Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Colegate to the senior management team as its new Head of Programming.
Tim took up the position on 9 September and is responsible for shaping the programme across all spaces at Lighthouse as the organisation develops and extends its position as the south west’s leading cultural provider.
“Everything that Lighthouse does begins with the programme – it is the heart of what Lighthouse is,” says Tim. “Perhaps more than ever people need entertaining and challenging art and culture and it’s our responsibility to deliver that by expanding an already diverse programme.”
Tim joins Lighthouse from the beautiful, 1200-seat Wolverhampton Grand Theatre where he was Head of Programming/Producer responsible for a mixed programme. Before that he was Artistic Programmer at the multi-space Venue Cymru in Llandudno.
He has produced small- and large-scale theatre as well as working with promoters in all genres of the performing arts.
“As well as being of the highest quality, it is of equal importance to me to ensure that the programme appeals to as many sections of the community as possible and remains accessible to all.
“In the current climate audiences are even more selective about what they come to see, but they are very committed to the things they want. I’m hoping to bring with me some of the quality companies that I’ve worked closely with and build on the commercial music strand in the Concert Hall. I’m also looking forward to exploring more ways in which we can make Lighthouse increasingly commercially robust so we can secure this provision of the arts long into the future.”
Although Tim is new to the area, he is already aware of its many attractions.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of working at Lighthouse, but I have to admit that Poole and the Dorset coast and countryside are also part of the attraction. It’s a beautiful part of the world and I’m going to enjoy making a home there.”
Chief Executive Elspeth McBain adds: “I am delighted that Tim is joining Lighthouse in this new post. He brings a range of experience and a clear passion for ensuring that our community has local access to nationally important artists and companies, as well as the more diverse and experimental work that Lighthouse supports.
“I look forward to working with him as he leads the programming team to continue to develop our programme, create new projects and deliver exciting performances for our audiences to enjoy.”
All Theatre and Concert Hall programming enquiries to tim.colegate@lighthousepoole.co.uk.
For The Sherling Studio contact: studio@lighthousepoole.co.uk.