October brings a new season! Explore our latest updates and opportunities to get involved..
Rosetta Arts – New Board Members
Rosetta Arts Welcomes Dynamic New Board Members to Drive Community Arts in East London
Rosetta Arts is thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in its journey of empowering communities through creativity. We are welcoming a diverse and talented group of new Board members to guide our charity in its mission to enrich lives through the arts. Our core values—creativity, authenticity, empowerment, and agility—remain at the heart of all we do, and these new appointments will help us continue to build an organisation that truly represents the vibrant communities we serve.
Thank You to Our Outgoing Chair, David Forrester – After many years of dedicated service, our long-standing Chair, David Forrester, has announced his decision to step down. David has been instrumental in shaping Rosetta Arts from its early days, working alongside our CEO and trustees to grow the organisation from its roots as an arts course provider in the Rosetta Primary School to its current status as a registered charity and Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation. Under David’s leadership, Rosetta has thrived through some of the most challenging times faced by the arts and education sectors in the UK. We are deeply grateful for his commitment over the years.
David shared:
“The past six years have been amongst the most challenging in the arts and adult education sectors. Rosetta has adapted, expanded its creative programmes, and doubled its turnover. With a strong new CEO in place and a strengthened Board of Trustees, now is the right time for me to step down. It has been a privilege to serve.”
Welcome to Interim Chair, Fatima Vepari – We are delighted to introduce our interim Chair, Fatima Vepari, who brings a wealth of experience in coaching and consultancy across the public, charitable, and international development sectors. Fatima’s expertise in organisational development, particularly within small and medium-sized charities, and her passion for supporting social change align perfectly with our vision for Rosetta Arts. She also holds leadership roles at British Textile Biennial and FRC Group, adding a breadth of experience that will support our mission in East London.
Fatima commented:
“It’s a privilege to step into the role of Interim Chair for Rosetta Arts. Since working with the Board and team last year, I have been inspired by their dedication to providing high-quality arts programmes for Newham residents during challenging times. I look forward to building on this fantastic work and collaborating with talented colleagues to enhance Rosetta’s impact.”
Introducing Our New Board Members – Our new Board is packed with energy, skills, and fresh perspectives. Following a comprehensive recruitment process, we welcome eight incredible new Trustees, each bringing unique expertise to key areas including finance, arts, education, diversity, community engagement, capital development, people & culture, and legal affairs. Whilst we continue to work with our committed existing trustees, we are excited to introduce:
- Aida Esposito – Independent Consultant & Strategist
- Charlotte Garnett – Jewellery Designer & Maker, known as “The Anti-Anxiety Jeweller”
- Daniel Jones – Lawyer at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe
- Felicity Ndebele – Senior Talent Development Advisor at Willis Towers Watson
- Jo Clarke – Director of Blackhorse Workshop
- Kelly Robinson – Senior Learning & Participation Manager at Dulwich Picture Gallery
- Smitha Islam – Head of People & EDI at Blue Tit London
- Waleed Shahid – Management Accountant at Somerset House Trust
These new Trustees join Rosetta Arts at a time of great opportunity, ensuring we have the insight and strength to achieve our vision: enriching the lives of East Londoners through the transformative power of the arts.
A Message from CEO, Jan De Schynkel Jan De Schynkel, CEO of Rosetta Arts, shared:
“I am incredibly humbled that such a talented, knowledgeable, and passionate group of individuals have joined our Board. This marks a transformative phase for Rosetta Arts as we build on a year of reflection, growth, and development. Newham is a wonderfully diverse borough, but it faces significant challenges around poverty and inequality. As Darren Henley says, ‘Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not.’ With a stronger Board, we are ready to ensure that all communities—especially those who are still marginalised—can access and benefit from the transformative power of creativity.”
Rosetta Arts is excited to start this new chapter and we look forward to making an even greater impact together!
Autumn Art Stars
Dates: 31st October
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Rosetta Arts , 1 Hamilton Road, West Ham, E15 3AE
For: Ages 6-12
Parents/carers have been asking for it to come back so we brought it back!
