Hear We Are

Hear We Are

Hear We Are is a Deaf-led project by Jonny Cotsen in partnership with Chapter Arts Centre. It explores the perspectives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people working in the arts, and how they gain access and support towards creative production. The programme aims to reimagine relationships in the arts sector, placing Deaf and Hard of Hearing people at the heart of cultural production.

Phase One began in Spetember 2022, running through to June 2023. During this time Deaf Creative Mentor, Cheryl Beer, worked with nine Deaf creatives from across Wales to record their life stories, hold conversations and understand how Deafness has impacted their arts careers. She also explored the creative aspirations of Deaf artists and their hopes for a more equitable future:

It was a moving experience to hear the life stories of fellow Deaf creatives, the challenges they have overcome, the ways in which the arts and creativity have, in many ways, been a saving grace, but mostly, I was inspired by the incredible contributions that Deaf creatives are making, not just to the arts community, but towards a greater good for everyone. 

Deaf Creative Mentor, Cheryl Beer

This project is funded by Arts Council Wales, Connect + Flourish and led by Chapter Arts Centre.

hearweare@chapter.org