The RIBA is delighted to announce a new national media partnership between the RIBA Stirling Prize and The Observer. The RIBA Stirling Prize, now in its 17th year, is the UK's most prestigious architecture prize.

Speaking about the new media partnership, John Mulholland, Observer editor, says: 'The Observer is a dedicated champion of British architecture so we are thrilled to be partnering with the RIBA to celebrate the best of the year's new buildings and to showcase the wealth of design talent that exists in this country.'

Angela Brady, RIBA President, says: 'The Observer is a consistent supporter of good architecture and we are delighted to be working with them as national media partner to celebrate architecture's most important award, the RIBA Stirling Prize.'

Rowan Moore, Observer architecture critic, says: 'The RIBA Stirling Prize has done more than any other British award to raise the public awareness and understanding of architecture, which is also the aim of the Observer's architectural coverage. It's a great pairing.'

The 2012 RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist will be announced on Sunday 22 July and the winner will be announced at a special event in Manchester on Saturday 13 October 2012.

Previous winners of the RIBA Stirling Prize include: The Evelyn Grace Academy, London (2011) and MAXXI Museum, Rome by Zaha Hadid Architects (2010), Maggie's Centre at Charing Cross Hospital by Rogers, Stirk, Harbour + Parners (2009); Accordia by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios/Alison Brooks Architects/Maccreanor Lavington (2008); The Museum of Modern Literature, Marbach am Neckar, Germany by David Chipperfield Architects (2007).

The Architects' Journal is the trade media partner for the RIBA Stirling Prize.