Edinburgh-based artist Alastair Cook studied architecture at the Glasgow School of Art where he developed a focussed interest in video and photography. During his time in architectural practice, he developed skills in visual communication and project delivery that underpin a parallel development in his artistic practice.
Alastair has exhibited and screened internationally and has video and photographic artworks in several collections. His work in developing and sustaining relationships within tight-knit communities has elicited funding to work as artist-in-residence with organisations in Scotland, Lithuania and Norway.
He founded artists’ moving image project Filmpoem to partner cultural institutions, independent cinemas and festivals. Alastair later founded Documenting Britain, a supportive platform for new voices in British documentary photography and now an industry benchmark for emerging photographers.
As founding director of arts organisation Integrated Artists, Alastair has delivered projects funded by Creative Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund, leading a series of visual arts programmes supporting emergent and established artists. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts he practices as an innovative arts contributor with a social conscience.