Sep 5 2005
Graeme Russell has been appointed Head of Programmes for the RIBA Trust, the UK’s national architecture centre with an internationally-renowned library and collections.
As the former director of CUBE (Centre for the Understanding of the Built Environment), Russell brings significant experience to this newly created position. Over six and a half years, Russell established the independent Manchester charity as one of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic architecture and design centre initiatives, delivering an extensive cultural and educational programme.
Speaking about the appointment, Charles Knevitt, Director of the RIBA Trust said: “It is Graeme’s dynamism and commitment to disseminating architecture and design culture in an entertaining and imaginative way that made us feel he was ideally suited to develop the RIBA Trust’s cultural programme.
“Under Graeme’s direction, CUBE’s exhibitions and education programme along with its website activities consistently won plaudits from architects and other built environment professions and the public alike. He also attracted major media coverage and respect from leading architecture and design centres in Europe and North America. We want to use his skills in our own public outreach programming, and I am thrilled that he has joined our team.“
Set up in 2003, the RIBA Trust manages the cultural assets of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), which was founded in 1834 ‘for the advancement of architecture’. It encompasses the Library and Collections, Programmes and Awards. The RIBA Trust delivers the RIBA Awards, RIBA Stirling Prize for Architecture (live on Channel 4, and now in its 10th year), the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture, Architecture Week (with Arts Council England) and a full programme of lectures, exhibitions and events.
It is based at both 66 Portland Place in London and the V&A, and at www.architecture.com.
Graeme Russell said: “For me it’s about contributing, under Charles Knevitt’s direction, to the expansion of the RIBA Trust as one of the most innovative and exciting architectural centres in the world. For our programme to have real merit, real impact and the ability to engage audiences beyond the professions, it must reflect a multitude of different cultural facets, including all urban design disciplines. It also needs to communicate the complex interrelationships between art, architecture and design.
“Retaining an edge is key. We have to present alternatives through many different means - in particular through exhibitions, education work, advisory and consultancy roles, and related cultural practice. Moreover we have to stimulate new thinking on past, present and future issues to do with architecture, design and the built environment – all of which I believe are essential in delivering built environment excellence here in the UK. I can’t wait to get started.”
In a further strengthening of the Programming Team, Rob Wilson, has been promoted to Curator, Programmes. Rob has been leading the exhibition and education programmes at the RIBA since 1999. He recently co-curated the national touring exhibition 'Fantasy Architecture 1500-2036' with the Hayward Gallery, and has been leading and developing the 'Designs on Britain' education programme in schools, in partnership with Arts Inform, over the last five years.
Speaking about the appointment, Rob commented: “I am delighted and confident that with Graeme's appointment, which significantly strengthens the Programmes team, and with my new enhanced role, we have a real opportunity to develop and deliver a much higher profile programme of exhibitions and events.”