Heidi Wiley

Heidi Wiley is a leading voice in European culture and a passionate advocate for the power of theatre to connect people, strengthen democracy and shape a more sustainable future. As Executive Director of the European Theatre Convention (ETC) since 2009, she has sparked a transformation in the sector. Under her leadership, ETC has become Europe’s largest network of leading public theatres, bringing together more than 80 major theatres in 33 countries. Beyond the numbers, ETC has expanded its role as a catalyst for artistic collaboration, professional development and cultural policy, helping theatres across Europe respond to the challenges of a changing world.

Heidi has played a central role in advancing theatre’s place on the European political agenda. She has worked closely with the European Commission, the European Parliament and other international institutions, and collaborated with the European Commission and the German EU Council Presidency to create and curate the first two editions of the European Theatre Forum, helping to shape a long-term policy framework for the sector. ETC has also become a strategic partner of the European Commission and received several prestigious awards, including the 2022 Art Explora – Académie des Beaux-Arts European Award for innovation in access to culture.

Her work extends beyond the stage to some of the most pressing questions facing society today: artistic freedom, sustainability, diversity and the impact of new technologies. ETC has helped pioneer initiatives such as the international campaign for artistic freedom, Resistance Now! Together and is advocating for a European Artistic Freedom Act. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Theatre Green Book Limited, supporting the transition towards more sustainable theatre practices internationally. She has been selected as an expert author and advisor for numerous research initiatives, including the EU Study ‘The situation of Theatres in the EU Member States’, and the European Expert Network on Culture and Audiovisual (EENCA). 

An experienced speaker at cultural and policy events across Europe and beyond, Heidi brings a distinctive perspective on the role of culture in international cooperation, democratic resilience and social transformation. Her work is driven by the conviction that theatre is not only an art form, but a vital public space where people can encounter different perspectives and imagine a shared future. Trained as a cultural manager, she holds degrees from La Sorbonne and Leuphana University and has lived and worked for the last 25 years in the UK, US, France and Germany. She started her career as an international producer and touring manager for artists Victoria Chaplin and the Tiger Lillies, touring around Europe and Asia at major festivals and theatre venues.