Volunteer Spotlight: Dmitrii Andrianov

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

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

I studied Creative Arts Management in Moscow and later completed a Master’s in International Disaster Management in Manchester. My background includes music production, video, and content creation, but in recent years I’ve become more involved in curating and organising exhibitions — including projects at the University of Manchester and the National Football Museum. My broad interest in art and culture eventually brought me to Castlefield Gallery, where I’ve been volunteering since late January 2025.

What made you want to volunteer here?

I had visited the gallery several times before and was really impressed by the artworks and the initiatives it supports. After chatting with some of the team members, I also felt that the atmosphere was very open and welcoming. Since I’m always keen to learn new things and develop my skills, volunteering here seemed like a great opportunity. Whether it’s interacting with visitors or helping with an exhibition install, it’s a valuable experience that’s different from what I’ve done before — which is especially important in such a fast-changing world.

What’s your favourite thing about volunteering at Castlefield Gallery?

What I value most is the community the gallery creates around itself. Whether it’s the staff, artists, or visitors, there’s a constant feeling of friendliness, creativity, and thoughtful exchange. Being surrounded by inspiring artworks and engaging conversations definitely helps me stay motivated and bring my own creative ideas to life.

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

If you’re interested in art — or anything even remotely related to it — this is a fantastic opportunity. It’s a great way to expand your knowledge, develop hands-on skills, and most importantly, meet like-minded people. I’d highly recommend it!