Heidi Axelsen is an artist and researcher working in public space. Axelsen is the co-director of MAPA, an art and architecture collaborative practice working between the social and the spatial. Heidi is currently working on several projects in public space designing opportunities for inclusive and participatory public spaces. 

Heidi is currently working on a durational public art project in the Dank Street South Precinct with Urban Art Projects and MAPA has been shortlisted for a major commission for the active transport line for Western Sydney Airport. Heidi has developed and managed public art and cultural projects both temporary and permanent, for clients including: City of Sydney, Echigo Tsumari Art Triennial, Westmead Hospital, Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation, Parramatta City Council, Powerhouse MAAS, Urban Art Projects, Defence Housing Australia, amongst others.

Alongside her creative practice she also fifteen years consulting for local government on projects in the creative Industries and community cultural development.  She has taught as sessional academic in DAB at the University of Technology Sydney, in architecture at the Sydney University and works as a research co-ordinator at the University of Newcastle in the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences.