Sanctuary

Are you creative and want to expand your practice?

Applications for 2026 are now OPEN!

Since 2020, Lighthouse Poole has opened its doors as an artistic development space throughout the summer.

Sanctuary gives artists the space and time to dream, play, and create.

We encourage curiosity, inviting applicants to think big and outside the box.

The programme runs across our summer months, offering space for artists to develop new projects and nurture their creative practice.

Sanctuary offers:

· An inspiring space for artist development in either The Sherling Studio, Function Rooms, or Main Gallery

· Limited funding for travel, accommodation, and food

· Limited technical support

· The opportunity to be part of a creative community, share work and receive feedback

Who can apply?

· We encourage all artists from every art form to apply. This also includes visual arts, music and dance.

· Artists who demonstrate an interest and commitment to develop a new project.

· We will prioritise artists we have not worked with in the past as well as those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Applications close on Mon 23 Feb 2026, midday with decisions made by the end of March.

If you have any questions at all, please email nyah.boston-shears@lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Under last year’s Sanctuary programme, we supported the following artists with space, expenses, and technical support:

· Aish Humphreys & Eryn McDonald, Amy Foskett / AmyFoskettDance, Angel Exit Theatre, Archie Rowell / OffPiste Theatre, Assembled Moments, Charles Furness, Charlotte East, Ellen Oliver, Ellie Mitchell & Rose Dawson, Emilie Barton, Fireflies Entertainment, Gemma Alldred, Emily Thompson-Smith & Jack Grace, Laura S Elizabeth, Louise Jordan, Natasha Stanic Mann, Poppy Hardwicke & Lauren Mooney, SALTHOUSE ARTS, The Dot Collective, Thomas Pagett, Stuff & Nonsense, Sarah-Louise Young