Recent Staffing and Appointments
Posted on 19 February 2026
There have been several recent staffing changes at Castlefield Gallery, including saying farewell to Communications & Audience Development Coordinator Leslie Remonato, who departs after three years in the role and eight years with the organisation.
Helen Wewiora, Director & Artistic Director, Castlefield Gallery, reflected:
“Leslie’s contributions to Castlefield Gallery will have a long-lasting impact, and it is with mixed emotions that we say farewell to such an incredible colleague. Leslie will be greatly missed, yet we are excited to watch as her next adventures unfold. Leslie has handed over to the talented Ryan French, and we are incredibly grateful to Ryan for his commitment to the gallery to date, and especially his considered approach to nurturing Castlefield Gallery volunteers and placements. Bringing his creative approach to our Communications and Audience Development activities, we are excited to see what Ryan will achieve.”
Ryan Peter French is an artist from Longsight, Manchester. He graduated with First Class Honours in (BA) Fine Art from Manchester School of Art, and currently studying a dual qualification MA-Apprenticeship in Curating with Castlefield Gallery at Teesside University alongside his work for the gallery. Ryan began as a volunteer at Castlefield Gallery in 2021, to being hired as the Gallery & Volunteer Coordinator the following year and now Communications and Audience Development Coordinator. Alongside this, Ryan is a Carbon Literacy Trainer for the gallery. Ryan continues to developed his artistic practice, primarily in oil painting, with particular commitment to craft and technique through contemporary myth and queer experience, exhibiting in solo pop ups around the North West and with local cultural organisations.
Kacey Stonnell has been appointed to the role of Castlefield Gallery & Volunteer Coordinator.
“Taking over the reins from Ryan, we are overjoyed to welcome Kacey Stonnell to the team in her new role of Gallery and Volunteer Coordinator. Kacey’s dedication to Castlefield Gallery is standout. It is a joy to have witnessed her progression from a student curatorial placement with Castlefield Gallery into a role that supports many areas of the programme, importantly including Castlefield Gallery Associates, placements and volunteer programmes.”
– Helen Wewiora, Director & Artistic Director, Castlefield Gallery
Kacey Stonnell studied Art History and English Literature at the University of Manchester, graduating with First Class Honours. After a curatorial placement at Castlefield Gallery in 2024, she is now doing an MA in Arts Management, Policy and Practice. Before she started a career in the arts sector, Kacey was a support worker for adults with autism. She also worked in charity fundraising and stewarded at a National Trust site. She’s passionate about making arts spaces more welcoming and accessible, and loves working on projects that welcome create space for new voices and fresh perspectives.
Welcoming Katie Delamere to Castlefield Gallery Directors & Trustees
Katie Delamere is an independent curator and creative producer who works with artists and organisations to curate, commission and produce works of art, exhibitions and arts publications across numerous platforms including galleries, museums and public realm arts projects. Katie developed her skills as a Production Assistant for Tracey Emin, overseeing her major HS1 Terrace Wires Commission, I want my time with you, at St Pancras International, 2018, following her time working as a Curatorial Project Assistant for the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York and at Pace Gallery, London. Katie supported the delivery of Desert X AlUla 2024 and the commissions and pre-opening programme exhibitions for Wadi AlFann, including Oasis of Stories: Manal AlDowayan and the people of AlUla. Prior to this, Katie worked for Avant Arte, establishing and overseeing their special project and exhibition programme. Highlights include delivering the large-scale online and cross London campaign with For Freedoms in 2021, and Tschabalala Self’s first public art commission Seated, Coal Drops Yard, 2022. She has commissioned numerous fine art edition collaborations, working with artists such as Larry Bell, Marguerite Humeau, Kudzanai-Violet Hwami and the Lawrence Weiner Estate. More recently, Katie worked for Frieze London delivering Lawrence Lek’s commission for the Frieze Artist Award 2024 as well as a performance by Julian Knxx. Katie lives and works in London.
Katie said:
“I am so excited to be a Trustee for Castlefield Gallery because of the unique structure of the institution and the support it gives to young artists and creatives in Manchester and the wider North West region. Their belief in artists, willingness to take risks and efforts to help the growth of so many through exhibition and commission opportunities, as well as career development, is something to be celebrated and I am very proud to be a part of.”
Helen Wewiora, Castlefield Gallery Director & Artistic Director, said:
“Katie brings a wealth of experience to Castlefield Gallery’s Board of Directors & Trustees, and we look forward to sharing ideas as we shape the gallery’s future Programme.”
Ceri Hand, Castlefield Gallery Chair, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Katie Delamere to the Castlefield Gallery Board. Katie brings rare clarity at the intersection of ambitious cultural vision and real-world delivery, with deep experience navigating complex public art, landscape and multi-stakeholder projects internationally. Her strategic insight, calm leadership and commitment to safeguarding creative integrity will be a huge asset to the Gallery as we continue to grow our impact and ambition.”
We are so delighted to have Katie on the board, as well as our recent appointment of Gemma Redgrave as Vice Chair.
