George Musgrave appointed as Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts

Dr. George Musgrave has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Society of the Arts. The award recognises the contributions of exceptional individuals from across the world who have made significant contributions relating to the Arts, Manufacture and Commerce and to social change. The RSA was founded in 1754, and Fellows have included Charles Dickens, Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and Stephen Hawking. Today, the RSA Fellowship is an international community of 30,000 social entrepreneurs, scientists, community leaders, commercial innovators, artists, journalists, architects, engineers and more who are distinguished by the letters FRSA.

Dr. Musgrave studies the psychological experiences and working conditions of creative careers, with a current focus on mental health and wellbeing in the music industry. His co-authored study alongside Sally Anne Gross entitled ‘Can Music Make You Sick?’ was the largest known study into mental health and the music industry and led directly to the establishment of the first 24/7 mental health helpline for musicians – Music Minds Matter [*] – launched by the charity Help Musicians UK in 2017. The research has informed the work of organisations including NHS Wales and the Music Managers Forum, and was supported by music industry figures including Grant Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit and Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays. Today, this research continues to inspire the development of new mental health initiatives throughout the world including CURA and INSAART in France, Communion in Berlin and Upbeat GNV in America.

On being recognised by the RSA, Musgrave said, “I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded this Fellowship. It means a great deal to have received recognition of this kind and to be part of a community of change makers. This last year has been challenging for so many in the UK and around the world, but in my own field we have seen the emotional challenges of working and trying to build a life in the creative industries. I look forward to continuing my research agenda as part of the Royal Society of Arts”.

Image: George Musgrave