Latest Thinking

Press release

Royal Society of Arts and AOAP Projects announce a new annual exhibition for London’s art calendar

The launch of a new annual summer exhibition, “Illuminated,” conceived to become a fixture in London’s summer cultural calendar.

27 May 2026

A grid of twelve diverse artworks, including a seascape with boats—evoking the spirit of Thames Freeport—geometric patterns, hands playing a game, spoons, wildfire, abstract art, a Pantone swatch with portrait, cake with candles, and soft pink shapes.

Press release

Thames Freeport trials new approach to making investment work for local communities

Thames Freeport is set to become one of the first major investment zones in the UK to trial a new approach which ensures local people benefit from the economic growth it generates.

12 May 2026

A panoramic view of London with the River Thames in the center, modern skyscrapers in the background, including The Shard, and a mix of trees, parks, and residential buildings in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

Online Exclusive

Prophecy and power: why we should be wary of AI’s crystal ball

From hiring decisions to criminal justice, AI predictions are shaping modern life. Ahead of an RSA event based on her new book, philosopher Carissa Véliz warns that these systems do more than forecast the future – they influence and constrain it.

11 May 2026 Mike Thatcher

A woman in vintage clothing looks surprised whilst gazing into a crystal ball, with one hand raised and the other resting near the ball on a table.

Replay

The future of the creative industries

An afternoon of discussion on the latest study into the future of the creative industry and how its full potential for growth can be realised.

12 May 2026

Colourful abstract illustration featuring light bulbs, plants, flowers, gears, keys, arrows, and puzzle pieces on a beige background, symbolising creativity, ideas, and problem-solving.

report

Thames Freeport Commission

In 2025, the Thames Freeport Board asked the Royal Society of Arts to establish an independent commission to recommend an approach to the Social Value Framework. Read the commission’s recommendations in this report.

8 May 2026

Replay

The Observer Book Club: Braver New World

An evening of discussion with journalist John Kampfner based on his book, Braver New World, which explores how we can learn from others to build a better society.

21 May 2026

Illustration of a light bulb with the world map inside it, symbolising global ideas or innovation—perfect for promoting events like the John Kampfner RSA London event; continents are orange, oceans blue, and lines around the bulb represent illumination.

Comment

Reimagining education in a post-Covid world

Alex Soulsby FRSA explores how the International Arts and Imagination Network is putting imagination at the heart of learning.

24 Apr 2026 Alex Soulsby

Overhead view of three people sitting at a colourful, paint-splattered table, using imagination to create small clay sculptures with tools and materials spread around—perfect for reimagining education through hands-on learning.

Replay

The Observer on the social impact of AI

Join us for a panel conversation on how AI is rewiring our emotional lives.

13 May 2026

An illustration of six people working at desks using computers and laptops. They are seated separately, each focused on their screens, in a busy office-like environment with neutral-toned backgrounds.

Replay

Who Controls the Future?

An in-depth discussion answering the question: what happens when the future arrives pre-decided?

18 May 2026

Two hands with red-painted nails are held up against a dark background, puppet-like strings tied to each finger—an image evoking the future and A.I. shaping and controlling our actions from behind the scenes.

Replay

Inside the life of Elizabeth II

Acclaimed royal biographer Robert Hardman takes to the stage for an intellectually curious evening exploring the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.

06 May 2026