Arts Council supports Lighthouse Poole in challenging times

Great news for Dorset: Lighthouse Poole will be given £348,510 annually by Arts Council England for the next three years, having retained its status as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO).

One of only 990 NPOs in the country being given a share of £446 million, Lighthouse is clearly considered an important venue for arts and entertainment in the South West and is a great source of pride for locals. 

“Lighthouse is enormously grateful for the ongoing support of Arts Council England (ACE) and is proud to retain its status as a National Portfolio Organisation in this challenging time,” said Chief Executive Elspeth McBain. 

“This news has come at a crucial moment as, in common with venues across the country, Lighthouse is still in recovery from the pandemic and that recovery remains a priority.” 

She went on to explain that though audiences are returning, Lighthouse Poole has yet to see engagement at pre-pandemic levels and that rising energy prices, increased operating costs, the cost-of-living crisis and deepening economic hardship are combining to create challenges ahead. 

The money will account for 8% of the venue’s annual income and will help professional artists develop and reach wide and diverse audiences. Additionally, it will fund Lighthouse Academy programmes and develop new creative talent, providing learning opportunities for young people through schools, many of whom are lucky enough to perform at the venue. 

“The NPO funding means Lighthouse can now forge ahead with its plans to deliver on Let’s Create, the Arts Council’s ten-year strategy, supporting their key investment principles by ensuring our work is inclusive and relevant to our communities, ambitious and dynamic,” explained Elspeth. 

Being the only multi-space venue with four auditoria in the South West, Lighthouse is one of the biggest cultural venues outside London, and home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The venue was recently named Best Arts Theatre in Dorset by LUXElife magazine in their annual hospitality awards, which recognise businesses that have consistently adapted to keep customers satisfied and safe in turbulent times, exhibiting extraordinary resilience. 

The venue has been central to cultural life in Dorset since 1978, featuring a rich, diverse and inspiring programme of theatre, music, dance, contemporary circus, film, art and much more. 

“Lighthouse remains committed to presenting high quality productions and artists, bringing to our community vibrant and wide-ranging cultural experiences which are different every day,” said Elspeth. “We’re extremely grateful to our funders and supporter as well as our audiences, visiting artists and building users who have all played their part in keeping the lights on at Lighthouse.” 

Click here to see what’s coming up at Lighthouse Poole this season.

Emily McGregor, Local News and Lifestyle Reporter