Our work

In 1999 Rosetta Life pioneered life storytelling in hospices and in 2001 introduced digital arts connectivity to end of life care, creating the first platform to connect hospice service users through their stories in 20 hospices across the UK. Since 2001 the work has expanded to embrace a wide range of participant-led choral, dance, song, photography and film projects with communities living with life-limiting illness. Browse the Rosetta Life story here.

Explore some of our projects

2018 Dream a Difference

A digital poetry project connecting small schools or informal learning centres internationally where communities are facing the challenges and personal losses associated with war, conflict and displacement. http://www.dreamadifference.art Image already added

2014 – 2018 Stroke Odysseys

A practice research project to develop a performance arts intervention for neuro-rehabilitation in South London. Funded by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, The Cultural Institute at Kings College London, Arts Council England and City Bridge Trust. For dedicated website see www.strokeodysseys.org

2005 – 2018 Rosetta Life Song Hits

Songs about living with life-limiting illness have played a major role in Rosetta Life projects. Written in collaboration with songwriters and musicians, including Billy Bragg, Orlando Gough, Roots Manuva, Harvey Brough, Sandi Thom, Donald Shaw, participants have found their life experiences given remarkable voice.

2016 – 2017 Performance Collaborations with Garsington Opera

The Hospital Ball and Hospital Passion Play are two recent collaborations between Garsington Opera Community Chorus and Rosetta Life, flagship projects that show the potential of innovative partnering initiatives.

2013 – 2018 Performances in Museums

A series of ground-breaking collaborations with the education and community departments of major museums and arts organisations to coincide with major exhibitions. Bringing those touched by life-limiting illness into the culture of museums and opera.

2009 – 2012 Moving into Being

Movement workshops introducing independent dance practice to the vulnerable and frail.

2008 – 2011 Public Engagement

Rosetta Life projects that encourage the wider public to talk more about death and dying.

2009 – 2010 Performing Ourselves

Performance enables the frail and vulnerable to represent themselves directly. In this people can regain self-esteem, a degree of health, and challenge stigma.

2008-2012 Advocacy

Rosetta Life Projects commissioned to raise public awareness about issues faced by particular life-limited communities.

2002-2005 Rosetta Life Film Dramas

Dramas co-written and performed by people living with bereavement and life-limiting illness.

2005 Rosetta Requiem

A project commissioned by DCMS Culture Online, showcasing collaborations between people living with life-limiting illness and established artists, including Billy Bragg, Jarvis Cocker, Emily Young, Roots Manuva, Asif Kapadia, Michael Nyman.

2007 The Songrooms

An online song making initiative featuring collaborations between Jarvis Cocker, Roots Manuva, Jason Donavan, Leo Abrahams, Sandi Thom, Theo Gordon, Harvey Brough, and children in hospices worldwide.

2004 Rosetta Life Festival

A week long festival of theatre, dance, music and film celebrating Rosetta Life’s groundbreaking arts and health initiatives in the hospice movement.

2002-2007 Bereavement

Participational film making proves a powerful therapy when it comes to facing bereavement.

2003-2012 Some amazing stories

Powerful stories lie at the heart of Rosetta Life initiatives.

1998 – 2003 The First Five Years

Highlights from Hospice Residencies 1998-2003