New heritage project to preserve Lighthouse Poole’s rich history ahead of 50th anniversary
A major new heritage project is set to safeguard nearly 50 years of cultural history at Lighthouse Poole after securing a £600,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The funding has been awarded to Dorset History Centre as part of its Past Lives, Future Proofed project, which aims to preserve important artistic archives across Dorset while making them more accessible for future generations.
Protecting a legacy
Lighthouse Poole, one of the UK’s largest regional arts centres, has been chosen as the pilot venue for the ambitious project. Volunteers will help prepare decades of historical material before it is transferred to Dorset History Centre, where it will be permanently preserved, catalogued and, where possible, digitised.
The project comes at a significant time for Lighthouse as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028.
Martha Earley, Creative Engagement Manager at Lighthouse, said:
“We are so excited to be working with Dorset History to catalogue our archive. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2028 we are even more eager to see what stories this project uncovers.”
Celebrating Dorset’s artistic heritage
Opened in 1978 as Poole Arts Centre, Lighthouse has grown into one of the South West’s leading cultural venues, hosting theatre, music, comedy, dance, film and visual arts under one roof.
The archive project will preserve the venue’s remarkable history while also contributing to Dorset History Centre’s growing collection of artistic archives, which already includes internationally significant collections relating to sculptor Elisabeth Frink, Poole Pottery, author Thomas Hardy and writer Sylvia Townsend-Warner.
Using Lighthouse as a pilot scheme, Dorset History Centre hopes to work with other arts organisations across the county to ensure valuable archives are protected before they are at risk of being lost.
The project will also explore how historic archives can support health and wellbeing by inspiring people of all ages and helping connect communities with Dorset’s creative past.
Looking ahead to 2028
The preservation project is expected to play an important role in Lighthouse’s 50th anniversary celebrations, uncovering stories, photographs and memories from almost five decades of performances, exhibitions and community events.
By protecting these collections now, organisers hope future generations will be able to discover and celebrate the cultural heritage that has made Lighthouse such an important part of Dorset’s arts scene.
Find out more
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Lighthouse Archive Project can find more information by visiting the Lighthouse website.
Lighthouse Poole remains one of the South West’s most significant arts venues, welcoming audiences to theatre, concerts, cinema, exhibitions and community events while supporting artists and creative learning across the region. Find out what events are coming up on their website.
