The Royal Society of the Arts

Introduction

In 2005, I was invited to become a Fellow of the The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce - perhaps better known simply as the Royal Society of the Arts, or The RSA.

About The RSA

The RSA was founded in 1754 by William Shipley, a painter and social activist, on a manifesto "to embolden enterprise, enlarge science, refine arts, improve our manufactures and extend our commerce".

Today the RSA's work is framed by five manifesto challenges that reflect the original mission in 21st-century terms. These challenges are delivered through a portfolio of projects and a lecture programme consisting of over 100 events every year. It remains an independent, non-aligned, multi-disciplinary body, supported by 25,000 Fellows and registered as a charity in England and Wales.

Primarily based in London, the Society also has a number of regional Fellowship groups around the UK and across the world.