Dhikshana Turakhia Pering

Dhikshana (she/her) fell into the world of museums and galleries, changing her life personally and professionally. Not wanting where you grew up, your education opportunities or who you know to dictate whether you connect to or work in the creative and cultural sector. With a focus and passion on making the sector representative of the society we live in, connecting to the issues of today and exploring the challenges of the future, she wants to go beyond making collections or content accessible, but making this sector for and by everyone.  

Dhikshana has been the Head of Engagement & Skills at Somerset House, London since January 2020,  just as a pandemic engulfed the world. In just over two years she has created a clear programme for Somerset House’s creative careers work and cultural programme engagement with a connection to their onsite creative community, and focusing on addressing underrepresentation in the sector. She also co-led on the organisation’s Anti-racism Pledge.

Dhikshana’s career has been built in London over 16 years, working in learning and engagement across the Science Museum, London Transport Museum, and Brent 2020 – London Borough of Culture. She has led teams and worked with different audiences, but has found her interest lies with young adults, skills development and coproduction, and exploring the use of digital mediums and public space in a cultural context.

Dhikshana is an active member and finds great solidarity, solace, and support in the Museum Detox network. Dhikshana has just completed her second term as an elected Trustee for the Museums Association, actively working on sector-wide workforce developments and most recently co-led and launched their Learning & Engagement Manifesto.