Mirela Peerzada is a distinguished art and design educator, cultural curator, and advocate for heritage preservation, whose work spans academic institutions, community-based arts, and national cultural policy.

She teaches at both the National College of Arts (NCA) and Beaconhouse National University (BNU), where she mentors emerging artists and designers, particularly in sculpture, puppetry, and performance-based arts. Her pedagogy reflects a deep commitment to preserving indigenous forms while encouraging innovation, critical thought, and interdisciplinary practices in art education.

Mirela has been a key figure in the Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop (RPTW), one of Pakistan’s most influential cultural institutions, founded by her family. Her leadership within RPTW has been pivotal to the evolution of puppetry and performance art in Pakistan. She has contributed extensively to the internationally recognized World Performing Arts Festival and the International Puppet Festival, events that brought artists from over 50 countries to Lahore and placed Pakistan on the global cultural map. These festivals, under her guidance, have not only celebrated diverse art forms but also promoted dialogue, peace, and cross-cultural understanding through the performing arts.

Her curatorial and administrative work extends to the Faizaan Peerzada Museum of Puppetry, where she continues to conserve and reinterpret traditional puppetry as both a cultural artifact and a contemporary form of storytelling. Through exhibitions, community workshops, and educational outreach, Mirela has helped bridge generational and disciplinary gaps, ensuring that Pakistan’s rich performance heritage remains accessible and alive for future audiences.

Mirela Peerzada’s inclusion in the Board of Advisors of the Islamabad Biennale Organization (IBO) reflects her profound experience in combining education, public engagement, and cultural heritage with artistic innovation. Her presence strengthens IBO’s mission to create inclusive, interdisciplinary platforms that bring together contemporary art and civic life. She will advise on education programs, performance-based commissions, and cultural collaborations that ensure the Biennale remains connected to both tradition and transformation.