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We are delighted to welcome the Deaf Arts Festival NI back to the MAC in its fourth year!
Cre8 Theatre proudly brings back Deaf Arts Festival NI, a vibrant celebration of d/Deaf culture, creativity, and inclusion. This festival champions d/Deaf artists, breaking down communication barriers and uniting d/Deaf and hearing communities through accessible theatre and co-created performances.
With interpreters at every event, it ensures an immersive and engaging experience for all. At its core, the festival promotes access, representation, and the unique beauty of d/Deaf identity, making the arts a space where everyone can connect and participate. Please see age group guidance per event.
Festival Opening Event | 6.15pm: Hosted by Lisa Kelly. This event is open to all. Lisa will do a run-down of festival events, featuring what not to miss!
Sip & Sign | 10am: Join us for a fun and interactive session to exploring the rich heritage of the deaf community in NI.
Children's BSL Drama | 11am: Drop off your kids to our Children's BSL drama workshopsession and let them burn off some energy and learn an amazing skill – Sign Language.
BSL Gallery Tour | 11.30am: Join Paula Clarke, deaf BSL signer and art facilitator for an interactive tour of MAC, Belfast art galleries.
Acting Taster Workshop | 11.45am: An informal, fun taster workshop exploring character and storytelling. 1 hour of acting games and activities led by staff from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Adult Sign Workshop | 1pm: Do you want to have the basics in BSL so you can connect or have a ‘bit of craic’ with someone who is deaf? If so, join us as we go over all the key phrases you need for a good old chat!
Deaf Mimo | 1.30pm: Enjoy the live performance by Stephen Robinson who will take on the role of ‘Deaf Mimo’.
Children's BSL Arts & Crafts Workshop | 3pm: This BSL Art workshop and craft session features BSL lead story time and crafting
DEAF (SORDA) - Movie Time and Q&A | 3.15pm: Joining us for the signed post-film panel discussion will be actor Lisa Kelly, artist Paula Clarke, and Rose Baker, Head Programmer of Belfast Film Festival.
Artists Together | 4.30pm: Join us for the Artists Together event at the Deaf Arts Festival in Northern Ireland, a vibrant gathering designed to unite the wider DDF community from across Ireland and beyond.
Open Mic Comedy | 6pm: Impromptu and unrehearsed comedy and short performances from the d/Deaf community.
Gavin Lilley | 7.30pm: Gavin Lilley, the well established deaf comedian will be bringing his hilarious stories to you!
After Party | 8.30pm: Join Cre8 Theatre for a live DJ set where you can sing, sign, dance and party the wee hours away, upstairs in the Haymarket, Belfast (The Loft).
