FRSA and the Bigger Picture: Why I Joined the Royal Society of Arts

The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce

This month, I became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a milestone I’m genuinely proud of. I first came across the FRSA while exploring ways to connect my work in music and education to something broader. The more I read, the clearer it became: this wasn’t just a credential but a gateway to a global network of people committed to doing good, creative work that matters.

The RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) has been championing social progress since 1754. It brings together artists, educators, technologists, policy leaders — anyone using their craft to help reshape society. Their mission? Regeneration. Through creativity. Through courage. Through action. It’s ambitious. And it resonates deeply.

Becoming a Fellow isn’t about prestige; it’s about alignment. I’ve spent years composing, performing, directing, and teaching across multiple contexts. Now I want to do more: guest lecturing, creative workshopping, contributing to pedagogy dialogues that reach beyond my region. The RSA offers a platform for exactly that, a way to be part of something larger than my immediate circle.

Since joining, I’ve been exploring RSA Circles (their online community), watching how other Fellows share their projects, ideas, and provocations. It’s energising. No one’s waiting for permission. They’re just doing the work.

Right now, holding the FRSA means I have a little more clarity and, yes, responsibility. It’s a reminder that I’m part of a global conversation. My music, teaching, and values don’t exist in a vacuum.

To any educator or artist thinking about applying, just do it. It’s not just about recognition; it’s about momentum. Being surrounded by other people building, imagining, and experimenting sharpens your work. It reminds you of what’s possible. And it helps you pay that forward.

Learn more about RSA at www.thersa.org