Volunteer Spotlight : Mahrokh Mofidnakhaei
Posted on 12 November 2025
Meet Mahrokh Mofidnakhaei, this month’s Volunteer Spotlight! We caught up with her to hear about her experience volunteering with Castlefield Gallery, and why she thinks it’s worth getting involved.
Hi Mahrokh! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been volunteering with Castlefield Gallery?
I graduated with an MA in Painting in 2024 from Manchester School of Art and am part of the second cohort of the Apollo Painting School. I started volunteering with Castlefield Gallery in February 2024. Before coming to the UK, when I was researching galleries and museums in Manchester, Castlefield Gallery was one of the first places that caught my attention. I told myself that I should visit regularly, and now I’m lucky enough to actually be part of it as a volunteer.
What made you want to volunteer here?
I wanted to learn more about how exhibitions are installed and how a show runs behind the scenes. Volunteering here has helped me understand all the small but important details, from how to protect artworks from any damage to the careful planning that goes into each installation. I’ve also found it fascinating to take part in the deinstallation process. For example, I helped Matthew Wood remove his painting from the gallery window, a piece that literally disappeared as we washed the paint away, existing only through documentation rather than in physical form.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering at Castlefield Gallery?
My favourite part is definitely being surrounded by creative people and ideas. It’s inspiring to meet so many artists living in Manchester, and to be part of such an active contemporary art environment.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of volunteering with Castlefield Gallery?
I would definitely recommend it, especially to students or recent graduates. Volunteering here is a great way to build a bridge between university life and the professional art world. It helps you stay connected and become part of a welcoming and supportive creative community.
Thank you for your thoughtful responses, Mahrokh – and to all our fabulous volunteers for your amazing work!
Image:
- Department 17, 350 × 137 cm, oil on canvas, from the show Interchange with Apollo Painting School at heav11n in Manchester. Photo courtesy of Mahrokh Mofidnakhaei.
