Paul Heritage

Paul Heritage is Professor of Drama and Performance and Director of People’s Palace Projects (PPP), a Research Centre within Queen Mary University of London’s School of English and Drama. He holds a BA in English and Drama from the University of Manchester. His work focuses on socially engaged arts research addressing public security, human rights, social justice, and Indigenous cultural exchange, primarily between the UK and Brazil.

Research highlights include practice-based projects in favelas, prisons, and conflict zones, such as Amor em Tempos de Guerra, which achieved an 18-day ceasefire in Rio de Janeiro. Heritage has curated major initiatives like Rio Occupation London (2012) and CreativeLab (2015–2016), fostering UK-Brazil cultural exchange. His academic roles include membership on the AHRC’s Global Challenges Research Fund Strategic Advisory Board and collaborations with institutions like the Institute of Population Health Sciences.

Publications span edited volumes on cultural policy and performance, including The Art of Cultural Exchange (2019) and Encounters beyond Text (2011). Awards include Brazil’s knighthood (2004) and a 2019 Times Higher Education Award nomination. Grants include AHRC funding for projects like Xingu Encounter (2019) and Building Resilience in Latin America (2019–2024).

Advising and mentorship have produced successful PhDs on topics ranging from chronography to performance art and belief. Heritage’s work extends to public engagement through festivals, lectures, and policy consultations, emphasizing transformative arts practices globally.