Mrs Heidi Axelsen

I am a visual artist working in public space through research driven and social practice.  I am passionate about  creating meaningful and inclusive experiences in public spaces and creating opportunities for engagement with those who usually sit on the outside of city making decisions. When working in city and post-industrial public spaces, I seek to enable connection to country and where possible regenerate and re-wild spaces. My current focus is public participation in the creation of regenerative public artworks and public domains. 

As director of MAPA Art + Architecture with architect Hugo Moline we specialise in research driven practice engaging with people and place.  We have created public artworks and exhibitions commissioned by Westmead Hospital, City of Sydney, Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale, Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation, Forbes Hospital, MAMA gallery, Defence Housing and others. Central to our practice is research and development which we try to prioritise in all our projects when the brief affords it. We have been able to pursue extensive R&D while artists in residence at Australia House in Japan, NIDA art colony in Lithuania, Silipakorn University in Thailand, Kerstin Kjaers Museum in Denmark and MAAS Powerhouse in Sydney. 

Alongside my creative practice I also have 12 years experience working in local government working in Cultural Development at Fairfield City Council, assistant curator at Bankstown Art Centre, public art consultant at Parramatta City Council and most recently Creative Industries at Blue Mountains City Council. This work has equipped me with experience to write briefs, commission & contract artists and manage projects from conception to completion. 

My qualifications include Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture at the National Art School, Sydney and Bachelor of Arts Management from Macquarie University and I am currently a Phd candidate at MADA, Monash University.