Arts Council mulls over future of Architecture Week
by Tom Walker | 02 Sep 2008
Arts Council England is extending its consultation on the future of Architecture Week to help decide "the most effective way of engaging the public with art and architecture".
In a statement the arts body said that it will carry out wider consultation throughout the built environment sector, including the Architecture Foundation, IGNITE and local authorities.
The consultation follows a review commissioned by the council and its Architecture Week partners, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architecture Centre Network.
The review was commissioned by the Arts Council and conducted by Leeds Metropolitan University to give an independent appraisal of the value of Architecture Week.
As a result, the partnership decided that an overhaul was needed, with three options being considered.
The three alternatives for the future format of Architecture Week are an annual or biennial programme of up to nine key architecture events located around the country; An annual regional event, a form of Architecture Week to be held in a different region each year; and supporting current and continuing activities taking place throughout the country related to art, architecture and the public realm that are not currently part of Architecture Week.
Andrew Brown, acting director, Visual Arts Strategy at Arts Council England, said: “The Leeds Metropolitan University review was crucial and gave us an objective overview of the strengths and weaknesses of Architecture Week.
“Discussing the review with our partners at RIBA and Architecture Centre Network has been hugely beneficial, but it is important that we now consult the sector more widely before making a final decision.
“Which ever option is chosen, Arts Council England will continue to support art and architecture through its £149 million investment in visual arts over the next three years.”
Arts Council England is extending its consultation on the future of Architecture Week to help decide "the most effective way of engaging the public with art and architecture". In a statement the arts body said that it will carry out wider consultation throughout the built environment sector, including the Architecture Foundation, IGNITE and local authorities. The consultation follows a review commissioned by the council and its Architecture Week partners, the
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