Native transdisciplinary and dance artist Rosy Simas (Seneca, Heron clan) founded Rosy Simas Danse (RSD) in 2012 to support the creation and presentation of Native contemporary dance and art. 

Rosy Simas Danse’s primary commitment is to create and present innovative, contemporary Native art that connects artists and audiences. RSD makes visible the work of Native artists locally, nationally, and internationally to shift the global view of how Native people are seen and demonstrate that Native artists are contemporary, groundbreaking artists who bring critical Indigenous worldviews to all fields of the arts.

RSD presents and tours work to audiences across Turtle Island and networks with community arts organizations and national institutions to create critical connections, fostering artist and audience development. Under the Artistic Director’s direction, RSD creates installation, performance, and community engagement activities (open rehearsals, workshops, dialogue, cultural exchanges, and community gatherings around meals) in Mni Sota Makoce.

In 2021, RSD expanded its programming to ensure that Native and BIPOC artists, disproportionately affected by COVID-19, social uprising, and divisive politics, had a safe space to create. RSD opened three thirty one space in the Northrup King Building  and began offering artist residencies.

Jerome Foundation supports Rosy Simas Danse’s Artist in Residence program. Over 24 months, six early-career Minnesota-based Native and BIPOC generative dance, transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary artists receive 24/7 access to studio space for 2-4 weeks and individualized support, which includes scheduling events, hiring consultants, artistic feedback, design feedback and support, development, writing, and work sample support, and skill-building support using software and equipment such as Qlab, A/V & lighting equipment. Participants also receive an artist fee, and stipends to support documentation, nutrition, accessibility, supplies, and technical consultation.