Pawlet Brookes MBE on visibility, resilience and why she calls Cornwall home

Making the invisible visible

For Pawlet, the decision to teach and share her knowledge has always come from a place of lived experience.

"I've always liked to teach, but I don't feel that I'm a traditional teacher," she told us. "I teach through practice, and at Falmouth, that connection between doing and learning really comes alive. It’s not just about skills but delivering those skills in real-world contexts like festivals and live projects."

Her work has consistently centred marginalised perspectives, something she describes as essential for the future of the arts.

"Sometimes people can see you, but they can’t see you," she said. "Because of culture, identity or race, you can find yourself hidden in the margins. For me, publishing and teaching are both about making sure those voices are heard, whether it’s someone who is disabled, working class, from another country, or another culture. We need to hear both sides of every story."

And she’s clear about the importance of leaving a lasting impact.

"Digital is vital. But when something is published in print, it ends up in the British Library. In 400 years, it’ll still be there. That permanence matters."

More information about the work that Pawlet has produced can be found here.

A Cornish connection

Having lived and worked in Cornwall for years, Pawlet believes the region holds a special kind of magic for creative people.

“Falmouth feels like a big village, with a strong sense of community and a connection to the environment that you don’t always get in a city. You’ve got the beaches, the sea, the landscape, but also the facilities and opportunities to do the kind of work you could do anywhere else. It’s a place where you can focus, build networks and really connect with the people around you.”

She credits a happy coincidence for her original move to the county but quickly realised she had found the right fit.

"I think it was serendipity, really, which happens to be the name of my organisation. It felt like a happy coincidence. I arrived in Cornwall, things were happening here, and we just met in the middle."

Words of advice for new graduates

"You’ve got to be prepared to fail. That’s how you learn. Every ‘no’ is a moment to ask, what are they really saying? What could I do differently next time?", she explained.

She also encouraged graduates to nurture their connections.

"The people you meet now will matter for the next 30, 40 or 50 years. Your tutors and your peers might become collaborators again. Choose carefully who you decide to walk with."

When asked how creatives can stay resilient in a tough sector, her advice was clear: be focused, be patient, and don’t jump at the first offer.

"Find something with a little bit of flexibility to hone your skills or to learn what you don't want to do. Then, when you’re ready, you can be more strategic in your next job."

And when things get tough?

"Every day is a challenge, but you learn to navigate the blockers. Don’t take no for an answer. No isn’t part of my vocabulary."

Find out more about ways to study at Falmouth University