Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have led artist development for 40 years with a proven track record.
- Our gallery spaces host innovative exhibitions by regional and international artists.
- We prioritise environmental sustainability through our regenerative practices.
- Our programmes foster collaboration between artists, communities, and audiences.
- We offer accessible facilities and volunteer opportunities for professional growth.
What people say
Inclusive environment
Innovative exhibitions
Strong community focus
Excellent volunteer programme
Environmental leadership
Services
Contemporary Art Exhibitions
We showcase works by regional, national, and international contemporary visual artists. Our exhibitions provide stimulating contexts for public engagement, featuring solo and group shows, commissions, and collaborative projects. Each exhibition is designed to provoke new ways of thinking about contemporary issues through art.
Artist Development Programmes
Our programmes offer career development, mentorship, and commissioning opportunities for emerging and established artists. Initiatives include residencies, workshops, networking events, and international exchanges to build creative skills and facilitate professional growth within the arts sector.
Gallery Hire
Our unique gallery spaces accommodate breakfast meetings, seminars, and evening receptions. The venue features flexible layouts with capacity for up to 100 guests, accessible facilities, and technical equipment hire options for corporate and private events.
Environmental Initiatives
We implement regenerative practices aligned with Manchesters net zero goals. Our initiatives include carbon footprint reduction, ethical procurement, waste minimisation, and community-led projects like the SUSTAIN Slow Travel Residency Exchange to address environmental challenges.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteer programme provides hands-on experience in gallery operations, visitor services, and event management. Volunteers gain professional skills while supporting exhibitions and public programmes, contributing to the gallerys mission of accessible art engagement.
People
Helen Wewiora
Gallery Director
Helen leads Castlefield Gallerys strategic vision, overseeing artistic programming and organisational development. With extensive experience in contemporary art, she has expanded international partnerships and championed sustainability initiatives, including low-carbon travel policies and environmental reporting frameworks.
Jane Lawson
Artist Environmental Lead
Jane coordinates environmental monitoring and sustainability programmes, including the SUSTAIN initiative and SPARK network. As a long-term staff member and artist, she integrates ecological practices into gallery operations and leads training to embed carbon literacy across teams.
Questions
What are Castlefield Gallery’s opening hours?
The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm–5:30pm. Office hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am–6pm during exhibitions.
Can I hire the gallery for events?
Yes, we offer gallery hire for breakfast meetings, seminars, and evening receptions. Capacities range from 14 to 100 guests with tailored packages available.
How does Castlefield Gallery support environmental sustainability?
We implement regenerative practices including carbon footprint reduction, ethical procurement, waste minimisation, and partnerships like the Gallery Climate Coalition to meet net zero targets.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
Yes, we offer volunteer roles in gallery operations, visitor services, and event support to help individuals gain professional experience in the arts sector.
What artist development programmes do you offer?
Programmes include residencies, workshops, networking events, and international exchanges to support artists’ careers through mentorship, commissions, and professional growth opportunities.
Is Castlefield Gallery accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the gallery is fully wheelchair accessible with level entrances, lifts to all floors, and accessible toilets. Assistance dogs are welcome.
