RSA

03/06/2026

A new annual exhibition for London's cultural calendar.

Over its history, the Royal Society of Arts has counted figures such as Karl Marx, David Attenborough and Mary Moser among its members. Its legacy includes pioneering exhibitions, progressive social campaigns and influential policy work.

Building on this history, llluminated invites contemporary artists to explore themes of enlightenment, social value and collective progress – the founding principles of the RSA.

Presented in partnership with AOAP Projects, the exhibition brings together leading contemporary artists including Caroline C**n, Susie Hamilton, Helen Beard and Miriam Escofet.

Join us for the opening exhibition on 9 June at RSA House.

Limited free tickets ▶️ https://thersa.co/4ucDZyY

02/06/2026

The ability to read is a skill that most of us take for granted. Yet, more than two-thirds of prisoners in the UK have the reading skill of a primary school child.

Earlier this year, The Reading Agency launched a campaign to deliver 480,000 books into prisons across the UK, helping to ensure that every person in prison has access to high-quality, accessible reading.

The campaign is being championed by Lee Child, internationally bestselling author and the UK's first Prison Reading Laureate.

On Monday 8 June, the author of the Jack Reacher novels joins us at the Royal Society of Arts to discuss the transformative power of reading.

Limited free tickets available ▶️ https://thersa.co/3RGzHm5

01/06/2026

After last week's heatwave, summer has officially arrived. ☀️

Here's a look at some of the conversations, performances and big ideas coming to the Royal Society of Arts this June.

✅ Is reading in decline? Lee Child on the importance of literature - Bestselling author Lee Child joins award-winning writer Dreda Say Mitchell MBE to discuss what authors, institutions and readers can do to ensure reading remains central to culture, creativity and human connection.

✅ Edinburgh Fringe Preview Season at the Royal Society of Arts - Every Thursday in June, catch preview performances from some of the comedy acts heading to this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

✅ Yes, there is an alternative - Author and journalist George Monbiot joins author Jeremy Lent to explore what a life-enhancing future could look like.

Explore our full event programme ▶️

See what's on this month at RSA House. Explore our unmissable events programme.

30/05/2026

Over 100 million copies of Lee Child’s books have been sold worldwide, making Jack Reacher one of the most iconic action heroes of all time.

On Monday 8 June, Lee Child joins award-winning writer Dreda Say Mitchell at the Royal Society of Arts for a live conversation exploring the power of reading, literacy and the future of books in a changing world.

Tickets are free but spaces filling fast! ▶️

Join bestselling author Lee Child and Dreda Say Mitchell MBE and explore how reading transforms lives. Discover the power of books to unlock opportunity, bridge inequality, and remain central to our culture

28/05/2026

Want to catch some of the comedy circuit’s most exciting acts before they head to this year’s Edinburgh Festival? 🎤

Kicking off in June, every Thursday at 7pm the RSA will feature some of the most exciting comedy acts heading to the Fringe.

Book your ticket now! ▶️ https://thersa.co/4dbmytG

26/05/2026

Our Fellowship is a global network of creators, leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs united by a common goal: to progress society.

From Benjamin Franklin to Vivienne Westwood, RSA Fellows have sparked new ideas, forged powerful connections and driven change for more than 270 years.

Interested in becoming an RSA Fellow? Join us for our Open Morning to learn more about the Fellowship, meet prospective Fellows and explore the opportunities and connections at the heart of the Royal Society of Arts.

8 June 2026 | 9:15am – 1:00pm

Book your ticket ▶️ https://thersa.co/48T3n5b

Join us at RSA House in June to learn more about the history of the Royal Society of Arts and become an FRSA for the day.

25/05/2026

How can archives and heritage collections help spark conversations across generations?

RSA Senior Archivist Abby Matthews explores how collections can foster dialogue, strengthen communities and preserve collective memory through the relationship between historic archives and contemporary art.

Read the full article on RSAJournal+ ▶️

Senior Archivist, Abby Matthews argues that museums and archives do more than preserve the past. At their best, they ignite conversations between generations, reimagining memories and mapping the futures we choose to build

23/05/2026

The Covid-19 pandemic did more than disrupt schooling; it prompted a deeper reflection on how education might better enable young people to flourish, especially during uncertain times.

When school transformed into a laptop at the breakfast table, many of us began asking what education could – and should – be about.

These conversations took on a structure of their own and grew into an international creative education network, convened by Jane Bryant FRSA, Alex Soulsby FRSA and Rick Hall FRSA.

The International Arts and Imagination Network (IAIN) has since emerged. IAIN’s purpose is simple but ambitious: to nurture dialogue about imagination in learning, society and culture, especially at a time when education systems remain tightly measured, pressured and outcome-driven.

Continue reading the full article ▶️ https://thersa.co/4diahDv

22/05/2026

Lee Child, the bestselling author of the Jack Reacher novels, joins award-winning writer Dreda Say Mitchell for a live conversation at The Royal Society of Arts on Monday 8 June.

Together, they will explore the power of reading to shape and enrich lives and unlock opportunity for all.

They will discuss what authors, institutions and readers need to do to ensure reading remains central to culture and human connection.

Tickets are free but spaces are filling fast! ▶️

Join bestselling author Lee Child and Dreda Say Mitchell and explore how reading transforms lives. Discover the power of books to unlock opportunity, bridge inequality, and remain central to our culture

21/05/2026

Can a running group become a form of mental health support?

In the latest episode of RSA Journal Presents, Run Talk Run founder Jessica Robson reflects on how movement can create space for connection, conversation and care. Designed as a gentler alternative to more intimidating fitness spaces, the group gives people space to be alongside others – and, if they want to, talk openly about their mental health.

At a time when social prescribing is becoming a bigger part of the conversation around mental health, Run Talk Run points to the wider value of community-led support.

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://thersa.co/4eVXat8