Architecture Centre Network – the national advocacy, support and development organisation for 20+ architecture and built environment centres in the UK – will close as an organisation at the end of June 2012. Read a history of the Network here.
The architecture centres will continue to work as a network, to collaborate, share knowledge and information, advocate for good design and ‘help people make better places’.
Regrettably, alternative funding has not been secured for Architecture Centre Network following the loss of core funding. Since its establishment in 2002, the Architecture Centre Network delivered a range of activity: from international conferences to education events; from promoting centres’ activity through a central website to providing advocacy; from creating resources to public talks.
Peter Bishop, Chair of Architecture Centre Network, said: "This announcement fills me with great sadness. The Architecture Centre Network has been instrumental in coordinating and promoting the work of the centres and has helped to establish them as a resource valued by local communities and respected internationally. At a time of reductions in public expenditure coupled with a concerted drive to empower local communities, the role the centres is more important than ever if we are to create economically successful sustainable and beautiful places for people to live and work in."
Architecture centres are independent, influential, and inclusive, providing expertise, experience and creativity. They have the understanding of the specific local conditions, critical to providing meaningful design advice and support. The centres deliver a range of built environment education and learning activity for children and adults, the public and professionals.
"... architecture centres’ vital role. The RIBA does little to bring or explain modern architecture to the public. It is left to architecture commentators like myself and architecture centres to do that job (Architecture Centre Network seeks funding News January 13). We writers have our own views, so from us the public gets an opinion. The centres offer exhibitions and information – not opinions. If architects want to be understood and loved, they should start supporting them."
Kirsten Elliott via bdonline and BD
"The Architecture Centre Network continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing innovation, developing work, and advocating the importance of architecture across the country. With our sustained investments, the organisation has provided invaluable resources and is committed to promoting and maintaining excellence. Ultimately its work stimulates debate, and makes us re-think and re-imagine our built environment and everyday surroundings."
Moira Sinclair, Executive Director, Arts Council England, London
