Architecture Centre Network – the national advocacy, support and development organisation for 20+ architecture and built environment centres in the UK – has announced that it will close as an organisation at the end of June 2012.
Architecture Centre Network states:
Regrettably, alternative funding has not been secured for Architecture Centre Network following the loss of core funding from Arts Council England.
The architecture centres will continue to collaborate, share knowledge and information, advocate for good design and ‘help people make better places’.
Since its establishment in 2002, the Architecture Centre Network has, delivered on behalf of the centres 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. The programme of activity, including upcoming public talks, will continue until June 2012.
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.
With a collective expert staff of over 135, supported by over 450 volunteers and 200+ built environment design professionals, the centres have a significant impact. The Architecture Centre Network encourages you to contact your local architecture centre to find out how you can support it.
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