Volunteer Spotlight : Caleb White
Posted on 10 December 2025
Meet Caleb White, this month’s Volunteer Spotlight! We caught up with Caleb to hear about his experience volunteering with Castlefield Gallery, and why he thinks it’s worth getting involved.
Hi Caleb! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been volunteering with Castlefield Gallery?
Hi! I’ve been volunteering with Castlefield Gallery since February 2025. I’ve just graduated with an MA in Art Gallery and Museum Studies from the University of Manchester and currently work for Smolensky Gallery. My aim is to help more people engage with arts and culture. On the side, I try to visit as many contemporary art exhibitions as possible. Plus, I write exhibition reviews – including some reviews of Castlefield – on my website, calebowhite.com.
Not only can I gain experience – getting to see how a gallery is run – but I can meet fascinating people and play a small part in keeping this brilliant community going.Caleb White
What made you want to volunteer here?
I spotted that Castlefield Gallery had an incredible network – between its associates programme and its exhibitions, Castlefield seemed at the centre of something quite exciting. I remember looking around for volunteer opportunities about the same time that the Director, Helen, gave a guest lecture on a module I was taking. Since my goal is to make art, history, and culture accessible to all, the Gallery really matched my values. Not only can I gain experience – getting to see how a gallery is run – but I can meet fascinating people and play a small part in keeping this brilliant community going.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering at Castlefield Gallery?
Getting people excited about art. I love interacting with the visitors, seeing what they can find in the exhibitions and listening to what they have to say. Experiencing art on my own is great, but getting to hear about others’ experiences, what they bring to an exhibition, is really valuable. You end up hearing some incredible stories.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of volunteering with Castlefield Gallery?
Do it! It’s a great opportunity for networking, gaining experience, and just being part of something. Plus, the roles are nice and varied. Try and get onto an opening shift, they’re really fun. If you are looking to engage in the arts, but don’t know how, then volunteering is a great first step.
Thank you for your kind words Caleb – and to all our fabulous volunteers for your amazing work!
