Poole Arts Association (first known as Poole Arts Centre Association - PACA) was formed in 1988 chiefly to support the ideals of Poole Arts Centre and to extend its work in the community wherever a need or opportunity could be discerned.

The Association inaugurated and ran post-performance discussions in the theatre, bringing audience and performers into close contact, made audio-guides to accompany Art exhibitions, introduced a variety of speakers at regular coffee mornings, produced an arts magazine to keep users of the Arts Centre in touch and provided a channel to convey audience opinions to the management. The Association also played an active part in raising parallel funding for the Arts Centre's millenium refurbishment.

In 1996 the National Lottery made a grant to Poole Arts Association for the purchase of a new grand piano. This was loaned to the Arts Centre and transformed the chamber concerts by raising the standard and extending their scope. When, after refurbishment, the Arts Centre, re-named Lighthouse, purchased its own grand piano, the Poole Arts Association piano was transferred to St Peter's Church Parkstone, with the blessing of Arts Council England, to help in developing a high standard of music in the community. A fine series of summer lunchtime concerts has followed, and the PACA Piano Competition is now held in this church, which has an excellent acoustic and facilities.