Lightbear Lane

About

Space for culture

At Lightbear Lane, we are cultural producers and creative place-makers. For us, the arts are a catalyst for socio-political, environmental, and cultural change. We create site-specific creative programmes, design impactful community consultations, and build engaged audiences invested in accessible, high-quality arts and cultural initiatives at the heart of their communities.

Award-winning cultural producers

Best Business Innovation of the Year, University of Exeter 2025

Services to the community

Highly Commended - Services to the Community, Devon Women in Business 2025

Innovative placemaking initiatives

Finalist - Community Impact Awards, Exeter Chamber of Commerce 2025

Lightbear Lane is based in Exeter, working on creative place-making projects and designing impactful cultural programmes and community consultations in the South West and further afield. Regular highlights are the South West Shakespeare Festival, and Lit Lab, a creative engine for literary and cultural projects. Lightbear Lane provides access to theatre in rural areas and to underserved communities through trusted cultural partners, and produces programmes to enhance literacy, oracy, nature-connectedness, and individual wellbeing. A strong network of partnerships includes the University of Exeter, Historic Royal Palaces, and other heritage sites and cultural partners across the South West.

Our impact

Heritage and education

We create innovative learning experiences that connect arts, history, and place, making heritage relevant and participatory.

Community development

Our cultural events and creative initiatives help communities build confidence, voice, and connection through shared artistic activity.

Social impact

We use artistic expression as a practical driver for wellbeing, belonging, and positive local change.

People's stories sit at the heart of our work. We create platforms that help those stories be heard and use them to build more connected, resilient communities through cultural initiatives. Do you have a story to share or want to be inspired by other's stories? Sign up to our newsletter.