Castlefield Gallery

This modern, small gallery is where you would find unheard-​of artists exhibiting their new paintings/​sculptures/​masterpieces and a venue for art-​lovers to admire differing and a wide variety of work. Along with these local artists showing off their work, it sometimes has well known Turner-​Prize winners along with national and international exhibitors showing work. Casual, relaxing, serene and quiet atmosphere inside so definitely a good place to clear your head of the bustle if you need it!
If in the vicinity, or trying to stay out of a sudden downpour, then this is definitely worth a visit!

As Sarah-​Jane has already pointed out, it’s so easy to overlook this little gallery. But it’s worth a visit simply on the offchance that you’ll see some great art.
It can be rather hit and miss though, as is expected with a smaller gallery. It was founded by the Manchester Artists Studio Association back in 1984 as a gallery and resource for contemporary visual artists, and has continued to support new and emerging artists and their practices. With an events and exhibitions programme, a professional development scheme and the means for artists to work with film and video.
Having relocated to the purpose-​built Castlefield premises in 2002 after a Lottery award and some generous sponsorships, it now offers exhibitions in the shape of Leo Fitzmaurice and Kim Rugg with their two-​person show based around the concept of defamiliarisation, Purescreen’s production of artist experimentation with the moving image and new work by David Osbaldeston. It can get a little bit pretentious so heed Sarah-Jane’s warning but definitely check this little gallery out.

It’s easy to forget about Castlefield Gallery as it’s tucked away behind Deansgate Station and Atlas café-​bar.
An unusual, triangular shaped gallery spread over two floors, it shows about six exhibitions each year with a strong focus on contemporary art, photography and short films. Most of the exhibitions tend to be group shows or collectives with a small publication including images and essays on individual artists.
Over the years I’ve seen some spectacularly dull, disappointing and pretentious work here masquerading as Conceptual Art or work in progress. Luckily, these experiences have been counteracted by Elaine Constantine’s truly staggering photos, Olivia Plender’s playful pulp fiction homages and Tom Hackney’s engaging, photo-​realist paintings of American landmarks.