Would I want to join this club?
Out of the blue I got an invitation to sign on the dotted line, send a cheque and become a Fellow of the RSA - I'm sure thousands of others got the same mailshot but it was nice to be asked.
The Society was founded in 1754 by William Shipley, a painter and social activist. He brought together a group of individuals to propose a manifesto for Society "to embolden enterprise, enlarge science, refine arts, improve our manufactures and extend our commerce".
Sounds like a good traditional club with decent aims... oh dear, they changed their aims to a new manifesto last year...
Encouraging Enterprise
Moving Towards a Zero Waste Society
Fostering Resilient Communities
Developing a Capable Population
Advancing Global Citizenship
,,,For instance - one project...
Arts & Ecology
The issue of the environment is one of the major challenges of our time. Climate change, pollution and contamination, waste and the exploitation of resources are key concerns. How the environment functions alongside poverty and party politics, conflict, global trade and land use is a pressing matter for a growing number of artists. The RSA in partnership with Arts Council England has launched a new programme to profile, encourage and support artists in addressing ecological concerns at both local and global levels.
Nah- don't think I'll bother...