As we all know, being deaf or hard of hearing doesn’t diminish one’s ability to be artistic. In fact, it may enhance appreciation for the arts, as well as creative expression through greater sensitivity, self-awareness and heightened visual perception. Accessible Arts has been featured in a new blog post by Connect Hearing as one of the groups, schools, and organisations around Australia offering programs and classes for those who are hard of hearing.

Here are just a few examples of current or recent projects specifically targeted to the deaf and hard of hearing communities:

Deaf Arts NSW
Deaf Arts NSW (DAN) works to increase access to arts events such as theatre, galleries, festivals, screen based media and other cultural events for those who are deaf and hard of hearing. DAN also identifies and promotes the work of emerging and professional deaf and hard of hearing artists into the mainstream arts community, creating pathways for artists to further their careers.

Sydney Deaf and Hard of Hearing Photographers
The monthly photography group, Sydney Deaf and Hard of Hearing Photographers, brings individuals together to share stores and ideas and, of course, to hone those photography skills. The group meets throughout Sydney, exploring themes ranging from architecture to conceptual and fine art photography.

Act Up Theatre Workshops for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth
In January 2017, Accessible Arts held a three-day Deaf Arts school holiday program in NSW for Deaf and hard-of-hearing youth between 10 and 16 years old.  They participated in drama, dance, visual arts and theatre workshops. This was in partnership with Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), the national youth theatre company that aims to empower young people, unleash their potential and raise expectations of what theatre with young people can achieve.