Rosehill announcement

After 12 hugely successful years of leading Rosehill, Richard Elder has decided that it is time for him to step down from his role and focus on other aspects of his life, and other opportunities. While saddened he will be leaving, the Board of Trustees understands and supports Richard's decision.

The past 10 months of COVID 19 have been enormously challenging for many, not least Rosehill. Richard’s leadership through these unprecedented times has been vital and the Board is truly grateful for that leadership. However, like many individuals and organisations, this period had also allowed reflection on what is important and this has influenced the timing of his decision.

Richard’s departure will be a significant event in the life of Rosehill. He is the longest serving of any of the previous leaders of the organisation, taking the organisation through momentous change, alongside the great team he developed.

On joining he repositioned Rosehill, leading to the physical reimagining of the building some years ago, by enabling a £3m capital transformation which retained the essence of the historic auditorium while providing facilities fit for the 21st century.

He has transformed the purpose of Rosehill - retaining and developing a commitment to high quality artistic experience but with a greater focus on work in the community, using the arts to help change lives and lift spirits. And, with his experience, he has been able to blend world-class talent with exciting, emerging and innovative talent both from within the community and further afield. His contribution to Rosehill and the wider community cannot be fully captured in words but is clearly visible in what he leaves behind.

The Board of Trustees wish to thank Richard for his work and his achievements and to wish him all the very best for whatever new challenges the future brings. And, in turn, he is the first to say, as we all do, that none of this would have been possible without the commitment, drive, experience and talent of the Rosehill team, trustees and volunteers, both past and present - and, of course, those that have supported and continue to support Rosehill financially, and in many other ways, including individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations.

Discussions with Richard have evolved over the past few months, and he will be leaving Rosehill at the end of this month.

The Board of Trustees are delighted to announce the appointment of Deanne Shallcross as Executive Director with immediate effect as a first step in succession. Deanne has been with Rosehill for three years, she understands and shares our aims, is known in the community from her current and previous roles, and is a performer in her own right. We very much look forward to working with Deanne in her new role.

Over the coming weeks the Board and Deanne will review the artistic needs and further changes and additions necessary to take the theatre forward.

Despite the ongoing challenges presented by COVID we are all committed to resuming performances as soon as possible and to progressively bringing the building back to life as the current restrictions are lifted.

John Clarke
Chair
Rosehill Arts Trust Ltd