Volunteer Spotlight : Grey Hannan

This month we have asked Volunteer Grey Hannan to contribute to our Volunteer Spotlight series where we are asking volunteers to share their experience with us.

Hi Grey! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been volunteering with Castlefield Gallery?

Hi! My name is Grey and I am from East London and a recent fine art graduate in Oxford who relocated to Manchester in July. I have worked in various arts settings and have developed networks in both London and Oxford but I want to expand a bit further in Manchester.  I have been volunteering in Castlefield Gallery for the past month or so which has been a delightful experience meeting the team alongside any visitors who were keen to see what the Gallery has on offer!

What made you want to volunteer here?

I wanted to volunteer here because I was exploring Manchester’s galleries to gain some experience and to see if I could combine digital archiving work, admin with gallery invigilation work, luckily Castlefield offers both!  I was immediately drawn to their space and after researching,  I discovered that it was a non-profit organisation which is something that I resonate with. I do believe that art is essential for everyone and should be accessible regardless of whatever their income should be. I found that when working for charities you can become a lot more versatile in the responsibilities that you uphold as a volunteer as opposed to privately owned galleries. There is something quite rewarding about that, through enriching a growing mindset.

What is your favourite thing about volunteering at Castlefield Gallery?

My favourite thing about Castlefield Gallery is the range of events and exhibition previews that are held there. It is a great way to interact with other artists, authors and other creatives connected to current exhibitions or expansive social issues which is integral to understanding a range of perspectives about worldly issues and/or processes. A time of reflection that seems applicable in every part of my life.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of volunteering with Castlefield Gallery?

For someone who is volunteering at the Castlefield Gallery, do not be afraid to ask questions and be curious about those visitors that comes through those doors, engage with others because you never know what may happen in your future moving forwards, branching connections are essentially a golden ticket to getting yourself out there in the art industry. Lastly, don’t be afraid to give feedback about the previews and events that you help out with to the charity, because it shows that you are attentive and reflective about what Castlefield Gallery can do better to reach out to other audiences.

Thank you Grey and all our fabulous volunteers for your amazing work!