Can art save us?

Why is it, that when life is at its hardest, we turn to art to cope?

Can art save us?

Monday 16th March 2026

6:30-7:45pm

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 its complexities. 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?

To answer this question, we will be joined by John Studzinski, philanthropist and Genesis Foundation founder, for a special conversation about his lifetime support of artists and cultural organisations and on what he has learned about the role creativity plays in mental health, recovery and collective life. The event forms part of the Genesis Foundation’s Genesis Conversations series and also marks the 25th anniversary of the Genesis Foundation.

The evening will begin with a preview screening of a new opera Angels on the Underground, composed by Will Todd, and a libretto by Sally Gardner. After the screening there will be a panel conversation and a Q&A session.

The evening will be followed by a networking drinks reception.

Speakers:

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

Chair:

• Jennifer Johnston FRSA, Opera Singer and Cultural Strategy Consultant

In collaboration with: Genesis Foundation

Image credit: Getty images StellaLevi