Manchester School of Art alumni wins Independent Creative of the Year at Manchester Culture Awards

Omid studied BA and MA Fine Art at Manchester Met and was first discovered by Castlefield Gallery at the Manchester School of Art Degree Show in which his work earned him a mentee award funded by the Department of Art and Performance. He has since gone on to work closely with Castlefield Gallery and, this year, hosted a solo exhibition there which was nominated for the ‘Best Exhibition’ category at the Manchester Culture Awards alongside the Manchester School of Art Degree Show 2024.  

Omid Asadi: “It’s an incredible feeling to see my hard work and sacrifices being recognised by winning Independent Creative of the Year. And my exhibition at Castlefield Gallery was also nominated for Best Exhibition of the Year! A huge thank you to the amazing team and volunteers at Castlefield Gallery as well as everyone who has supported me throughout my artistic journey.” 

Castlefield Gallery itself has become a vital part of the creative scene in Manchester and is now celebrating its 40^th year in 2024. The gallery, which was initially founded by Manchester School of Art students, has enabled students without privilege to launch successful careers in a challenging climate.  

Chara Lewis, Programme Leader of BA Fine Art at Manchester Met: “Manchester School of Art and the Fine Art team are delighted to see Omid’s Art practice and show at Castlefield Gallery gaining this recognition. Omid has overcome and achieved so much, he is an example to us all. I want to thank Helen and the Castlefield team for their invaluable ongoing support for Omid and other emerging artists in the North West”.  

Find out more about Omid Asadi and his work with Castlefield Gallery.