The term Deaf is used here to describe people whose first language is British Sign Language (BSL) - people who are part of the Deaf community.
There is a strong cultural identity within the Deaf community.
Deaf people will come to see Deaf performers (comedians, actors, signed-song artists etc). This is very different to simply getting sign language interpreters for an event with hearing actors, speakers or workshop leaders.
The key to building Deaf audiences is to work in partnership with a local or national Deaf peoples' organisation or group. The partner organisation will be able to advise on performers, access, interpreters and marketing. The involvement of a Deaf-led partner organisation will do much to encourage attendance.
Publicise options for contacting your organisation:
Deaf Association Wales, British Sign Language Cultural Centre, 47 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0AD. Email: wales@signcommunity.org.uk, Videophone IP: Cardiff.bda.bslphone.com, Textphone: 0845 1302853, Telephone: 0845 1302851, Fax: 0845 1302852
British Deaf Association's website
Royal Association for Deaf People's website
Deaf and Creative's website Click on case studies to learn more about deaf artists
Shape's website. Click on Deaf Arts
Deafened and hard-of hearing people may attend a group or club, but are less likely to do so than Deaf sign language users. The culture of deafened and hard-of-hearing people is more likely to be similar to that of hearing people.
A Hard of Hearing performer who uses their voice may appeal to some hard-of-hearing & deafened audiences, but the main focus should be on access issues.
