The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce)

Lee Child, 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. From Child’s global success with the Jack Reacher series to Mitchell’s work championing literacy and prison reading initiatives, this event examines how books can transform individuals and communities. Tickets are free but spaces are filling fast! ▶️ https://thersa.co/42Qpiqp

Can a running group become a form of mental health support? Jessica Robson founded Run Talk Run after struggling to find a running group that felt in step with what she was going through in her mental health. 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

Benjamin Franklin. Charles Dickens. Judi Dench. The Royal Society of Arts has always gathered people determined to leave their mark. Now it’s your turn. Join us for our next Open Morning at RSA House and discover what Fellowship at the RSA can offer. Become an FRSA for the day, explore the house through a guided tour, and learn more about the opportunities, connections and conversations at the heart of our Fellowship. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join our public event, The Power of Reading with Lee Child and Dreda Say Mitchell. 8 June 2026 | 9:15am – 1:00pm Get your ticket now ▶️ https://thersa.co/48T3n5b

As mental health support comes under increasing pressure in the UK, East London’s public art trail (The Line London) is offering something different. In the latest episode of RSA Journal Presents, Sarah Carrington, Director of The Line, and Christine Coker, the mindfulness practitioner and fitness coach behind its weekly Wellbeing Walks, reflect on how walking, conversation and public art can create space for reflection, connection and care – and how social prescribing can connect people to this kind of support. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://thersa.co/4eVXat8

We recently hosted a sold out live recording of The Observer News Meeting podcast in the Great Room. Deputy editor-in-chief Giles Whittell was joined by deputy sports editor Jessica Hayden, climate editor Jeevan Vasagar and chief political commentator Andrew Rawnsley for a behind the scenes insight into how editorial decisions are made and how the news agenda takes shape. From antisemitic violence and the May elections to Sabastian Sawe’s historic sub two hour marathon, the evening explored which stories deserved the headlines and sparked debate over what should lead the news agenda. Explore more events, including the Observer Book Club ▶️ https://thersa.co/3Qz4rVH

The Observer Book Club | Thursday 21 May | The Royal Society of Arts 📚 Join us for a discussion of Braver New World, the new book by award-winning journalist John Kampfner. He will be joined by former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband and The Observer UK Editor-in-Chief James Harding. Braver New World explores how countries across the globe are responding to today’s most pressing challenges, from inter-generational care in Japan to solar panels in the Sahara creating clean energy. Together, they will discuss what we can learn from these global examples, and how such ideas might help us build a better society. Limited free tickets available! ▶️ https://thersa.co/3PDTRwl

The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture is a series of six monumental paintings created by Irish artist James Barry between 1777 and 1784 for the Great Room at the Royal Society of Arts in London. Discover it with Scott Barry, eighth generation great-nephew of the artist, as he reads from Barry’s own summary of the paintings while reflecting on what it means to be connected to his work centuries later. Listen to the full piece on Bloomberg Connects ▶️ https://thersa.co/4wlMb2l

New analysis involving researchers from Queen Mary University of London, Lancaster University and the Climate and Community Institute estimates that the first 14 days of the Iran war generated more than 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). The findings suggest the conflict has already produced emissions greater than Iceland’s total annual carbon output, highlighting the often-overlooked environmental consequences of modern warfare. Ali Borhani FRSA, Managing Director of 3Sixty Strategic Advisors, joins Daisy Carter, Head of Strategic Programming at the Royal Society of Arts, to expose the hidden “carbon shadow” of war. 27 May | 6pm | The Royal Society of Arts Limited free tickets ▶️ https://thersa.co/49RTEwj

The Royal Society of Arts is now live on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app featuring museums, galleries and cultural institutions from around the world. Explore James Barry’s monumental paintings, virtual house tours, past exhibitions, archive treasures, botanical drawings, lifesaving inventions and more. Download the app ▶️ https://thersa.co/4wlMb2l

15 May 1991, Washington DC. More than 100 Fellows gathered at the Library of Congress for the presentation of the Benjamin Franklin Medal to Sir David Attenborough for his outstanding contributions to natural history, broadcasting and public education. The medal was presented by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, then President of the Royal Society of Arts. Speaking at the ceremony, Prince Philip reflected on Sir David’s “great talent for communication”, adding: “He makes the complex intelligible and the intelligible fascinating.” Later that day, a dinner for Fellows and their guests was held at the Smithsonian Castle, where Sir David was guest of honour and guest speaker.