Deaf Festival Sydney returns in 2023
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Sydney welcomes back the biggest Deaf community event on the 26th of August in the state with Deaf Festival Sydney.
After the 2022 Deaf Festival Sydney proved a roaring success, the highly anticipated 2023 Festival will be an even greater celebration of Deaf culture, history, vibrant community spirit and Auslan – Australian Sign Language.
Deaf Festival Sydney is a free event open to the public, at Cathy Freeman Park Sydney at Sydney Olympic Park, with lots to see and do for all ages.
The event is accessible, welcoming people of all abilities and ages. All volunteers are fluent in Auslan, and there will also be plenty of interpreters on the ground to facilitate communication between Auslan and English. Live captioning will also be an accessibility feature, compliments of Bradley Reporting.
The Festival is set to captivate audiences with a stellar lineup of Deaf performers, Deaf artists, and exciting special guest appearances and renowned international performing artists.
Showcasing an array of performances, workshops, and interactive experiences that highlight the extraordinary talents of the Deaf community in various artistic disciplines.
From the spellbinding dance routines of the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group and mesmerising visual art workshops of Sue Jo Wright to the thought-provoking Auslan storytelling by Pah, attendees can expect an unforgettable day celebrating the rich world of Deaf arts and culture.
The Festival features a great line-up of Deaf performers and artists as well as some surprise special guest appearances.
There is something for everyone. Bringing together performing acts, art, hands-on activations, pop-up shopping experiences, the Kids Zone and culinary delights in an inclusive community environment.
“The Deaf Festival is an opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate Deaf culture and Auslan, our language,” said Deaf Connect Chief Impact Officer Brent Phillips.
“The Festival began its highly anticipated countdown at the event last year. The Deaf Festival Sydney committee has dedicated countless hours to curate an event that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and heritage of our community. We look forward to welcoming Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing.”
Australians from all over the country to Sydney Olympic Park. It has been a pleasure working with the community to guide them in the organising of the event and handing the torch over to them. Deaf Connect looks forward to continuing to support the Festival as a proud sponsor,” said Phillips.
Glenn Welldon, a long-standing representative from the Deaf Festival organising committee, shared his anticipation for the event by highlighting Deaf culture is the heart and soul of the Deaf community.
“It is with joy we bring back Deaf Festival Sydney after a hugely successful 2022 Festival, after years of forced break due to COVID-19. It’s events like Deaf Festival Sydney that create memories and provide a space where connections are re-established, and our culture thrives.”
In addition to the getting together, marvellous performances, stalls, and a load of fun for the kids, the Deaf Festival will also provide a platform for advocacy and awareness. Our stall holders, various organisations and representatives will be present to share resources, information, and support services that empower the Deaf community and promote inclusivity in society.
Deaf Festival Sydney is proudly sponsored by Deaf Connect, Gold Sponsor Sweeney Interpreting, Silver Tier sponsors Full Life, Convo Au, Bronze Tier sponsors PAH!, NextSense, Concentrix, eWay and JaeMan as well as our KidsZone sponsor Escala Partners. We also thank Parramatta Leagues Club, Parramatta City Council, NSW Government for their support through their grants programs.
Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.
