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Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation eyes expansion of education programs

Posted 1/27/20

In the wake of a sudden announcement of the closure of the School of Architecture at Taliesin, The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is preparing to expand educational programs for professionals. …

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Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation eyes expansion of education programs

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In the wake of a sudden announcement of the closure of the School of Architecture at Taliesin, The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is preparing to expand educational programs for professionals.

Officials familiar with the matter explain the School of Architecture and The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation are two separate entities. However, in a press release, the School of Architecture announced its closing at the end of the current spring semester.

Foundation officials say the School of Architecture “unequivocally did not have a sustainable business model.”

As a result, leaders of the separate boards of the two organizations had developed a proposal that would have allowed the school to continue operations on the Foundation’s two campuses --- use of which was donated to the School of Architecture by the Foundation since it became an independent organization --- through the end of July, 2021.

During that transition period, the organizations would have worked collaboratively to develop alternative programs for which accreditation was not needed.

“The Foundation had reached an agreement with the leaders of the SoAT Board that would have allowed for second- and third-year students to complete their education at Taliesin and Taliesin West, and we are disappointed that it was not approved by the full SoAT Board,” said Stuart Graff, president and CEO of The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

“We continue to stand ready to assist in making sure that this change occurs in the best interests of the student.

--- Stuart Graff

However, Foundation officials say in light of the SoAT announcement, the foundation will maintain and expand its impact on the field of architecture and design by advancing Mr. Wright’s legacy through its educational programs, K-12 through adult ongoing education.

Foundation officials contend they want to ensure the ability to work with a variety of partners to develop professional education programs for architects, preservation specialists, and design professionals that will keep the Taliesin campuses vital places for the development of organic architecture in the future.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has been experiencing substantial growth, with record numbers of visitors, expanded student participation in its education programs, added new arts programming and increased philanthropic support. Its campuses, Taliesin and Taliesin West, are National Historic Landmarks and are included in the Frank Lloyd Wright UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription.

As Foundation officials make plans to continue Mr. Wright’s legacy of general and professional education, new programs will permit it to invest its financial and physical resources in its core mission by developing more inclusive, broader opportunities for promoting and sharing the legacy of the iconic architect’s vision.

Taliesin and Taliesin West remain open, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience Mr. Wright’s homes and working environment, and programming—including tours, events, arts, and K-12 education --- carries on without interruption.

The foundation is consulting with many of its existing partners and expects to announce new programs and partnerships.