Amidst the uplifting strides like the BSL Act's approval in 2022 and the imminent introduction of the British Sign Language GCSE, we find ourselves on a promising path for the deaf community. To truly champion inclusivity, take part in our Art Sector Specific Deaf Awareness Training.

This tailor-made training not only cultivates a profound appreciation for deaf culture but also imparts the skills needed to seamlessly connect with deaf artists and audiences. By embracing this training, you're not just participating in progress; you're actively dismantling barriers and cultivating an art space where everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can thrive. Join us in embracing this positive transformation – we'll be right there with you, every step of the way.

In these workshops, we will explore what Deaf Culture is and how this contextual information can support dignified access, leading to authentic inclusion. Learn more about what Deaf artists and audiences need from arts organisations to truly be “inclusive”. Examine and deconstruct the history of the oppression of Deaf people through the banning of sign language and develop an understanding of how these events still impact the daily lives of Deaf people today. Providing you with the tools to create transformative equity within your work practice.

Develop an appreciation of the human rights model of disability and the journey to where we are now. Along with recognition of the intricate history of previous models that have created linguistic impacts linked to language deprivation. Realise how to centre Deaf audiences when making curatorial decisions and consider what needs to change for this to happen.

Finally, relate this to how your organisation can reflect this learning to your Inclusivity and Relevance aims and comply with your EDI objectives.

Training Session Options:

Option 1: Remote via Zoom

Duration: 3 hours including a break

Option 2: In-person

Duration: 3 hours including a break

Cost for Option 1 or 2: £75 per person (representing their organisation) / £50 per person in an individual capacity.

Date Flexibility (depending on the level of interest)

Option 3: Organisational training for your whole team (Bespoke adaptions made to meet your organisational needs).

Cost: £180 half-day and £350 full-day session

Date Flexibility (Travel arrangements will need to be negotiated, depending on the location of the organisation).

To find out more contact us.

At Flare Art, we are committed to providing specialised and inclusive consulting services specifically tailored to focus on deaf accessibility within arts organisations. We are delighted to offer three distinct consulting options that bring together the expertise of our consultants, Omeima Mudawi-Rowling MBE and Emma Fearon, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

Consultants:

Omeima Mudawi-Rowling MBE (she/her)

Specialisation: Lived experience as a Deaf artist and, how to centre Deaf creatives in artistic endeavours.

Omeima Mudawi-Rowling offers a unique perspective as a Deaf artist, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Deaf creative community. Her lived experience informs her consulting approach, guiding organisations on how to prioritise and amplify the voices of Deaf creatives, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and diverse artistic landscape.

Hourly Rate: £30

Omeima is a British-Sudanese textile artist, craft maker, and independent curator who has exhibited both nationally and internationally, receiving an MBE in 2022 for services to people with disabilities in the Arts. Omeima was also awarded ‘runner-up’ for the Arab British Centre Award for Culture (individual award) 2019. The Award for Culture celebrates organisations and individuals whose work has significantly contributed to the British public’s understanding of the Arab world over the last two years. Omeima is a Clore Cultural Leadership Fellow 2019/20, a creative consultant, accessibility consultant, and trainer, and a leader in creating Deaf and hearing integrated activities, promoting both equity and professional development opportunities.

Emma Fearon (she/her)

Emma Fearon is experienced in curatorial practices and interpretation support, with a particular emphasis on creating inclusive art experiences for the deaf community. Her expertise extends beyond traditional curatorial roles as she actively works to bridge the gap between artistic expression and deaf culture to ensure meaningful engagement.

Specialisation: Curatorial support and interpretation.

Emma Fearon, an Irish-English curator with international programming, art handling, commercial sales, and research experience, holds a degree in Art History and Visual Culture from the University of Exeter, along with a distinction in her Masters in International Contemporary Art: Business and Curation. She interned at Sharjah Art Foundation, UAE, and completed a Venice Biennale residency through the British Fellowship Scheme.

Fearon curated The Art of Signing Hands; A Bilingual Exhibition with participation from the Deaf Academy, Exmouth, featured on BBC radio (show made accessible). Fearon also curated I still dream that dream which explored migrant agency and sacred expression in Venice, published in Espacio Fronterizo: Journal of Encounters. Fearon’s most recent project was Inter-Diaspora as part of deaf-led arts festival, Flarewave 2023.

As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), Fearon’s curatorial passion focuses on creating deaf-accessible routes to art, emphasising both physical and cultural comprehension entry points.

Hourly Rate: £30

Combined Consultation ( Omeima Mudawi-Rowling and Emma Fearon)

Hourly Rate: £45

For a more comprehensive approach, Flare Art offers a combined consultation option featuring both Emma Fearon and Omeima Mudawi-Rowling. This option ensures that your organisation benefits from the complementary expertise of both consultants, creating a dynamic and inclusive strategy for supporting and centring deaf creatives.

Why Choose Flare Art Consultants:

Inclusive Expertise: Our consultants bring a deep understanding of the deaf community, ensuring that artistic pursuits are not only accessible but also resonate authentically with diverse audiences.

Diversity in Approach: With both curatorial, artistic and lived experience perspectives, our consultants offer a holistic approach to supporting Deaf creatives in the art world.

Affordable Expertise: The combined consultation option at £45 per hour provides a cost-effective solution for organisations seeking a comprehensive and inclusive approach to their artistic endeavours.

Flare Art is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and diverse artistic landscape. We look forward to collaborating with you to make art accessible to all.

Flare Arts Professional Development Programme, 2024, will be announced shortly.

Full details incoming.

In the meantime, check our upcoming newsletter (31st of Jan 2024).