Royal Gold Medal­–winning British architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw along with the partners of the London-headquartered global practice that bears his surname have established a new charitable organization that aims to “support, empower, and inspire” young people through a wide range of arts- and design-focused educational opportunities including workshops and classes, studio visits, talks, and other in-person activities along with virtual resources and learning opportunities.

The Grimshaw Foundation, which was formally launched at an event held last week at the Royal Academy of Art in London, unites a diverse network of established creatives—architects, designers, artists, and the like—dedicated to helping open new proverbial doors for youth, particularly youth for whom inroads to creative fields might be more elusive. Initially focused on London, the foundation is also at work building a network of participating creatives and schools in Sydney, Melbourne, and New York City—all cities where Grimshaw maintains studios. (The 42-year-old firm also has studios in Los Angeles, Paris, and Dubai.)

“What the Grimshaw Foundation will do is enable young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to experience the art of making and the making of art and introduce more opportunities and different career paths—opening up the world of the creative industries,” said Nicholas Grimshaw in a press statement.

What is Architecture? | Grimshaw Foundation from Grimshaw Foundation on Vimeo.

In its infancy, the foundation has already engaged with a handful of London-based schools—Bobby Moore Academy, Stratford School Academy, Harris Academy Chobham, and Regent High School in London—along with several participating artists, architects, and firms/institutions including Grimshaw (naturally), the Bartlett School of Architecture, Sarah Wigglesworth Architects, Scale Rule, celebrated sculptor Antony Gormley, and poet, spoken word performer, and BBC Radio presenter LionHeart.

Upcoming London events hosted by the foundation include a July 18 workshop held at Grimshaw’s studio for budding architects and engineers between the ages of 12 and 16.

“The Foundation reflects the values of Grimshaw where everyone’s input and opinion is valued, listened to and rewarded and people’s creativity is encouraged and celebrated,” said Kirsten Lees, Grimshaw Managing Partner, London and Paris, and Grimshaw Foundation Trustee.