About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

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Deborah Fox

Director of Creative Innovation

Deborah leads Nesta's Arts practice.

Deborah leads the development of Nesta's Arts practice. Working in partnership with creative and cultural organisations, we develop and test new ideas that address social challenges. Deborah has led a number of innovative programmes, including an R&D programme exploring the role of creatives in the development of immersive experiences that support mental health and wellbeing. Also, Amplified – a pilot programme supporting cultural and creative organisations developing digital ideas that generate social impact.

Deborah launched and developed Nesta’s Creative Business Mentor Network, a network of industry leading figures who mentored some of the UK’s most exciting creative businesses. Previously Deborah has run a number of prototyping funds including Destination Local, a hyperlocal media programme aimed at better understanding and supporting the UK’s hyperlocal scene.

Outside of the creative industries, she has worked with local authorities to help them make the most of open data and work in partnership with digital agencies to create useful web-based services. She also managed an early stage grant fund to help develop, test and roll out new intensive volunteering services that work alongside public services and offer short-term, high-impact volunteer opportunities.

Prior to joining Nesta, Deborah worked at television network ITV, communications agency Hill & Knowlton and fashion brand Kickers.