Deaffest Co-founders and Festival Directors Nikki Stratton and Marilyn Willrich are being celebrated as Game Changers!
Tomorrow, seven stories of people who have had game-changing impact on Arts & Film will be bought to life at V&A Exhibition Road Courtyard.
Created by Ouchhh Studio, a pioneer of data-based technology, the artwork will use state-of-the-art cognitive AI technology to transform the brainwaves of these individuals into a living, breathing canvas. It will be a UK-debut artwork for the Istanbul-based artists, who use ground-breaking cognitive technology to illuminate iconic buildings across the world.
From the director of Bend It Like Beckham, to the founder of a music charity that has nurtured some of the most recognisable names in recent times, each chapter of the artwork brings to life the unique journey and passion of a Game Changer.
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million is raised every week for good causes, such as the restoration of thousands of arts venues across the UK, including the V&A.
This is the final of four unique activities taking place across the UK in the build-up to celebrating The National Lottery’s 30th Birthday in November.
The artwork will be on display 5.30pm-9.30pm, Friday 1 November.
This November, Deaffest on Tour will be making its way to London for the Bernie Grant Arts Centre’s Tottenham Literature Festival (TLF) from the 11th to the 17th of November 2024. Following a successful collaboration in 2022, Deaffest is thrilled to partner with TLF for this year’s festival.
The week celebrates Black narratives and showcases the work of Black authors and creatives with the theme of Black Imaginations. Join TLF to discuss, dream, and explore how imagination powerfully transforms stories and realities. TLF invites you to meditate on this quote by Walidah Imarisha: ‘When we free our imaginations, we question everything. We recognise none of this is fixed, everything is stardust, and we have the strength to cast it however we will.’
Throughout the week-long festival, British Sign Language interpretation will be available for the main theatre talks, with a roaming interpreter present during the daytime on Saturday the 16th of November.
D/deaf creatives will open the main theatre talks on Saturday to showcase their incredible art. Stay tuned for updates from TLF and Deaffest!
The Deaffest 2024’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy and Dramatic Arts went to Deaf Comedian & Actor John Smith. This is a worthy tribute to recognise his exceptional talent and significant contributions to both the comedy and dramatic arts within the Deaf community for over 15 years. His ability to blend humour and drama has not only entertained and inspired but has also shone a spotlight on the richness of Deaf culture and the power of representation in the arts. His work continues to break down barriers, offering a profound insight into the Deaf experience while making a lasting impact on audiences.
Born in Newcastle, UK, John Smith is a Deaf comedian, actor, British Sign Language teacher and – watch out – a 3rd Dan black belt in Karate Wado!
Famed for his sense of humour, John made his first stand-up appearance in 2005 and performed at the very first Deaffest in Wolverhampton, UK in 2006. Since then, due to popular demand, John has been performing all over the UK and worldwide including Europe, USA, Australia, and more!
Anyone who has experienced his brilliant brand of comedy will know that John includes in his shows his personal experiences of being Deaf especially in a ‘hearing world’. With references to Deaf-related issues, politics, school life, and more, he has the rare talent of pulling your heartstrings yet simultaneously making you laugh!
Off stage, John has appeared on TV programmes including BBC’s ‘See Hear’, RTE’s ’The Afternoon Show’ and John & Joe Bishop’s ‘Life after Deaf’ documentary on ITVX. Plus, he was interviewed for one of the Deaffest: Rewind episodes – worth a watch if you have not seen this before!
With his experiences and talents combined, John is a gifted actor and is undoubtedly memorable from his acting work with BSL Zone’s ’Still Here’, ‘Four Deaf Yorkshiremen Go to Blackpool’ (and later episodes), ‘Deaf Funny’, and the ‘Coffee Morning Club’ series.
John has been returning to Deaffest over the years, sharing his skills and inspiring visitors of all ages, through his performances and workshops.
Deaffest 