Latest from the Deaf Arts Network:

Sarah Scott has been commissioned by Deaf Works and The Arts Council England to do a Deaf Arts Audit. The last time this happened was in 1995.

This is an important piece of work to inform the Arts Council England of what is happening and who are involved in Deaf Arts all over England. She would like to meet as many people as possible and so I am inviting you to DaDa offices in the Bluecoat on Wednesday 29th July at 2pm.

Venue - DaDa- Disability & Deaf Arts Office at The Bluecoat, Liverpool (Outside if it is sunny?)
Time - 2pm
Date - Wed 29th July

Please do let me know if you are able to come (and I will promise you a piece of cake!)

To confirm you place please contact Barry direct via: [email protected]

DaDa-Disability and Deaf Arts is developing it work with Deaf people and has been working with British Sign Language [BSL] users to promote an understanding of how sign creates new and exciting arts.

DaDa-Disability and Deaf Arts recognises that BSL users identify as a linguistic or cultural minority model of deafness and are proud to do so.

Deaf Culture has its roots in its language. The art forms within the Deaf Community are mainly witnessed and experienced through Deaf Theatre and Visual Arts. There has been a strong tradition within Deaf culture of Story Telling which has brought about a unique form of Signed Poetry.

Hearing arts are predominately narrative and therfore the impact is largely lost upon most Deaf people, an example being Deaf Theatre which is very physical using Sign and Body Movement making expressive communication and a unique form of art.

Deaf Arts Development

Deaf people have always regarded themselves first and foremost as a Linguist Minority by using a visual language known as BSL (British Sign Language) which forms the roots of Deaf Arts and Culture.

There has been a marked lack of opportunity for Deaf people to fully participate within mainstream arts mainly due to the attitudes and lack of understanding towards BSL.

Traditionally, Deaf people have shown their work within the Deaf Community through their Social Clubs or Regional and National Rallies.

The linguistic/cultural minority model of deafness

Many Deaf people do not regard themselves as Disabled people, but do follow the principals of the Social Model of Disability. The notion of a fully inclusive society where all the needs are met is fine in principle, but it is important to understand that Deaf people identify firstly as a Linguist Minority group and are proud to do so.

Deaf Culture has its roots in its language. The art forms within the Deaf Community are mainly witnessed and experienced through Deaf Theatre and Visual Arts. There has been a strong tradition within Deaf culture of Story Telling which has brought about a unique form of Signed Poetry.

Hearing arts are predominately narrative and this gets lost upon most Deaf people, an example is that Deaf Theatre is very physical using Sign Language and Body Movement within the dialogues making expressive communications.