A cloak for courage

In a world facing ecological and societal crises, the RSA’s 2024 theme of Courage takes on new significance.

This is the driving force behind "A Cloak for Courage," a work by eco-poet duo kin’d & kin’d (Kay Syrad FRSA and Clare Whistler FRSA), currently on display at RSA House. Their project explores courage in the Anthropocene, an era defined by human impact on the planet, and it invites us to rethink bravery as both a collective and ecological necessity. 

Syrad and Whistler's inspiration came from a talk at RSA House by Justin Welby on Embracing Courage,and their idea was cemented during the London Fellows Festival in March 2024.  It was at these events that they “began to imagine the Cloak being part of the RSA’s year of Courage”, connecting their artistic vision to the RSA’s broader mission. Their work reflects the RSA’s multidisciplinary approach, blending poetry, art, and activism to inspire change. 

Syrad and Whistler’s interest in courage also developed from their study of Jorie Graham, an American eco-poet whose collection To 2040 addresses an apocalyptic near-future. For Graham, courage has surpassed hope as a vital response to our world’s challenges. In her poem "Day," she asks, "What do you think your strength is for—," a question that resonates deeply with Syrad and Whistler's work. Inspired by Graham, they began to explore courage not just as a human trait, but as something that connects us to the "many-more-than-human" world. 

Their research began with three profound questions: What is the colour, form, or shape of courage? How can we conceive of courage with the many-more-than-human? What is the future of courage in the Anthropocene? 

These questions guided their creation of the cloak, a symbol of protection and resilience that challenges us to rethink traditional notions of bravery. Their work aligns strongly with the RSA’s Design for Life mission, which seeks to enable people, places, and the planet to flourish in harmony. By emphasizing courage as a necessity for environmental care and collaboration, "A Cloak for Courage" builds upon the RSA’s vision of a regenerative future. 

Ultimately, "A Cloak for Courage" is both a reflection and a call to action. By aligning with the RSA's Design for Life mission, it underscores the importance of courage rooted in empathy, creativity, and care for the natural world—qualities essential for shaping a more resilient and harmonious future.