Royal Association for Deaf people launches new arts platform: Hear Art (with BSL video)

The Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) have announced a collaboration on the new HearArt platform with Academy Award winner, Rachel Shenton (the Silent Child) and campaigner and photographer, Cindy Sasha.

To watch this in BSL, click play below or scroll down to continue in English.

HearArt will focus on merging the UK deaf and hearing film-industry communities, supporting deaf people to develop their careers and make the cross over into mainstream media.

Working in collaboration with Slick Films Ltd, the project will see the production of three short films directed and written by deaf creatives from the UK: Bim Ajadi, Brian Duffy and Cathy Heffernan.

HearArt aims to merge high profile creatives with deaf filmmakers, to produce short films that will be screened across UK cinemas and will promote the talent, experience and vision of deaf creatives; and their capability to work within a predominantly hearing film industry.

It will challenge communication in front and behind the lens; delivering high-performance drama, comedyand documentary, that can be enjoyed by both deaf and hearing audiences.

Amanda Casson Webb, Joint Chief Executive said, “RAD is passionate about increasing social awareness and challenging traditional concepts about roles and opportunities for deaf people, in every industry. Whilst our collaboration on the HearArt platform represents a diversion from our usual service delivery model, it fits with our vision, ‘A future of opportunity, achievement and equality for deaf people’.   We are thrilled with our collaboration on the HearArt platform – and look forward to seeing the work and profile of every exceptionally talented deaf creative involved with HearArt, reach more people.”

After a successful crowdfunding campaign raising £30,000, the films are due to go into production in early October this year.