Can art save us?

Can art save us?

Monday 16th March 2026

6:30-8:00pm

RSA House and online via YouTube

The impulse to be creative is ingrained in the human spirit. We often turn to art not only to capture the beauty of the world, but also to manage it’s complexities.

But in an age where art is often devalued in favour of creating capital, will a new generation of artists be able to maintain their creative output?

In conversation, John Studzinski reflects on a lifetime of supporting artists and cultural organisations, and on what he has learned about the role creativity plays in mental health, recovery and collective life. The event also marks the 25th anniversary of the Genesis Foundation in 2026.

After the panel discussion in our historic Great Room, there will be the chance to head down to the Durham Street Auditorium for a preview screening of John’s new opera, Angels on the Underground, by Will Todd, with libretto by Sally Gardner.

This event forms part of the Genesis Foundation’s Genesis Conversations series.

Speakers:

• John Studzinski CBE, Philanthropist and Genesis Foundation Founder
• Will Todd, Musician and Composer
• Rebecca Salter, President, Royal Academy of Arts

More speakers will be announced soon.

In collaboration with: Genesis Foundation

Image credit: Getty images StellaLevi