Who We Are
Rose Producing seeks to empower artists to create work for young audiences that will bring them things that are beautiful and unexpected.
Our ethos is at the heart of everything we do- we put people first. We value not only professional experience, but also life experience, and recognise that optimal working conditions look different for everyone. We believe that the most surprising, ambitious, beautiful and hilarious creative work requires time and space for its incubation and creation, and therefore most of our projects are developed over years, not weeks or even months.
Heather Rose- Creative Producer
Heather has been working as a Creative Producer in Ireland since January 2020. She leads Rose Producing, managing strategic, financial and artistic planning across all projects, as well as company management. This means that artists are free to prioritise their practice and their work without having to carry the weight of funding applications, financial management, contracting, and more.
Before moving to Ireland, Heather worked as Associate Producer for the Pleasance Theatre in London and the Edinburgh Fringe, and as Programme Manager for the house touring network in South East England. Heather lives in rural county Sligo with two children, a dog and four Shetland ponies.
WHYs and HOWs of Rose Producing
How do we ensure fair working conditions?
We recognise unpaid work and financial instability as two of the biggest challenges facing artists, particularly carers and people with disabilities. This is why we have developed Hiring & Employment and Fair Pay Policies, ensure that all projects are fully funded, and do our utmost to limit working weeks to 40 hours/week, with flexibility wherever possible.
Why do we only make work for young people?
Young people are often not respected, and given very limited control over their own lives. We also know that what young people see and learn can be hugely impactful, so we aim to increase the breadth of the ideas and people that are connecting and inspiring young people. Female scientists, multicultural objects, and multilingual stories are just some small ways in which we seek to do that.
Why do we prioritise artist wellness?
Putting people first is such a simple and basic concept, but it doesn’t come naturally to many of us, who are accustomed to putting work ahead of our own needs. We believe that only by standing up for artist wellness can we begin to change the tide. We also hope that by making these decisions as a company, we avoid putting anyone in a position where they are seen as ‘difficult’.
How do we ensure ‘social relevance’ in our work?
Our work portrays the values of our social views and politics (everything is political!). This could be a simple idea like encouraging children to think creatively about science, the portrayal of a radical feminist figure, supporting artists from minority backgrounds, or choosing to present our work in small rural schools. We are proud to be just a little bit radical!
How do we choose what work we programme?
This is a complicated question, for which transparency is essential. Our work comes about primarily through relationships. A connection through a callout or as a collaborator leads to further conversations and ideas which lead to project development. Generally our projects are developed over at least 3 years. If you have a project you’d like us to consider, please get in touch.
Why do we prioritise work outside of Dublin?
We have found that for artists based outside of Dublin, there are significantly less opportunities. There are less arts organisations and venues, less funding avenues, and less local artists to collaborate with. In addition, we want young people to see the arts as a possible career, meaning we want them to see people from their area doing what they might want to do.
Em Ball
Em has been collaborating with us since 2020 across many projects, including Super Paua Stories, Whodunnit? and Knapsack. They are a multitalented theatremaker with skills in directing, performance, dramaturgy and engagement.
George Bernard Gallagher
George is a production manager who frequently consults on our projects, and is production managing Museum of Believing to make sure it can fit into small rural schools but still have a wow factor!
Alison Ní Mháirtín
Alison has written several Super Paua Stories (in multiple languages!), and is the writer of Pegasus the Clothes Horse (National Opera House, 2024). She is a frequent collaborator and lives in Wexford.
Artists We Work With
Sinéad O’Donnell-Carey
Sinéad is collaborating on and designing Museum of Believing, and is a talented designer, director and theatremaker. We are also working with her on a new piece which is still in the very earliest stages…
Miriam Needham
Miriam is a writer, performer, and director. She has written several Super Paua Stories, and is a deviser on Museum of Believing. Miriam lives in Sligo.
This section could be much, much longer. We have collaborated with many incredible artists, and are grateful to all of them for their work, their creativity, and everything we have learned from them. For more information and credits, check out our Projects. Or to get involved, Contact Us.