Alison Unsworth Email & Phone Number

As a landscape architect I am passionate about opportunities to drive forward the innovative, creative and sustainable development of public realm and green infrastructure. My recent studies (Newcastle University graduate 2023) culminated in a design thesis: Learning with Plants: creating a co-habitat for plants and people in a school and community context, described as “an exceptionally focussed approach to research and the identification and development of appropriate solutions to challenging environmental problems”, for which I was awarded the MLA Stage 2 prize.Building on a 20 year career in the art and design sector in the North East and nationally, I bring a range of highly accomplished professional competencies to the field of landscape: extensive experience of designing and facilitating bespoke engagement processes (qualified action learning facilitator); project management (Prince 2 qualified); and excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated by a strong track record of delivering collaborative projects with multiple partners.Engagement expertise: I have a strong interest in devising play-based and creative learning activities, and designing bespoke engagement processes. In 2020 I was appointed as Creative Producer for Engage, a national organisation, to apply my knowledge of different approaches to engagement (e.g. action learning, co-creation, co-design), and best practice for working with children and young people. I went on to programme a series of discussion events exploring approaches to co-creation in the arts, researching examples of innovative practice.Engagement facilitation: As an artist educator (BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art 2002 - 2017) I have devised and facilitated bespoke workshops for children, young people and teachers, from early years to higher education. I frequently worked with participants to co-develop activity and have written teaching resources for creative learning.Art & Design Curation and Production: As a producer and project manager of art and design commissions, previous roles include: implementing the art strategy for a Dumfries hospital including commissions by Dress for the Weather (architects), Jo Hodges, Robbie Coleman & Emma Varley (artists); working within a small team to deliver the art & therapeutic design programme at an Edinburgh hospital including a mental health unit design commission by Projects Office (architects), and graphics by David Galletly, Rachel Duckhouse & Natasha Russell (artists).