Information
Contact
Email: kirsty.barlow96@gmail.com
Instagram: @kirstybarlow__design
Bio
I am an immersive environment designer, creative producer and researcher exploring how spatial design shapes emotional, social and sensory experience, creating environments that influence how people feel, connect and participate within a space.
Working across theatre, public space, festivals and live events, I design immersive environments for storytelling, conversation and reflection. My work ranges from large-scale promenade experiences and immersive performances to public installations, pavilions, and participatory spaces designed for workshops, discussions, and collective activity. Increasingly, my practice focuses on quiet spaces and sensory-calming environments that support rest, regulation, and accessibility.
Rooted in sensory design, I explore how sound, light, materiality and spatial composition can create emotionally resonant environments. I work collaboratively, bringing together artists, communities and multidisciplinary teams to explore how immersive design can support social connection and more inclusive futures. As an autistic artist, my lived experience informs an ongoing interest in how spaces can soothe, overwhelm or liberate.
Education
MA Graphic Design and Art Direction
Manchester Metropolitan University | 2024-present
BA Theatre and Performance Design (1st Class) Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts | 2015-2018
Awards and Residencies
Venice Biennale Fellow 2026
CreaTech Participant 2025
Linbury Prize for Stage Design Bursary Winner 2020
Linbury Prize for Stage Design Finalist 2019
Naomi Wilkinson Award for Stage Design Nominee 2019
Everyman and Playhouse Prize for Stage Design Winner 2018
Networks
Co-founder of The North West Design Allotment
Exhibitions
‘Where is the Quiet Space?’
Supported by Art School Commissions Vertical Gallery | June 2025
Speaker
Invited Speaker
Graphic Behaviours
Introduction to Graphic Behaviours Module MA Graphic Design MMU | October 2025
Invited Speaker
Getting Into Theatre Design
Creative Careers and Connections in Crewe, Cheshire & Beyond | May 2025
Invited Speaker
See Me Now
LIPA | 2021
Quiet Space Designer
Just So Festival | August 2026
Access Support and Artist Development
Various projects | December 2024 – Present
Design Assistant to Katie Scott
Various projects | June 2019 – Present
Design Assistant to Decordia
Various projects | April 2026
Mural Artist with Ellastarted
Globe Eco Centre | March 2026
Interior Design with Lauren Couperthwaite
Aqua Current | February 2026
Graphic Designer
Barrel Organ Theatre | February 2026
Quiet Space Designer
BEYOND Conference | November 2025
Quiet Space Designer
Alternative Pride Festival | August 2025
Associate Designer with Wild Rumpus
‘A Merry Misrule’
Batersea Arts Centre | December 2025
Textile Artist
‘Jilo’ Barrel Organ Theatre | August 2025
Design Assistant to Sascha Gilmour
‘Public Interest’
Common Wealth | December 2024 - August 2025
Set and Costume Designer with Sascha Gilmour ‘Keep On Keepin’ On’
Northern Soul Productions | May 2025
Brand Identity Designer
‘Konkylie Sessions’ | March 2025
Installation Designer
Leek Butter Market OUTSIDE | January 2025
Set and Costume Designer
‘Emilia’
Institute Contemporary Theatre | November 2024
Set and Costume Designer
‘A Respectable Wedding’
Manchester School of Theatre | November 2024
Creative Producer of Immersive Environments Wild Rumpus | January 2023 - July 2024
Set and Costume Designer
‘Husbands and Sons’
Manchester School of Theatre | February 2023
Designer and Maker
Wild Rumpus | January 2022 - January 2023
Set and Costume Designer
‘Stage Directions’ Lowry | July 2022
Design Assistant to Frankie Bradshaw
‘Blues for an Alabama Sky’
National Theatre | May - September 2022
Maker with Wild Rumpus
Lanterns at Chester Zoo | November 2018 - 2021
Scenic Artist
‘Cinderella’ Dukes Theatre | November 2021
Set and Costume Designer
‘Incognito’
Manchester School of Theatre | August 2021
Costume and Props Designer
‘Love Liverpool’
Playhouse Theatre Liverpool | August 2021
Designer and Maker with Wild Rumpus
‘Love it for Longer’ Chester Zoo | June 2021
Set and Costume Designer
‘Y’Mam’ Everyman Theatre Liverpool | June 2021
Set and Costume Designer
‘Babies’
Manchester School of Theatre | June 2021
Scenic Artist with Decordia
Various projects | June 2019 - June 2021
Set and Costume Designer with Sascha Gilmour
‘Good Grief’
Ugly Bucket Theatre | November 2020
Set and Costume Designer
‘The Spine’ 20 Stories High | February 2020
Art Department Assistant
Lime Pictures | Ocober 2019
Design Assistant to Michael Vale
‘Sweeney Todd’
Everyman Theatre Liverpool | April 2019
Set and Costume Designer
‘Extra Yarn’ Filament Projects | January 2019
Scenic Artist
‘A Christmas Carol’
Everyman Theatre Liverpool | November 2018
Scenic Artist
Setfree Projects | November 2018
Costume Maker
‘Spectaculum’
Ghetto Golf Liverpool | November 2018
Puppet Maker
‘Dolly the Giraffe’ VIP Puppets | September 2018
Scenic Artist and Sign Painter
‘Just So Festival’ Wild Rumpus | August 2018
Puppeteer
‘Zebra’ VIP Puppets | August 2018
Set and Costume Designer
‘POP’ Event Horizon Theatre | July 2018
Set and Costume Designer
‘Orlando’ Event Horizon Theatre | May 2018
Set and Costume Designer
‘The Love of the Nightingale’ LIPA | March 2018
Art Department Assistant to Gillian O’Brien Holland Flower Council | January 2018
Art Department Assistant to Gillian O’Brien
The Impression Magazine | December 2017
Set and Costume Designer
‘Mack and Mabel’ LIPA | November 2017
Puppeteer
‘Giant Mermaid’ VIP Puppets | June 2017
Puppeteer and Puppet Maker
‘Chinese New Year Shadow Show’ VIP Puppets | January 2017
Art Department Assistant to Gillian O’Brien
GQ Magazine | December 2016