BSL Celebration

We are proud to be working in partnership with BSL Celebration to host a programme of activities as part of Southampton BSL Fest! Events are open to everyone, and BSL interpreters will be present. ⁠

Deaf Vision⁠
8 April – 24 May⁠
Deaf Vision in our Mezzanine Gallery presents work by children from the Newlands School Resource for Deaf Children and artists Rebecca Aldridge, Diana Terry, and Kim Waine-Thomas. The children worked alongside local artist Vicky Barber-Crimes in response to Emma Critchley’s exhibition Soundings. ⁠

One Letter⁠
22 April – 29 May 2025⁠
Directed by Brian Duffy, One Letter explores the relationship between the words ‘deaf’ and ‘dead’ – a common autocorrect mistake that turns ‘deaf’ into ‘dead’ to highlight the isolation experienced by many deaf people growing up in hearing families. Watch One Letter on our Digital Array until 29 May. Commissioned by Hear Art, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting deaf creatives and engaging collaboration between deaf and hearing artists.⁠

BSL Culture Night⁠
Wednesday 23 April, 6.30–8.30pm⁠
Join us for BSL performances by comedian Gavin Lilley and visual vernacular artist, Ishtiaq Hussain. Find out about Deaf Vision from local artist and co-curator Vicky Barber-Crimes, and enjoy a presentation on the modern history of BSL from deaf historian Peter Brown. Ages 12+. Book your free ticket by emailing: [email protected]

Space to Create! Family-friendly workshop with Vicky Barber-Crimes ⁠
Saturday 26 April, 11–11.45am or 12–12.45pm⁠
Take inspiration from Emma Critchley’s exhibition Soundings and create deep sea creatures with your hands!⁠

British Sign Language Tour of Stasis Field
Saturday 26 April, 1.30-4pm⁠
Join Martin Glover for a BSL tour of Kathy Prendergast’s exhibition, Stasis Field. Blending drawing, sculpture, and installation to explore themes of identity, geography, and the human body, the tour will be followed by a creative workshop and a short introduction to the show Deaf Vision in the Mezzanine Gallery. Refreshments will be provided. BOOK HERE

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