Ros Martin: Freelance Writer, Playwright, and Spoken Word Artist Making a Difference in the Arts World
Ros Martin is a prominent figure in the UK arts scene, known for her multi-faceted role as a freelance writer, playwright, spoken word artist, and producer. Operating under the banner of Olawale Arts, Martin has made significant contributions to the creative world, particularly through her work addressing race, identity, social justice, and intergenerational storytelling. Through her vast experience, she has touched lives, inspired change, and created art that resonates with both local and global audiences.
Who is Ros Martin?
Ros Martin, based in Bristol, England, has a dynamic and varied career in the arts, where she has become an essential part of the cultural landscape. As a writer, playwright, poet, producer, and artist, Martin’s work covers a wide range of artistic expressions, including theatre, film, spoken word, and educational projects. For nearly two decades, she has been a tireless advocate for creativity, activism, and social equity. She is best known for her deeply moving performances and thought-provoking work that addresses the complexities of race, the African diaspora, and historical legacies of colonialism.
Her work is not just about the creation of art; it’s also about creating opportunities for others and building bridges between generations. As a freelancer, Martin has been involved in a number of creative initiatives that highlight stories from marginalized communities and encourage reflection on societal issues. This work is often presented through immersive, interactive projects that engage diverse audiences.
Olawale Arts: A Platform for Social Change and Creative Expression
Olawale Arts, the creative platform founded and managed by Ros Martin, serves as the backbone of her freelance work. The website, Olawale Arts, offers a comprehensive look at the projects, workshops, and performances she has been involved with, showcasing her ability to merge art with activism. Through Olawale Arts, Martin provides a range of creative services, including bespoke workshops, educational resources, and community outreach initiatives.
The platform has also been a space for digital media projects that tackle significant issues. One of her most notable works under Olawale Arts is Daughters of Igbo Woman (2017), a digital film trilogy that explores themes of family, diaspora, and the enduring impact of the transatlantic slave trade. The project, created with writers Akachi Ezeigbo and Vida Rawlins, is a testament to Martin’s commitment to using art as a tool for cultural preservation and healing.
Educational Projects and Workshops
A key component of Ros Martin’s work as a freelancer is her ability to create and deliver bespoke educational projects and workshops. These workshops, designed for schools and community groups, are aimed at fostering creativity while addressing important social issues. They are tailored to the needs of participants and often incorporate elements of storytelling, poetry, and performance. By engaging with young people and community members, Martin helps to cultivate a new generation of socially conscious artists who understand the power of their voices.
Before I Am Rendered Invisible – A Powerful Reflection on Racial Inequality
In 2022, Ros Martin published Before I Am Rendered Invisible: Resistance From The Margins. This book serves as a compilation of her performance writings over the past two decades, blending poetry, playwriting, memoir, and social commentary. The work delves into the experiences of Black people in Bristol and beyond, focusing on their struggles, resilience, and resistance in the face of systemic racism.
Before I Am Rendered Invisible is not only a personal archive of Martin’s journey but also a vital resource that highlights the importance of art as a form of resistance. The book resonates with those who are fighting for racial equality and justice and serves as a reminder of the work still needed to achieve social change. Through her words, Martin creates a space for marginalized voices, offering a powerful and unapologetic narrative that demands to be heard.
Intergenerational Projects and Social Impact
One of the standout features of Martin’s work is her dedication to intergenerational storytelling and community engagement. In June 2024, she will co-curate an event titled Anyone Remember the Washhouse?, which is a creative exploration of memories and shared histories from local elders. Collaborating with respected figures like Savita da Souza, Silu Pascoe, Doreen Baidoo, Mary Phipps, and Pauline Glanville, Martin will bring together different generations to share stories and connect across time.
The event, which will be held at the Launderette space in Stokes Croft, Bristol, will feature a series of intergenerational activities. It is designed to help preserve the memories of elders and honor their contributions to the community. By co-curating this project, Martin continues to build on her legacy of social impact, using art to create spaces for reflection, learning, and collective healing.
Theatre and Performance Art
In addition to her work in film and digital media, Ros Martin has also made significant contributions to the theatre scene. She has been involved in various theatre projects, often addressing themes of identity, migration, and historical trauma. One of her major theatre-based projects is A Wing, A Prey, A Song, which was presented in London in 2013. The project was supported by renowned artist Yinka Shonibare and the Arts Council England and explored African diaspora stories through a combination of live theatre and animation.
Martin’s work in theatre continues to challenge audiences to engage with difficult but important conversations. Her performances are not just about entertainment; they are about education, empowerment, and sparking change. Through theatre, she brings attention to the struggles of marginalized communities, amplifying voices that often go unheard.
The Future of Ros Martin and Olawale Arts
As a freelancer and artist, Ros Martin’s impact on the arts world continues to grow. Through Olawale Arts, she has established herself as a key figure in the creative sector, combining her passion for art with her commitment to activism. With upcoming projects like Anyone Remember the Washhouse? and ongoing initiatives such as educational workshops, she remains a powerful force for change.
Ros Martin’s ability to bring together different forms of art, from theatre and poetry to digital media and social activism, makes her an invaluable contributor to the cultural fabric of the UK and beyond. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to use their voices and their art to create a better, more inclusive world.
For more information on Ros Martin’s work and upcoming projects, visit Olawale Arts.
