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Dear Clive, I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes the RSA remarkable. For 271 years, this place has brought together people who refuse to stay in their lane. Whilst the world has narrowed – organisations picking sides, talking only to those who already agree – the RSA has quietly done the opposite. It has stayed open. Curious. Generous with ideas. What strikes me most is this fascinating tension between tradition and disruption. The RSA has consistently championed innovation while maintaining deep roots and enduring values. That tension isn’t a contradiction; it’s our advantage, and I want us to lean into it. That openness feels precious today. In a world that rewards division, the RSA remains a place where difference leads to discovery: where a potter can talk to a programmer, and someone designing buildings can sit next to someone designing policy. That’s been our superpower for nearly three centuries. And it’s exactly what our divided world needs now. I’ve seen what happens when people from different worlds work together on things that matter – chairing the Grenfell Foundation, working across the creative industries on neurodiversity. Real change happens through connection, not just policy. That’s what this place has always understood. Over the summer, I have met with many Fellows, I’ve spent time with our chair Sir Loyd Grossman, the Board, and every RSA team member. This team are brilliant, inspiring, deeply committed to you, and driven to make meaningful change happen. I want to thank Andy Haldane for everything he’s built – his work has been truly transformative. Conversations with Fellows will continue to infuse this new chapter. We’re shaping the year ahead around clear commitments: better communication, programming that sparks curiosity and brings the arts back to the heart of our work, improving Circle for easier connection, and making our events unmissable again across the UK and internationally. We’ll bring back the big conversations on the future of work, technology, education, and the social fabric that holds us together. Amid the noise of the current news cycle, we’ll offer something vital: optimism and inspiration. We’re also spotlighting the work of Fellows: your stories, projects, and ideas. Not just to celebrate them, but to inspire others. Making it easier to connect, participate and collaborate. Because the most valuable thing about this community is what you’re doing out there in the world. We have something precious: a place where belonging means being connected to fascinating people who care about things that matter. I’m excited about where we’re headed – together. Thank you for being at the heart of it. David Joseph CBE |
