Gathered Series: Community Enrichment Through Deaf Arts

MCSD-DAM plans to have this program on an ongoing basis to enrich the lives of the Deaf and non-deaf communities through Deaf arts. There will be different arts genres being introduced to audiences to learn the great possibliities there are in Deaf arts. This will involve performing and visual arts.

The premise of the Gathered Series: Artistic enrichment happens by using the language of ASL to communicate new ideas and sharing processes of each arts genre so they are able to connect with this rich culture. It is rare for the Deaf to engage in an art event that shows their communication as an art form. Often, there are limited choices of entertainment in our culture. We show Deaf arts is just as good as any non-deaf event.

The language barrier isolates the Deaf Community, learning opportunities and access to general arts events are rare. Options for learning arts are partly based on what the non-deaf community offers.

Past experiences show Deaf Culture isn’t always understood and misunderstandings can occur. Info can be changed or lost in translation.

Deaf arts use the language of ASL with movements and hands to express their experiences. Only Deaf artists can teach this form of art. Winnipeg has very few Deaf artists who can teach different genres for Deaf arts.

Deaf students are more relaxed when the artist is Deaf like them and knows Deaf culture. Inviting a Deaf artist skilled in their arts genre to Winnipeg allows seamless integration of knowledge, giving deeper meaningful learning.

Young Deaf people will be inspired to become performers by seeing and interacting with a professional Deaf performer plying their trade on stage. We are working to build a larger viable community of Deaf performers by providing this opportunity to see and learn