As part of her ongoing commitment to supporting architecture students, Ruth Reed, the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is to host a charitable fundraising dinner on June 24, 2011 to support the RIBA Education Fund. The evening will feature an auction of items donated by some of the UK's most recognised architects, hosted by aspiring Lib Dem candidate for London Mayor, Lembit Opik.
The RIBA Education Fund is a registered charity and all income raised goes exclusively into supporting students of architecture. The Fund provides grants to students facing severe financial hardship, enabling them to complete their architectural education. Since its establishment in 1997, the RIBA Education Fund has provided approximately £340,000 to architecture students in the UK.
In June last year, Ruth Reed announced a suite of proposals to further support architecture students, graduates, and young practitioners during this difficult economic situation, including an important change in the RIBA's Chartered Practice criteria, which commits every RIBA Chartered Practice to paying, at least, the statutory minimum wage to those students undertaking work that is eligible to count towards their PEDR requirement; the investment of an additional £75,000 into the RIBA student hardship fund for 2010 and 2011, which trebled the funds available, and with the University of Sheffield, the RIBA has conducted research into destinations for those leaving architecture before completing their professional training, and reviewing courses in architecture to improve employability and the economy.
"Poor employment conditions, rising living costs and imminent trebling of tuition fees are creating very difficult financial conditions in which architecture students are struggling to complete their qualifications," Reed said. "The RIBA Education Fund has helped students over the years complete an academic year. Not surprisingly demand is rising and the fund diminishing.
As part of my Presidential initiatives I have been pursuing ways to bolster this support, and this fundraiser is a great opportunity for the profession to provide vital support to the next generation of architects whilst having an enjoyable evening; I hope many practices will throw their weight behind this initiative."
The drinks and dinner will take place at the RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London W1 at 7.30pm. Individual tickets are on sale for £150 and tables of 10 are on sale for £1500.
To book tickets, contact Julie Matthews at the RIBA on +44 (0)20 7307 3815 or julie.matthews at inst.riba.org. Dress code is lounge suits.
Photo: Courtesy of RIBA