The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts (the RSA) is an enlightenment organisation committed to finding innovative practical solutions to today’s social challenges. Through its ideas, research and 27,000-strong Fellowship it seeks to understand and enhance human capability so we can close the gap between today’s reality and people’s hopes for a better world.

As part of that mission, the RSA public events programme has launched RSA Shorts (thersa.org/events/rsashorts).  This new series provides a snapshot of a big idea, blending voices from the RSA public events programme and the creative talents of illustrators and animators from around the world. It responds to the ever-increasing need for new ideas and inspiration in our busy lives and acts as a shot of ‘mental espresso’ to awaken the curiosity in all of us.

The audio of this RSA short is of Dr Brené Brown who spoke at the RSA on The Power of Vulnerability (thersa.org/events/audio-and-past-events/2013/the-power-of-vulnerability). She talks about the difference between sympathy and empathy and argues that to be truly empathetic you have to be vulnerable by connecting with someone’s pain in yourself.

Animated and directed by Katy Davis (AKA Gobblynne).

See more of Gobblynne’s illustration and animation work, or just pop by and say hello at:

Gobblynne website: gobblynne.com
Facebook: facebook.com/GobblynneAnimation
Twitter: twitter.com/Gobblynne
YouTube: youtube.com/GobblynneAnimation
Gobblynne Shop: society6.com/gobblynne/prints

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UPDATE! 08/04/2014

I’m chuffed to hear that my animation ‘RSA Shorts – The Power of Empathy’ has been selected as an Official Honoree in The Webby Awards in the Animation category: pv.webbyawards.com/2014/online-film-video/general-film-categories/animation/honorees

“Honorees like The RSA (and director Katy Davis) are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet,” said David-Michel Davies, Executive Director of The Webby Awards. “It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 12,000 entries we received this year.”

About The Webby Awards:

Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, Interactive Advertising & Media, Online Film & Video, Mobile & Apps, and Social. The 18th Annual Webby Awards received 12,000 entries from over 60 countries. Out of all the 12,000 entries submitted, fewer than 15% received this honor and were deemed an Official Honoree. The Webby Awards is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS).