The Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) and Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust (SLCT) have announced plans to extend their working relationship. The announcement has been timed to coincide with the first annual Stephen Lawrence Day (Monday 22 April 2019).
RIBA first joined forces with the Trust over 20 years ago with initiatives including the Stephen Lawrence Prize for architecture and the annual Stephen Lawrence Memorial Lecture. Last year, the RIBA hosted several events to mark the Trust’s anniversary year, including a very special gala dinner and auction which raised over £100,000.
This year, the RIBA and the SLCT will be working together on education projects in schools across the country, building on the work of RIBA’s 400+ Architecture Ambassadors and National Schools Programme which has reached over 21,500 children across the UK. The RIBA will also be funding a full-time member of staff at the SLCT to lead on partnership projects, and the RIBA’s regional teams will help the Trust to expand their reach outside of London.
RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire, said:
“I am happy and proud the RIBA is working ever more closely with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to give young people the opportunities that Stephen was denied. The RIBA is committed to broadening access to architecture and supporting the Trust’s aim to create a fairer society in which everyone, regardless of their background, can flourish. Together we can inspire the next generation of talented young people who wish to pursue a career in architecture, and I look forward to embarking on the next stage of our journey.”
SLCT Chief Executive, Sonia Watson, said:
“The Trust are determined to ensure the places and spaces we inhabit are designed and constructed by us all. We are delighted to continue our journey with the RIBA to broaden the views of even more young people of what’s possible and help them gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. For further RIBA press information contact Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org +44 (0) 20 7580 3811
2. For further SLCT press information contact julie@stephenlawrence.org.uk 07775 593447
3. Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust
The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.
The Trust runs high impact programmes that inspire and enable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in the career of their choice.
The Trust works with young people aged between 13 and 30 to broaden their view of what’s possible and help them gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications they need. It supports them through school, further education and as they progress through the early stages of their career.
The Trust also works with government, business and communities to create a society in which everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity and support to flourish.
The Trust has a purpose-built Centre in South London which has recently been refurbished entirely pro bono through the generosity of companies in the building industry. The Centre is both the base for its high impact programmes and provides local communities, start-ups and entrepreneurs with affordable working and event space.
You can download the Trust’s Partner Pack from www.stephenlawrenceday.org with ideas on how to spread the word, have fun raising funds, join the conversation and show your commitment to creating a fairer and more inclusive society. In whatever way you choose to get involved, you will be helping to increase our impact inspiring young people and strengthening communities.
In April 2018, during the memorial service held to mark the 25th anniversary since Stephen Lawrence’s murder, Prime Minister Theresa May announced that every year, 22 April will be national Stephen Lawrence Day.
The Prime Minister said that Stephen Lawrence Day will be “an opportunity for young people to use their voices and should be embedded in our education and wider system regardless of the government of the day.” She went on to say, “We will use this day to encourage and support young people in achieving their dreams, and to reflect on Stephen’s life, death and the positive change he has inspired.”
The government, Stephen’s mother Baroness Lawrence, and the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust are working together to deliver the first Stephen Lawrence Day on Monday 22 April 2019.
Stephen Lawrence Day is about unity, reflection and action. It is about the part we all play in creating a society in which everyone can flourish. The Trust, founded by Stephen’s mother, Baroness Lawrence, continues to inspire and support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with a focus on supporting young aspiring architects.
In celebration of Stephen Lawrence Day, this year the mile 18 marker in the Virgin Money London Marathon has been designed by three aspiring young architects who won a competition organised by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and London Marathon Events Ltd with their design concept ‘Because of Stephen we can’. The competition to design the marker reflects Stephen’s own aspiration to pursue a career in architecture as well as his love of running.
5. Royal Institute of British Architects
Each year, the RIBA hosts the Stephen Lawrence Memorial Lecture awards Stephen Lawrence Prize. Since 1998, its inaugural year, the Prize has been supported by the Marco Goldschmied Foundation and aims to encourage new, experimental architectural talent, celebrating and rewarding projects with a construction budget of less than £1 million.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates.
