Who am I?
Crenellated Arts is run by Alison McCandlish, an award winning freelance practitioner.
Alison McCandlish
The name Crenellated Arts comes from that one of the first architectural terms I learned was crenellations (I grew up in a town with a castle); and that I have always loved art, design and architecture. “Little me” would have loved to know that “future me” was running this business!
I am an independent practitioner-researcher, based at the multidisciplinary creative hub, Many Studios in Glasgow and I undertake freelance work relating to illustration and digital interpretation for arts and heritage, including research and community engagement activities. My consultancy was established in 2012 and I have undertaken regular commissions since this date.
Why work with me?
I am absolutely passionate about heritage and love working with community groups, helping people discover more about their area, have fun with heritage and explore it in creative ways.
I have a unique background which covers heritage, town planning, education and creative media so I bring this set of knowledge and skills to each project I work on. I am a recognised Historic Environment Service Provider under the Institute of Historic Building Conservation HESPR scheme, and a Chartered Town Planner (Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute).
Work with me
Projects I undertake include:
Heritage research (buildings, historic areas, cultural assets, family history)
Funding applications for community heritage, arts and cultural activities
Illustration commissions relating to historic buildings and areas
Asset mapping
Audience engagement plans
Heritage engagement projects for funding schemes
Digital media engagement strategies
Digital publications, guidebooks and websites for heritage trails
Oral history projects (including video and audio recordings)
Creative arts workshops (drawing, watercolour painting and creative collage/ mixed media)
Digital media workshops and training (photography, social media, blogging, video and audio using simple free tools, smart phones and tablets)
Guest blogs, lectures, talks and workshops on any of the above
For more information on examples of my previous projects have a look at my portfolio.
If you’re looking for more information on any of these projects, or think I could help with your own cultural heritage engagement project, don’t hesitate get in touch.
Brief CV
Memberships
Chartered Town Planner- Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
Member of the Association of Illustrators (AoI)
Member of the SAA
Professional Timeline
2012- Present -Creative Director, Crenellated Arts -Clients include Renfrewshire Council, City of Glasgow College, University of the West of Scotland, The Institute of Historic Building Conservation, South Ayrshire Council, Edinburgh Bike Festival and Nextbike UK.
2019-Present- Lecturer of City Planning, University of Glasgow
2013- 2014 -Educational Coordinator, Digital Commonwealth, University of the West of Scotland -Lead contact for the schools projects, resulting in the achievement of project aims, publication of digital storytelling toolkits and delivery of digital media workshops across 57 schools, in 23 Local Authorities with 585 participants, meeting the project timeline and working collaboratively with colleagues and partners.
2012-2012- Project Officer, Renfrewshire Council (Grand Fountain)- Development of successful Stage Two Interpretation and Restoration Plan for the Heritage Lottery Fund for a unique Category A listed fountain, featuring full size cast iron walruses! Find out more information on this multi-award winning project here.
2008-2012- Historic Scotland Teaching Fellow, City of Glasgow College -Teaching and research in connection with traditional building skills.
Pre 2008- Various town planning and heritage conservation roles within Local Government. Throughout my Local Authority career I successfully project managed £1.3 million of environmental improvement grant schemes, generating £4.35 million of investment into local communities.
Education
2020-2022- Postgraduate Certificate Academic Practice (Merit) University of Glasgow
2015-2019- PhD (Cultural Planning Asset Mapping Engagement) University of the West of Scotland
2012-2013- MA Creative Media Practice (Distinction) University of the West of Scotland
2008-2009- Postgraduate Certificate, Teaching Qualification (Further Education), University of Dundee
2000-2004- MSc European Urban Conservation (Distinction) University of Dundee
1996- 2000- BA(Hons) Environmental Planning (1st Class Honours) University of Strathclyde