The National Saturday Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Dhikshana Turakhia Pering to the new post of Director of Programmes. She joins from Somerset House, a long-term cultural partner of the National Saturday Club, where she was Head of Engagement and Skills.

Dhikshana brings a breadth of experience in youth engagement and skills development, co-production and cultural programming. She has developed her career working in learning and engagement at the Science Museum, London Transport Museum, and Brent 2020 – London Borough of Culture.

As we look to an ambitious period of growth for the network, Dhikshana will lead the Creative Direction of the National Saturday Club’s education programme of national events including The London Visit, Masterclasses, the Summer Show and Graduation Ceremonies, as well as the Tutors’ Programme. The national programme is delivered in partnership with an extensive network of cultural and industry partners to engage 13–16-year-old young people across the UK with opportunities to develop valuable creative and practical skills, increase confidence, and introduce pathways to further and higher education and rewarding careers.  

Dhikshana said: “It is a privilege to be joining the National Saturday Club, its values and practice align to what I deeply believe in, which is that access to the cultural and creative sector for enjoyment and employment should not be directed by who you know or where you grew up. To be able to align my passion and experience, while I learn and grow with the participants, tutors and partners and shape the future of the National Saturday Club programme with the wider team is an amazing opportunity.”

Dhikshana holds two master’s degrees in History and Art History from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland and in Museum and Gallery Education from UCL Institute of Education, London. She has lectured and given talks on master’s courses including at UCL Institute of Education, London, and at national and international conferences, looking to share and learn from best practice. She seeks to be an active part of making the sector accessible and representative of the society we live in, by connecting to the issues of today and exploring the challenges of the future. Dhikshana is also an active member of the Museum Detox network, was an elected Trustee of the Museums Association until 2022 where she co-led on the development of the Learning & Engagement Manifesto, in 2022 Dhikshana was appointed to the board of Clore Leadership.