Elspeth McBain, Chief Executive of Lighthouse in Poole, has been made an Honorary Fellow of Arts University Bournemouth.
The award was presented at AUB’s Graduation Day ceremony held at Bournemouth Pavilion on Friday 25 July. Elspeth described the honour as a career highlight and praised the shared commitment between Lighthouse and the university to supporting creative industries and young people.
She now joins a list of previous Honorary Fellows that includes film director Edgar Wright, actress Adjoa Andoh and the late fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood.
Elspeth has led Lighthouse since 2009, overseeing a period of major change including a significant refurbishment and the challenges of the Covid pandemic. Under her leadership, the centre has built strong links with local schools and artists through programmes such as traineeships, work experience and its Sanctuary artist development scheme.
In making the award, AUB’s Board of Governors highlighted her work in transforming Lighthouse into a leading creative institution in the region, and her long-standing collaboration with the university.
Elspeth has returned to her role leading the team at Lighthouse, continuing to deliver a wide-ranging programme of events and artist support from the iconic venue in the centre of Poole.