Brand new arts festival heads to Sunderland this summer
A brand new family friendly arts festival is coming to Sunderland later this month to bring together deaf and disabled artists, performers and communities.
Signs Alive Festival is making its debut at the Sheepfolds Stables, in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28.
Led by deaf artist Paul Miller – artistic director of Rory Studio CIC – and produced in partnership with Surface Area Dance Theatre, the two-day festival will bring together deaf and disabled artists, performers, families and communities for an inclusive celebration of creativity through performances, workshops, exhibitions, immersive experiences and interactive activities.
Paul said: "I’ve seen first-hand how important representation is.
"I’ve met so many talented deaf young people with big dreams, but often they don’t know how to access opportunities in the arts or feel those careers aren’t open to them.
"Signs Alive Festival is about showing them that they are. It’s about building confidence, breaking down barriers and helping young people see that they can do it too.”
Paul’s vision for the festival has been shaped by his experiences attending and participating in international deaf arts and film festivals, including Deaffest UK, Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival, Tokyo International Deaf Film Festival and Clin d’Oeil.
A number of artists have already been announced for the festival, including Cara MacWilliam, Fuse Theatre, Southpaw Company and performing arts students from Sunderland College.
Signs Alive Festival represents a step towards a more inclusive future for the arts, helping to ensure deaf and disabled people are seen, heard and celebrated.