Lighthouse plays a vital role in Poole as an important cultural building where creative work is made, rehearsed, discussed, and presented. Opened in 1978, the Lighthouse is the centre of excellence for live performance, film and visual art in the South West, providing a dynamic, world-class cultural facility for Poole, Dorset and beyond. Lighthouse plays an essential part in the delivery of national and regional arts and has an important role as a receiving venue for national and international theatre, dance, music, contemporary circus and film.