RSA Salon: Brexit means…

Join us as we reinvent and rework the Enlightenment Salon for the challenges of the 21^st century!

After a hard-fought and bitter campaign, the EU referendum has revealed a country divided, and a gulf of mutual incomprehension between voters on either side of the debate.

The result has reflected a serious disconnect between the electorate and existing political parties, and the reality that many communities in Britain feel voiceless, disenfranchised and economically left behind. Furthermore, Brexit has raised serious questions about the nature of British identity in the 21st century, and the relationship between community identity, globalisation and immigration.

How should we understand Brexit, and what does it represent? Most importantly, where do we go from here? How can we as citizens help repair our civil society, and reinvent a more inclusive politics?  

Addressing these challenges requires meaningful public dialogue. This special RSA Salon is an invitation to a conversation about the sort of society we wish to build post-Brexit, and a collaborative discussion space to spark fresh insights and galvanize civic action.

Inspired by the salons and coffeehouses of the Enlightenment, we have developed this brand-new format in order to harness the power of civic discourse. Each RSA Salon will feature a short introduction by a leading thinker on a current ‘wicked problem’, and will be followed by lively, moderated group conversation at round tables. This is a participatory event; everyone is welcome and warmly encouraged to contribute. All RSA Salons take place in the RSA’s extraordinary Great Room - the hub of great ideas and civic action since the 18^th century.