‘Survive to thrive’ message as Lighthouse relaunches appeal
As it takes another interval in line with national lockdown restrictions Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts, has again been 'humbled’ by the generosity of its supporters after more than £2100 was raised over the weekend following the relaunch of its Bridge The Gap fundraising campaign.
Launched last Friday, £1551.15 was raised in the first three days as Lighthouse also received £570 as it registered several new members to its Friends scheme taking the total membership to more than 242.
“Once again we have been humbled by the incredible generosity of our amazing supporters and audiences,” says Lighthouse Fundraising Manager Tom Shallaker.
“With their help, throughout all of the challenges that we faced during 2020 we managed to find a way to survive and continue our work for everyone in Dorset and the wider region. Thanks to Arts Council England and government support, grants from charitable foundations and donations from thousands of generous people we’ve made it this far, but until we can resume our programme of live performances to capacity audiences, we need your help.”
Lighthouse earns more than 80% of its income from people coming to see shows and spending money on tickets, drinks and refreshments. Without that income the venue is rallying audiences to help it bridge the gap until it can again present live performances.
Leading up to the current lockdown Lighthouse was doing all it could to stay at the heart of our community. In the autumn, Lighthouse Outside went outdoors to bring performing arts back to Poole and pave the way for reopening the venue’s café, galleries, cinema and performance spaces in COVID-compliant safety.
The organisation provided opportunities for more than 500 young people from across Dorset to learn and take part in the arts, both online and in socially distanced settings on-site. Lighthouse also made Arts Award Discovery qualifications more accessible to young people without access to home computers by partnering with Dorset Scrapstore and local foodbanks to distribute craft packs.
And at Christmas, thanks to the government's Culture Recovery Fund, the in-house production Happy Ever After gave the people of Poole a spectacular family Christmas show and the chance to share in the magic of live theatre, albeit socially distanced.
“We long to welcome back our audiences and artists,” adds Tom. “But to bridge the gap until it is safe to do so we’re asking our loyal supporters and customers to give what they can to help us survive today so that we can thrive tomorrow."
For more information and to donate to Bridge The Gap, visit www.
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