Roots of Resilience: Arts, Heritage, and Community Capacity in Brazil’s Iron Quadrangle

This paper examines the Roots of Resilience (ROR) project (2021–2023), a participatory research initiative funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Coordinated by the researchers in collaboration with Instituto Inhotim and five other cultural organisations in Brazil’s Iron Quadrangle, the project investigated how arts and cultural heritage organisations contribute to local development, disaster resilience, and community wellbeing in mining-affected territories. Drawing on Action Research (AR) and Arts-based Participatory Research (ABPR) methodologies, ROR co-created indicators, generated original data, and built capacity within local organisations to conduct impact research. Findings demonstrate that cultural organisations not only developed new research literacy but also strengthened their recognition as heritage actors and resilience agents, with measurable effects on community identity and mental health. The paper situates these results within debates on cultural value, resilience, and sustainable development, highlighting methodological innovation and policy implications for regions facing climate and industrial risks.