Castlefield Gallery becomes part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio

As Arts Council England today released their investment plans for the next three years, Castlefield Gallery (CG) is pleased to announce that it is part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio 2015-18.

Over recent years, the organisation has been re-purposed to have artists’ development at its core, but even more importantly, it has managed to connect with more artists and audiences, gaining supporters and partners like Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Salford.

Artists and their work contribute to the health of people and communities, whether socially, culturally or economically. Within CG’s role in the art ecology, it has an in-depth approach to artists’ development that includes production and exhibiting opportunities, as well as the critical and practical support.

CG is today delighted that its work is being validated by this generous Arts Council England grant, which complements the Manchester City Council Cultural Partnership funding to form a cornerstone of CG’s income.

Alison Clark-Jenkins, Director, North, Arts Council England said:

“In a challenging funding environment we’re pleased that we were able to support Castlefield Gallery as a new entrant to our portfolio. They’re a strong and resilient organisation that plays a vital role in supporting artists. They’re at the heart of the visual arts ecology in Greater Manchester, helping develop its huge potential as a major centre for artists outside London.”

Marla Cunningham, Chair of Castlefield Gallery’s Board said:

“This is a wonderful day for Castlefield Gallery. This funding means so much for the organisation and is a testament to the quality of work the gallery produces”

Kwong Lee, Director of Castlefield Gallery added:

“This grant is really timely for us, as it allows us to build on Castlefield Gallery’s work over the past 30 years. Castlefield Gallery is going from strength to strength, thanks to the dedication of its Board, staff and volunteers, and not forgetting all the artists and curators we work with.”

Castlefield Gallery has been offered an amount of £70,000 per year for 2015-18.

CG’s’s mission is to nurture talent, explore cultural trends and deepen audiences’ engagement with contemporary art. Its vision is for CG to lead the North West as a region that champions talent within a national context. It is one of the UK’s longest established arts organisations initiated by artists and focused on artists’ development. Since its founding in 1984, CG’s purpose has been to develop emerging contemporary artists and practice and inspire ambition. Its ambitious curated exhibitions programme reflects national and international trends and promotes artists at key stages of their careers.

For more information about Arts Council England investment plans for 2015 to 2018 visit artscouncil.org.uk

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For further information, images or to arrange interviews, please contact: Jennifer Dean, Communications and Audience Development Coordinator at Castlefield Gallery, on jennifer@castlefieldgallery.co.uk / 0161 832 8034 or 07766046672.