A new policy to support the relationship between artists, architects and the built environment could be developed by Arts Council England to clarify roles within the sector, and for those seeking Arts Council funding.

The decision was made after a review of Architecture Week, an annual networking event that was stopped in 2007. The review showed that the role of artists, architects and the projects they work on have changed radically in the last 10 years, and the number and range of organisations engaging the public in architecture has evolved to a degree that a new approach is required. The new policy will establish the context for the council's investment in the built environment and will provide a framework for developing future initiatives.

Andrew Brown, senior strategy officer for Visual Arts at Arts Council England, said: “The relationship between art and architecture is an evolving one, and the opportunities for the public to engage with architecture have changed dramatically over the last decade. “That’s why it is time to look again at how the Arts Council can best support a unique interaction that can so dramatically transform the environment in which people live.

“Whatever shape that support takes, we will continue to invest in organisations and projects that promote art and architecture through our £149m RFO investment in visual arts over the next three years. "We will also continue to play a leading role in initiatives such as the Living Places partnership to ensure that communities flourish through access to quality arts experiences and that the arts play an important role in shaping the places in which we live.”

Richard Hastilow, chief executive of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), said: "We understand that in developing a new approach the Arts Council remains as committed to other projects, that will promote architecture, as they have been through Architecture Week. "The test for us will be both clarification of Arts Council policy and evidence of similar financial commitment. So we welcome the Arts Council's intent to work with the RIBA and Architecture Centre Network to develop its policy on activities to demonstrate the benefits of good design and promote good place-making."