We are delighted to welcome the Deaf Arts Festival NI back to the MAC in its second year from 29 - 31 March.
Building on the success of the inaugural Deaf Arts Festival NI, launched at the MAC in May 2023, Cre8 Theatre have engaged partners once again and and are growing from 2 plays in 2023 to a jaw-dropping 20-event festival in only its second year.
Cre8 Theatre is the producing arts organisation behind the Deaf Arts Festival NI, working hard to grow networks within the d/Deaf community, discovering partners and building relationships. The festivals aims are to:
- champion the work of deaf people - include the d/Deaf community in creative practice - create accessible theatre - promote inclusion - enable better access to the arts for d/Deaf professional artists and communities - facilitate communication between d/Deaf and hearing communities - break down barriers to communication through a celebration of d/Deaf culture
The festival enables d/Deaf and hearing artists to co-create, during the research, development, rehearsal, and performance schedule and place d/Deaf artists centre stage, prioritising d/Deaf audience experience.
Bringing together the d/Deaf community and raising awareness within the hearing community. Ultimately celebrating the beautiful, unique qualities inherent within d/Deaf identity and culture.
Funder Halifax Foundation NI said: “Halifax Foundation are so pleased to be supporting this amazing deaf arts festival for the second year in a row and we really hope this event helps to improve arts access for the d/deaf community in Northern Ireland”.
The festival is for deaf and hearing people to enjoy and has access and inclusion at its very core. Every event is suitable for both communities as there will be interpreters across all events over the entire festival weekend. Please see age group guidance per event.
Festival Programme
Social Club Sign (Family) | 29 March, 6pm: Bring your family and join us as we learn signs, read books, and sign songs. Whether you are completely new to sign language or already have some knowledge of our beautiful language, this session will be relaxed and enjoyable, for all the family.
Festival opening event | 29 March, 7pm: Hosted by Paula Clarke. This event is open to the public. The festival team will do a run-down of festival events, featuring what not to miss! A great opportunity to mingle with the artists performing in the various festival events and meet the team behind the festival magic. For all the family. You can also turn up to this event without booking!
The Fisherman's Friend | 29 & 30 March, 8pm & 10am: Set in a mythical Northern Irish Bay, The Fisherman’s Friend tells the story of one Fisherman and one ambitious girl. What life stories does the Fisherman have for the young girl with the big dreams? How can one deaf and one hearing person communicate?
Ready, Steady, SIGN! | 30 March, 11:15am: Drop off your kids to our ‘Ready, Steady SIGN!’ session and let them burn off some energy and learn an amazing skill – Sign Language. A BSL learning playtime with Sign Source Learning.
BSL Gallery Tour: Join Martin Glover, deaf BSL signer and art facilitator for an interactive tour of Niamh McCann: 'someone decides, hawk or dove', the current exhibition filling all three MAC galleries.
Deaf as a Post by Shaun Blaney | 30 March, 12:30pm: Join us to enjoy a work-in-progress rehearsed reading of a brand new play about hearing loss, that aims to give the audiences an idea of how the main character ‘hears’ the world.
Street Art Design workshop | 30 March, 2:15pm: Join Martin Glover, deaf BSL signer and art facilitator to learn about how he designs Street Art and signed murals. You'll then get to design your own artwork by stenciling and painting.
BSL Street Art Tour | 30 March, 3:30pm: Join Martin Glover, deaf BSL signer and art facilitator/architect on a guided tour of the wonders of Street Art through the Cathedral Quarter.
Social Club Sign | 30 March, 6pm: 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, grab a drink and join us as we go over all the key phrases you need for a good old chat!
Rinkoo Barpaga | 30 March, 8pm: This autobiographical play is about Roo, a Deaf Punjabi boy from Birmingham, in a world that was not made for him, he explores the impact of ableism and racism throughout his childhood, and how that has seeped into his adult life.
Afterparty | 30 March, 10pm: Join us for a live DJ set where you can sign, dance and party the wee hours away, upstairs in the Sunflower Bar. Book here: https://rb.gy/z97d5w
Easter Signed Story & Crafts | 31 March, 12 noon: This Easter-themed storytime features BSL lead storybook reading, and you'll also get to make Humpty Dumpty Easter eggs from papier-mâché, using balloons, newspapers, ribbons, spray paints, googly eyes and other fun materials!
Lunch Time Learn BSL | 31 March, 1:15pm: Join us for this 45-minute lunchtime session to learn basic BSL. You'll be taught how to introduce yourself, helping bring you on the journey of the deaf community and give an insight into this vibrant community.
Breakdance and Drums | 31 March, 3pm: Feel the good vibrations through this percussion and movement music and breakdance jam. Join in the fun drumming, dancing and jamming in this upbeat, participatory workshop. Learn to play different kinds of drums, try out some breakdancing moves, and get in the groove!
Closing event disco | 31 March, 4:15pm: The festival team will do a run-down of festival highlights and celebrate the people involved in making the magic happen! Hosted by Paula Clarke, this event is free and open to the public.
