Building Inclusive Cultural Spaces with Dhikshana Turakhia Pering Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum
Episode 63
18 November, 2024

Ceri is joined by Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, a powerhouse in the museums and cultural sector with over 18 years of experience across some of the UK’s most iconic institutions. As Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, Dhikshana is redefining how we engage with arts and culture—making it more inclusive, more reflective, and more human.

In this episode, Dhikshana shares how her personal story, leadership journey, and neurodivergent thinking shape everything she does—from programme design to public speaking. We talk about co-production, cultural equity, and the role of optimism in creating meaningful, lasting change. Dhikshana’s vision is rooted in joy and powered by community. Whether she’s collaborating with artists or mentoring emerging leaders, her approach is thoughtful, strategic, and deeply inclusive.

We explore how she uses tools like scripting, visualisation, and structured preparation to navigate leadership as a dyslexic thinker—and why she’s so committed to making space for others to thrive. If you’re passionate about the arts, equity, or leadership, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

What We Learned from Dhikshana Turakhia Pering

1. Lead with joy, even through difficulty
   Even when dealing with issues like racism or injustice, Dhikshana’s creative programmes are grounded in hope and designed to welcome everyone in.
2. Co-production builds trust and authenticity
   Working with communities, artists, and partners from the outset ensures cultural programmes are relevant, resonant, and truly inclusive.
3. Neurodiversity is a strength
   Dhikshana embraces her dyslexic thinking—using structure, scripting, and muscle memory as powerful tools for clarity and confidence.
4. Preparation is empowering
   Detailed planning, practice, and visualisation help create calm in high-pressure situations. These methods don’t restrict creativity—they unlock it.
5. Mentors matter
   Early support from leaders who gave her space to take risks was pivotal. Now, she pays it forward by fostering freedom and trust within her own team.
6. Clear, everyday language makes ideas accessible
   Dhikshana believes in communicating with clarity—avoiding jargon, and using plain language to connect with audiences and effect change.
7. Map a path, but leave room to surprise yourself
   Set a direction, but stay open to possibilities that go beyond the original vision. Growth and magic often happen in the margins.
8. Advocacy is about connection
   True advocacy isn’t just about championing your own work—it’s about building strong networks, sharing opportunities, and lifting others up.

Dhikshana’s commitment to leadership, access, and creativity is both inspiring and actionable. Her belief in the power of joy and community reminds us that the most powerful changes often start with the simplest ideas—shared openly and pursued with care.