A MEDIA culture expert has been appointed deputy chair of the Lighthouse in Poole.
Monika Barnes worked in training and development for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 before setting up her consulting practice to provide organisational and strategic change, leadership development, EDI work and executive coaching to a global range of clients in the arts and media sector.

Now, she has been appointed deputy chair of the Poole Arts Trust Ltd, the charity that runs Lighthouse.
Her appointment comes alongside other changes, including four new trustees as the venture revamps its board.
“These appointments ensure that we have a strong, hands-on board that will ensure Lighthouse continues to be well managed, relevant and a true civic asset for our community,” said Lighthouse chief executive, Elspeth McBain.
“Monika joined the board in 2020, just weeks before the pandemic hit us, and since then has played an important role as a trustee.
“Our trustees are our unsung heroes, volunteering their time and expertise for the benefit of the organisation and for the arts and culture in the region.”
Monika designed and launched Career Savvy Women, a specialist training programme that succeeded in increasing the number of women in senior roles.
She now holds a portfolio career and as well as her role at Lighthouse she is a board member of both Goldsmiths College University of London and AECC, a specialist Health Sciences University based in Boscombe.
“Quite simply it is an absolute privilege to be deputy chair of Poole Arts Trust,” she said.
“I had always admired Lighthouse from my visits as an audience member and now that I get to see behind the scenes I know how passionate, hard working and committed everyone is who works there.
“The year round programming is phenomenal in terms of its range and accessibility and the new branding ‘Different Every Day’ captures the vibrant, positive energy within the venue.
“One thing is for sure, Lighthouse never rests on its laurels and is ever mindful of its role within the local community and broader region.
“The pandemic highlighted the fragility of arts organisations, as does the current energy crisis and no doubt there will be many more challenges ahead.
“Nevertheless, we have an excellent strategic plan and I know all Lighthouse staff and volunteers will do whatever it takes to ensure Lighthouse retains its place as the cultural gem of Dorset.”
Poole Arts Trust has also announced that joining the board are: Caroline Gitsham, Operations Director RNLI; retired Hospitality and Entertainment Operations and Development Director David Hoare; Tony Johnson, Chief Technology Officer at the Copyright Licensing Agency, a not-for-profit collective management organisation that works on behalf of authors, publishers and visual artists; and Channa Vithana, senior lecturer in Architecture at Arts University Bournemouth.