Teachers’ cash to help with building lessons

Dec 26 2007 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

EXTRA funding is to be made available to help local teachers and children discover more about the North-East’s buildings over the next two years.

The news follows the announcement of a new funding package by CABE, the Government’s adviser on architecture, urban design and public space.

The £110,000 package for 2008-2010 has been awarded to Northern Architecture, formed in 1998 in response to a demand for an organisation that focuses on architecture in the region.

The Newcastle-based organisation promotes public events, workshops and competitions to stimulate and promote debate about architecture in the region.

In addition to CABE, funding comes from the Arts Council North-East, which has also announced a renewal of its funding for Northern Architecture.

The cash will be used to fund public events, debates about the built environment, and workshops and competitions for young people.

Teachers will receive support to help them explore the built environment with their pupils.

Initiatives will also be funded aimed at encouraging communities to develop new skills and plans to improve local neighbourhoods.

Andrew Guest, director of Northern Architecture, welcomed the cash boost, adding: “If we want our children and grandchildren to live in a world where they have the same choices and the freedom to meet their needs as we have, it is vital that we as a region address issues that will affect future generations.

“So this is great news and will go a long way to raising awareness of architecture and its impact on local lives and communities.”

CABE is granting £1.86m to fund 21 architecture and built environment centres in England. The regional programme has made awards since 2002 to help support and strengthen the centres.