Hello, I’m Deepa, a cultural strategist and researcher.
For over two decades, I’ve developed cultural initiatives, research and strategy that contribute to communities. I founded and directed This Is Not A Gateway and its publishing imprint, Myrdle Court Press, producing festivals and books exploring urbanisation. Today, I work with organisations across culture, heritage and the built environment, producing research and insight that informs policy, planning and investment, with a particular interest in understanding why change happens.
Whether you are a sector support body, an arts organisation, or a creative hub with a mission to make a meaningful impact within your community or sector, I’d be interested in exploring how we might work together.
I work with organisations across the UK and internationally, bringing together research, strategy and evaluation to generate insight for policy, planning and investment. My work focuses on culture, heritage and place, with projects in Indonesia, Russia and Canada.
My clients have included the British Council, Falmouth University, Historic England, Cornwall Museum Partnership and Creative Kernow, as well as local authorities including Cornwall Council and Essex County Council.
My earlier practice was rooted in developing experimental, cross-disciplinary cultural programmes, bringing together artists, researchers and audiences to explore cities and urbanisation. Over ten years, this included festivals, public programmes and publishing, and continues to shape the collaborative and inquiry-led approach I bring to my work today.
Cultivating Ownership: I work closely with clients, staff, partners and stakeholders, building trust and creating a shared sense of ownership around the work.
Building Confidence: I establish clear systems, timelines, and communication platforms, equipping clients with the resources they need to deliver their projects with confidence.
Ensuring Sustainability: I look beyond the immediate project to identify opportunities for learning, development and longer-term change, helping organisations build on the work after my involvement has ended.
I approach my work with clients collaboratively, aiming to simplify complex projects. Flexibility and clear
communication are key aspects of my approach, as I strive to enable everyone involved to feel confident and take
ownership of the work. Throughout all my services, here is
what you can expect from me:
