Paul O'Leary

Paul O'Leary is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Photography at Staffordshire University's Digital, Tech, Innovation & Business Department. He specializes in socially-engaged photography exploring post-industrial urban environments and civic identity. As founder of the award-winning Photocitizens international photography festival, he fosters global photographic collaboration. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at the CICA Museum (South Korea) and the Aleppo International Photography Festival.

Education: MA and BA in Photography, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Research Interests: Documenting urban transformation through large-format portraiture and site-specific art. Notable projects include We are Northampton (2022) examining industrial heritage, Blood, Sweat and Lycra (2021) on amateur wrestling culture, and Plastic Paddy exploring Irish diaspora identity.

Recent Work Trends: Focus on cross-cultural exhibitions and community-driven art projects. His work merges documentary rigor with artistic expression, often addressing themes of belonging and urban change.

• Scientific Awards: APHE Photographic Education Award 2017
• Grants/Advising: Organized workshops with practitioners like Clement Cooper and Rut Blees Luxemburg, mentoring through course leadership

Labs/Teams: Directs Photocitizens Festival collaborating with institutions in 10+ countries, creating platforms for student photographers.