Hello, I’m Deepa, a cultural strategist and researcher.
For over two decades, I’ve developed cultural initiatives that enhance local 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 clients across creative industries, arts, heritage, and the built environment. Whatever the sector, they share the same goal: creating positive change for people and the places they care about.
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 am eager to connect with you.
I offer a wealth of experience, having collaborated with cultural organisations, public entities, and academic institutions. My work spans shaping cultural strategy, evaluating place-based cultural initiatives, and designing creative programmes. I enjoy working locally within the UK and internationally too, with recent projects in Indonesia, Russia and Canada.
Throughout my career, I have partnered with a variety of organisations such as the British Council, Falmouth University, Historic England, Cornwall Museum Partnership and Creative Kernow. I have also collaborated with local authorities including Cornwall Council and Essex County Council. As founder and director of This Is Not A Gateway and Myrdle Court Press, I developed experimental, cross-disciplinary programmes, creating spaces for artists, researchers, and audiences to explore ideas about cities. The work was recognised for its reach and impact, attracting funding and partnerships, and broadening engagement across communities.
Cultivating Ownership: I collaborate closely with my clients, aiming to build trust and cultivate a sense of ownership and commitment towards the project’s success.
Building Confidence: I establish clear systems, timelines, and communication platforms, a clients with the resources they need to implement their projects with confidence.
Ensuring Sustainability: I identify opportunities for upscaling, learning, and recommendations to ensure project sustainability, benefiting both clients and the communities they serve.
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:
I understand that clients may be at various stages and face unique challenges and opportunities, often shaped by local contexts. Therefore, I adopt a people-centered approach, involving input from staff, partners, and stakeholders. This includes sensitivity to work cultures and access requirements. I enjoy supporting organisations in addressing their immediate needs while also contributing to long-term positive change, beyond my direct involvement.
