(August 22, 2025) When the Manchester Museum opened its first permanent South Asia Gallery, the woman leading its communications campaign felt a deep sense of pride. For Delhi-born Prerna Kampani, it was more than just a professional milestone — it was personal.
“As a South Asian woman this project felt deeply personal – it was the UK’s first permanent gallery dedicated to South Asian history and culture, co-curated with the community, and seeing that level of representation in such a prominent institution was incredibly powerful. I led the campaign from strategy to execution, coordinating targeted press trips from South Asia, crafting compelling narratives, and ensuring the gallery’s opening received wide international coverage,” she tells Global Indian.
Prerna Kampani
The gallery’s opening drew a record-breaking 52,000 visitors in its first week. For Prerna, it was a full-circle moment. “To contribute to a space that not only celebrates South Asian heritage but also challenges colonial narratives felt like a full-circle moment. It reinforced why I work in this sector – to help shape stories that reflect the complexity, richness, and voices of communities that have often been overlooked,” she adds.
That balance—between heritage and global narratives—runs through her journey.
South Asian Representation Abroad
For Prerna, the Manchester Museum project was not just a professional success but also a window into the broader conversation about South Asian representation in international spaces. Across much of the world, South Asian heritage has either been underrepresented or presented through a colonial perspective. Institutions are now beginning to recognise the importance of telling these stories in more inclusive, community-driven ways.
By shaping the communications for the South Asia Gallery, Prerna witnessed firsthand how meaningful such representation can be—not only for diaspora communities who long to see their histories reflected in mainstream institutions, but also for global audiences eager to understand South Asia in all its complexity. The overwhelming response to the gallery underscored how cultural spaces can both reclaim narratives and create bridges of understanding between communities.
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From Delhi Roots to Cardiff Dreams
Born and raised in Delhi, Kampani studied at Modern School, Barakhamba Road. With a strong interest in communications and global affairs, she moved to the UK to pursue her higher education at Cardiff University, earning a degree in International Public Relations and Global Communications Management.
“During my time at Cardiff, I interned with PR consultancies in London focused on ESG communications, which helped shape my interest in purpose-driven and creative storytelling. In 2021, I joined Flint Culture to deepen my engagement with the arts and culture sector from a global perspective. Since then, I have been part of the team’s expansion into the Middle East, working across a range of cultural projects and partnerships in the region alongside our work in Europe,” she says.
Studying in the UK was a transformative experience for her. It gave her not just an academic foundation in international communications but also shaped her personally and professionally. “Being in a new environment pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to adapt quickly, think independently, and engage confidently with diverse perspectives. It made me more self-assured, whether it was presenting in classrooms, collaborating with peers from different backgrounds, or navigating life in a new country. That confidence has stayed with me, especially in professional settings where clarity, cultural sensitivity, cultural awareness, and strong communication skills are essential,” she avers.
Expanding Horizons in the MENA Region
The MENA region represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving cultural landscape, with institutions embracing inclusive narratives and global engagement. Collaborating with clients like the Media Majlis Museum, EN-WWF, and various government bodies across KSA and UAE has shown her how deeply these markets value both cultural investment and authentic representation.
“Their vision is forward-looking, rooted in heritage but inclusive of diverse voices. Being part of this momentum has been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful, as it aligns with my belief in the power of storytelling to bridge cultures and create a lasting impact,” she explains.
Lessons from Across Borders
Working with clients across the globe brings both complexity and richness to PR. Each region has its own media landscape, cultural sensitivities, and communication styles, so success often depends on the ability to localise strategies while maintaining global consistency.
“For example, storytelling in the Middle East tends to emphasise heritage, local culture, and vision, while audiences in the UK or South Asia might value transparency and creative expression. As a PR professional, it’s about balancing cultural nuance with strategy, knowing when to adapt messaging, how to engage local media, and how to position clients authentically in different markets. It keeps the work challenging, but deeply rewarding,” she says.
Finding Balance in a Borderless Life
She also ensures that she consciously works to maintain work-life balance is essential to avoid burnout and stay creative. “It’s easier said than done, and I have fallen prey to it quite a few times, but there are a few days where I’ve found that setting clear boundaries, like defined working hours and being mindful about after-hours communication helps me stay focused during the day and switch off in the evenings,” she adds.
Outside of work, she enjoys playing the piano as it’s a great way to express herself. “I’m also passionate about exploring local art scenes, visiting galleries, and enjoying theatre performances, which keeps me connected to culture in a very personal way. One of my favourite places to visit when time allows is Rajasthan, where I love immersing myself in the vibrant history and rich traditions. Whether it is AlUla, Doha, London or Dubai, my global travels have truly broadened my horizons. They’ve shown me firsthand the incredible potential culture holds to bridge gaps between countries and people. Experiencing these diverse places has deepened my appreciation for how cultural exchange can foster understanding and connection, which is something I’m passionate about both personally and professionally,” she adds.
Reimagining South Asia’s Place in the World
Kampani is inspired by people and stories that challenge the status quo and open new perspectives – whether it’s artists who use their work to spark social change or communities preserving heritage in innovative ways. “One such example is Gauravi Kumari, who is doing some exemplary work in the culture sector of Rajasthan, amplifying local voices, and fostering community-led preservation of heritage. A key life lesson I’ve learned is always to remain a student and a seeker; if you ever enter a room where you feel you know it all, chances are you’re in the wrong room. True growth comes from embracing humility and being open to learning from everyone and everything around you, even from a small child,” she adds.
In the future, she hopes to contribute meaningfully to the South Asian cultural landscape. “There are so many incredible places with rich heritage, like Hampi and various sites in India, that hold immense potential but remain underexplored. I’d love to help bring international artists and talent to India, fostering a vibrant cultural exchange that celebrates local art while introducing global perspectives. I am not there yet, but this is definitely something I’d like to explore in the next couple of years, harnessing my experience from various markets,” she concludes.
Her journey shows that heritage need not be confined to history books or galleries—it can travel, transform, and inspire across continents. As she continues to build bridges through culture, Prerna embodies a generation of Indians who are both rooted and global in outlook.
- Follow Prerna Kampani on LinkedIn
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