​GOPA NATH is head of Surtal Arts, Derby’s South Asian arts organisation, which has been at the forefront of bringing local communities together to celebrate different cultures and artforms. Having developed a passion for the arts throughout her life, she was keen that her children learnt Indian classical music and dance to preserve their rich cultural heritage and joined forces with a small group of mothers to set up classes for their children. This led to the formation of Surtal Arts in Derby 30 years ago, which has inspired many British-born South Asian artists – not least Gopa’s own daughter Nisha, a well-respected dancer. Gopa continues to be the driving force behind Surtal Arts since 1994. She is instrumental in growing Surtal Arts into a key cultural partner in Derby – respected for its high quality delivery, cross cultural programming, commissions and as an advocate of diverse arts.

I was born and grew up in New Delhi where I completed higher education in Science. I moved to the UK in 1983.

I have worked in the Community since my arrival in the UK.  I have worked as a social worker for many years and come to know Derby and Derbyshire communitiesvery well. 

I was one of the founder members of a women only group 'Raunak' and headed that group for number of years.  I am  passionate about womne's right, equality, diversity and inclusion. 

I am passionate about performing arts. I love singing.  I strongly believe arts can bring mental health and wellbeing beneft in people's lives.

I have been involved with Surtal Arts for many years as I am a great advocate of arts and culture.  Surtal continues to inspire and surprise me with their artistic endeavours. I strongly believe arts can brige many gaps in our communities, enhance knowledge and assist in mental health and wellbeing.   As a recently appointed secretary, I am looking forward to helping the organisation grow strength to strength.  

A company lawyear for many years, Gill brings her legal knowledge and expertise in shaping Surtal.  She is also studying Phd  along side volunteering for a National Trust property.   

Rubi a Lecturer in International Education. She works within the Insitute of Education in the College of Arts, Humanities and Education at the University supporting international educators develop their pedagogy and practice at the postgraduate level. She teaches on the International Postgraduate Certificate of Education (iPGCE) and the International Postgraduate Certificate of Education (with International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS).  I have worked in the UAE for 14 years in a range of roles including teaching in international schools as well as working as an advisor, teacher trainer, project manager, program manager and consultant with organisations that include CfBT, Nord Anglia and Repton Dubai and ADEK. I have also worked on Erasmus+ projects with partners in Turkey, Slovenia, Germany and Estonia.

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Rubi was a board member of Global Education until it closed in 2023.

Nisha began dancing with Surtal Arts when she was 5 years old.  After being nurtured into a professional Kathak dancer, having performed around the world and teaching as an artist, she now  serves on Surtal's board as the Chairperson.  She enriches the organisation with her creative vision for the organisation and the city.  

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For her day job, Nisha works as a Head of Brand and Creative, National Trust and in her spare time loves DIY, getting lost in art galleries and watching Bollywood movies. 

As the chairperson, she continues to be instrumental providing Surtal it's strategic direction and ensures the organisation is constantly listening and evolving.

My name is Mike and I have been on the Board of Surtal Arts for 10 years. I have a great love of whole range of South Asian Arts and believe passionately in the power of music and dance to bring together different communities and cultures.

Surtal Arts is at the heart of this  within Derbyshire and the work undertaken in the Community and particularly within schools has been instrumental in reaching out to the population and sharing the  joy and beauty of South Asian Art and culture.

Please contact us if you are interested becoming our board member.