Royal Academy of Arts

"Sometimes we need to spend time doing nothing – just stare into space. We need that fallow time," says Lauren Child, when journalist and author Nicolette Jones poses the question "how do you come up with your ideas?" This, and many more thoughts about creativity, from the 'Charlie and Lola' author and Waterstones Children's Laureate, in this inspiring talk from the RA's Festival of Ideas.

Designer Thomas Heatherwick speaks to the RA’s Head of Architecture Kate Goodwin at the RA Festival of Ideas, about some of his most celebrated architectural projects, including the Rolling Bridge in London, the 2012 Olympic Cauldron and the newly opened Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross. Look out for details of the next Festival of Ideas line-up, coming soon: https://roy.ac/FOI2019

In a lecture at the RA's first Festival of Ideas, author and historian David Cannadine reveals how Sir Winston Churchill’s passion for art went beyond that of a private hobby, forming an essential part of his public persona. Look out for details of the next Festival of Ideas, coming soon: https://roy.ac/FOI2019

Working-class artists continue to be underrepresented in the arts. How has this inequality shaped the practice of contemporary artists? Has it helped or hindered their creativity? Oscar- and Grammy-winning film director Asif Kapadia, award-winning crime novelist Dreda Say Mitchell, and the artist Bob and Roberta Smith RA, as they reflect on their own experiences of class and its influence on their work. Chaired by the writer and broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake, the panel will also look at what needs to change and how. Come to the next Festival of Ideas live in the RA's Benjamin West Lecture Theatre – line-up coming soon: https://roy.ac/FOI2019

The legendary British portrait photographer David Bailey joins RA Artistic Director Tim Marlow to share how he fell in love with Picasso, life in fashion and the arts – “it’s terrible” – and his approach to models and portraiture. Come to the next Festival of Ideas live in the RA's Benjamin West Lecture Theatre – line-up coming soon: https://roy.ac/FOI2019

Rupert Goold, Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre, and playwright James Graham discuss the importance of the theatre in the current cultural climate. Chaired by journalist and broadcaster Sarah Crompton at the RA's Festival of Ideas, the speakers emphasise the value of creating communities through live theatre. Look out for details of the next Festival of Ideas line-up, coming soon: https://roy.ac/FOI2019

The bestselling author of over 140 books for children, Michael Morpurgo talks to journalist and critic Claire Armitstead at the RA Festival of Ideas about his two new novels. 'In The Mouth of The Wolf' tells the epic true story of Morpurgo’s two uncles during World War Two, while 'Flamingo Boy', inspired by the author’s grandson, focuses on a young autistic boy living in France during the Occupation. Come to the next Festival of Ideas live in the RA's Benjamin West Lecture Theatre – line-up coming soon: https://roy.ac/FOI2019

One of the most respected dance artists working in the UK today, Akram Khan joins writer and broadcaster Sarah Crompton at the RA’s Festival of Ideas, opening up on his influences, his work with the “godfather of visual art”, the challenges of creative collaboration, and the process of ageing as a dancer. Come to the next Festival of Ideas live in the RA's Benjamin West Lecture Theatre – line-up coming soon: https://roy.ac/FOI2019

Renowned as one of the most sublime dancers of her generation, Tamara Rojo speaks to broadcaster John Wilson about her role as Artistic Director and Lead Principal dancer of the English National Ballet. Speaking at the RA Festival of Ideas, Rojo shares how she discovered ballet, the euphoria of being on stage and coming to terms with the physical limitations of age. Look out for details of the next Festival of Ideas, coming soon: https://roy.ac/FOI2019

Turner Prize-nominee Yinka Shonibare RA discusses his interdisciplinary art practice – critiquing the establishment, money and power in the art world and emerging art markets. He speaks to critic and author Louisa Buck, as part of the RA's Festival of Ideas. Look out for details of the next Festival of Ideas, coming soon: https://roy.ac/FOI2019