After a career in the arts and advanced training in film composition, Alison spent over a decade as Director of the East End Film Festival, overseeing its development into one of London’s leading platforms for independent film. She also worked with Hamilton Ice Sculptors, contributing to internationally acclaimed sculptural installations.
Alison holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence from Northeastern University. Her academic work explored the intersection of emerging technologies and human experience, a foundation that now informs her public-facing initiatives.
She is the founder and director of The Heart of AI, a not-for-profit organisation facilitating public dialogue around the social and personal impacts of artificial intelligence. Through interviews, events, and digital platforms, the organisation explores how AI is reshaping everyday life—from family dynamics and identity to autonomy and human connection.
Alison also writes The Future is Personal,a Substack newsletter documenting her journey as a parent and researcher navigating AI’s role in the personal sphere. Based in Brighton with her primary school-aged daughter, her work bridges philosophy, storytelling, and civic engagement to help people make sense of the AI era from the ground up.
ALISON POLTOCK 