SPREAD THE SIGN: Signing the letters B S L (Credit: Carol Ann Peacock/iStockphoto)
The first ever British Sign Language inclusive arts festival is taking place in Medway next month.
BUP! Festival will take over Sun Pier House, in Medway Street, Chatham on Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2, with a programme which aims to encourage and promote literacy amongst deaf children and their families.
When translated in British Sign Language (BSL), BUP! represents a lot of people coming together and this will be an overarching theme for the festival. The family-friendly event will have workshops and performances in BSL and English.
At school, the majority of deaf children are behind their hearing peers when it comes to language development and enjoyment of reading. The aim of the festival is to positively counteract this with a specialised programme including storytelling, art activities, film and performance to encourage improved literacy for deaf children.
As the majority of deaf children have hearing parents, BUP! Festival will also provide an opportunity for audiences to see positive deaf adult role models.
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Artistic director Steven Vevers-Webb said: “We’re passionate about deaf children and their families being able to go to festivals without any language barriers or access needs. As a deaf father of two children, I am excited to bring this festival to Medway. Look forward to seeing you there. Spread the sign!”
The event is the first collaborative partnership between D-live! Theatre and SEE and CREATE. D-Live! have run art and drama workshops led by deaf creatives in Medway for the last four years to promote literacy in both BSL and English language.
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Festival co-founder Christopher Sacre said: “As the director of SEE and CREATE I’m passionate about all creative events becoming BSL inclusive and accessible for all, and for deaf people to truly be placed on an equal footing with others.
“This will be a starting point for a future where current and emerging deaf creative talents are recognised and celebrated in Medway and beyond. I look forward to BUP! Festival being a great fun-filled event, and a celebration of inclusivity which will become an established part of Medway’s cultural scene and an inspiration for all to put equality and inclusion front and centre.”
BUP! Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2. Tickets will be free and available here.
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Source: https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/british-sign-language-arts-festival-comes-to-chatham/