UAL’s London College of Fashion has received a generous award of £600,000 from the Wolfson Foundation towards its new home as part of East Bank; the newest culture and education quarter on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Wolfson Foundation is an independent grant-making charity which aims to support society by investing in excellent projects in science, health, heritage, humanities, and the arts.
Recognised in the award application was the increased potential for collaboration between staff, students, and external partners in LCF’s new flagship building. This includes an expanded humanities offer and collaborative teaching opportunities with a forthcoming MA Fashion and Anthropology course delivered by LCF; and East Bank partners, UCL, and V&A; which will focus on exploring global dress cultures and collections.
Professor Andrew Teverson, Pro-Vice Chancellor, UAL and Head of London College of Fashion said:
"We are thrilled with this award from the Wolfson Foundation towards our new home as part of East Bank. These awards support excellence across education and research, and in moving to our new site in September our students and staff will be able to collaborate across the broad fashion disciplines we offer; from business and science; to media and communications; and design and marketing to create new thinking and innovation. More people will be able to experience ‘behind the scenes’ as the first three floors of LCF’s building are open to the public, and we hope to create a dialogue on these new ideas by offering a free annual cultural programme of showcasing".
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation said:
"By supporting UAL’s London College of Fashion, we are delighted to play a part in the newly created cultural quarter, East Bank. The new campus will not only benefit students and researchers but will bring fashion to life through new exhibition galleries and performances. This is an exciting addition to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park that promises to combine creativity and education for the local community and visitors to the area".
In addition to the Wolfson Foundation, LCF's move to East Bank has been made possible thanks to generous gifts from The Portal Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation and other supporters.
It's with great honour that we welcome these awards, which will greatly contribute towards LCF continuing to lead the world in fashion business, media and design education, opening up further opportunities to connect with east London’s schools, community and industry.