Royal Society of Arts
The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA),[2][4] commonly known as the Royal Society of Arts, is a London-based organisation committed to finding practical solutions to social challenges.[5][6][1]
The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce | |
 | |
| Abbreviation | RSA |
|---|---|
| Established | 1754 |
| Founder | William Shipley |
| Founded at | London, England |
| Type | Registered charity[1] |
| Legal status | Royal Charter Company[2] |
Professional title | FRSA |
| Headquarters | 8 John Adam Street London, WC2N 6EZ |
| Fields | Arts and culture |
Membership | 30,000+ fellows[3] |
Official language | English |
Key people |
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| Website | www |
Formerly called | Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce |
The RSA's mission expressed in the founding charter was to "embolden enterprise, enlarge science, refine art, improve our manufacturers and extend our commerce", but also of the need to alleviate poverty and secure full employment. On its website, the RSA characterises itself as "an enlightenment organisation committed to finding innovative practical solutions to today's social challenges".
Notable past Fellows (before 1914, Members) include Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Hawking, Karl Marx, Adam Smith, Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela, David Attenborough, Judi Dench, William Hogarth, John Diefenbaker, and Tim Berners-Lee. Today, the RSA has fellows elected from 80 countries worldwide.