from April 1 2012 also open on Sundays: 12.00 – 17.00.
Raising awareness of the benefits of good building design by encouraging community participation in events and projects, is the main aim of a new nationwide programme announced today by the Deputy Culture Minister Allan Wilson.
The Scottish Executive will provide £900,000 over the next three years for a programme to be developed by Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City, The Lighthouse.
– specially devised local events to encourage debate and interest in design and architecture throughout the country as well as small grants for local projects and community events.
The Minister welcomed the scheme and said it would help foster a healthy debate about the status of Scotland's architecture both at home and abroad. He said: "I am delighted that The Lighthouse, with its international profile and reputation, will develop this programme. We share the aim of promoting excellence in design. "This national programme aims to stimulate community interest in architecture and the built environment. It includes direct support for local groups wishing to develop projects, events, publications and exhibitions.
Dr Stuart MacDonald, Director of The Lighthouse Glasgow, said: "The Lighthouse is absolutely delighted at this funding award. Crucially, it reinforces The Lighthouse's national role and will facilitate a range of projects around Scotland aimed at raising awareness of the built environment.
"We are all consumers of architecture and this will allow The Lighthouse to take the debate into communities and schools. The Virtual Architecture Centre will bring architectural issues, events and information to an even larger audience. "With 400,000 visitors since opening The Lighthouse has demonstrated how to make architecture more accessible.
The new Virtual Architecture Centre (VAC) web-site will deliver information nationally on architecture and the built environment. The VAC will also act as a link to local on-line architecture centres which will reflect local interests, information and events. A development officer will be appointed to implement the programme.
The 2000 Spending Review allocated programme funds of £300,000 per annum to Scottish Policy on Architecture run by The Lighthouse Glasgow over the three-year period 2001-04.
The results of a public consultation on the Executive's proposals for a policy on architecture were published in November last year. The Executive will make further announcements in connection with the policy on architecture during the year.
The Lighthouse was opened in 1999 as part of Glasgow's year as the UK's City of Architecture and Design. It has the objective of celebrating, promoting and developing architecture and the creative industries in Scotland.
Lighthouse – Glasgow light festival 2005?