Art stars is our most popular children’s art class and we have decided to bring it back this half term for 1 session.
If you have any children who are curious or passionate about art bring them along for a few hours on 31st October from 10:30 – 12:30pm
If you are interested please email solmaz@rosettaarts.org or ismail@rosettaarts.org
Future of Fashion – Research Project
Dates: You can attend either Block 1 on Thursdays 10th, 17th & 24th October Or: Block 2 Thursdays 7th, 14th & 21st November
Time: 5pm – 7pm
For: Ages 12-16
Rosetta Arts invites young people aged 12-16 to participate in our three-part workshop series, “Future of Fashion – Research Project”. This programme is for anyone interested in exploring textile creation, sustainable fashion and innovative design solutions.
Led by experienced designer and researcher Aniela Fidler-Wieruszewska, participants will develop their creative skills while contributing to a meaningful project.
Register your interest by emailing marianne@rosettaarts.org
News From Our Friends & Partners
Angelman Syndrome Soiree
Dates: Saturday 26th October
Times: 3:00 pm
Location: Stratford Hotel 20 International Way London E20 1FD
Young Artists and Emerging Designers are invited to join us and attend/present in our Angelman Syndrome soiree. Attending artists can exhibit a couple of pieces of art work; all they have to do is to purchase an attendee ticket and we will provide a shared stand, shared with other artists.
Our aim is to make organic business connections whilst raising awareness about a rare condition.
There will be wine and nibbles; to register an interest to present your art, brand or collection, send a bio about your product or service to: joanna_marcella@hotmail.com
Click here for tickets!
MOVE AND SKETCH
Dates: Sunday 27 October 2024
Times: 13:00 pm – 15:00 pm
Location: Tower of London
Join Trapped in Zone One for a spooky Halloween adventure at the Tower of London. Explore the historic site and look for ghosts while drawing and walking. This fun event is perfect for those who want to feel better mentally and meet new people.
As you walk around the Tower’s scary halls, look for ghostly figures. You might see medieval queens or Roman soldiers. This adventure is meant to be exciting, not scary.
Click here for tickets.
Black History Month – Reclaiming Narratives Workshop
Dates: Saturday 5, 12, 19 and 26 October 2024
Time: 15:00pm -17:00pm
Location: Island Point Community Centre, 51 Sark Mews, E14 3PW
We are hosting a series of weekly workshops every Saturday in October at our new space in the Isle of Dogs with London based artist Nadina Ali during Black History Month. Using different mediums, we will be creating posters that celebrate Black people from Tower Hamlets that everyone should know about.
This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives,” and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.
Click here for more information.
Project manager role with London Arts and Health
Application Deadline: 5pm on Friday October 11th
Are you interested in the arts and how they can help people feel better? We’re looking for a Project Manager to join our team at London Arts & Health.
In this job, you’ll help organise and manage programs that teach artists how to work in hospitals and communities. You’ll find good places for artists to work, do background checks, and help artists with what they need. You’ll also help with planning, getting feedback, and talking to artists.
If you’re good at organising things and talking to people, we want to hear from you. We’re looking for someone who loves the arts and wants to make a difference in people’s lives.
Black Pound Market
Join us for two vibrant markets in October, celebrating and supporting Black businesses and entrepreneurs in Newham!
On Saturday, 12th October from 9am-3pm at Woodgrange Market, shop from local vendors including Evolve Expressions, Balmaids Kitchen, CeCe Finery, and Ever-Rose Bath & Body Treats.
Then, on Saturday, 19th October from 12-4pm at Rathbone Market, enjoy a wider selection of businesses like Adinkra Crafts, Khemporium, JBeez Catering, and more.
The market at Rathbone will also feature music, a DJ set from Ms Suzy Wong, workshops by Caramel Rock, and performances, including Caribbean storytelling, Suca Fitness and Salsa by Pam’s People.
