Deaf Spotlight

Deaf Spotlight wants your input! Please fill out the short survey! Your responses are confidential and will directly inform future programs, outreach, and community engagement efforts. Please fill out by Sunday, May 31, 2026. Survey link avaiable in bio above. Thank you in advance! [Descriptive transcript: Ronise, a light-skinned Latine woman in a black top front of a gray background.. She signs to the audience.] Ronise: This short survey helps Deaf Spotlight better understand community perspectives, experiences, and needs. Your responses are confidential and will directly inform future programs, outreach, and community engagement efforts. Please fill out by Sunday, May 31, 2026. QR code, which lead to the Google form (/dssurvey2026) [Video transitions to a black background with a moving outline showing a person’s chest and lower head. The hands move to sign “Deaf Spotlight”. Video transitions to showing the Deaf Spotlight logo.]

GIVEAWAY In celebration of the publication of Sara Nović's MOTHER TONGUE, we're partnering with @DeafSpotlight , an organization inspiring and showcasing Deaf Culture and Sign Languages through the arts, to give away a custom tote bag and a copy of MOTHER TONGUE. To enter for a chance to win: 1) Like this post 2) Follow @randomhousebooks and @deafspotlight 3) Tag a friend below! [NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to U.S. residents 18+. 1 winner will be selected at random and contacted via DM by @randomhousebooks . Void where prohibited. Ends 11:59 PM ET May 23, 2026.]

Deaf Spotlight is looking for new board members like you! Are you looking for a unique service leadership that allows you to put your lived experiences to direct good use? Deaf Spotlight is seeking 3 - 4 members to add to our board of directors. More details about the Board, link available in bio above. [Descriptive transcript: video opens with a close up of a light flashing, which transitions to an old fashioned film reel playing. Behind is a wall with Deaf Spotlight’s logo dotting it. Video transitions to Jennifer Harris signing to the camera.] Jennifer: Deaf Spotlight is looking for new board members like you! Are you interested? [Jennifer holds up a black and white card with Deaf Spotlight’s mission statement and contact information on it.] [Video transitions to Patty Liang, Executive Director, signing.] Patty: Our mission is to inspire and showcase Deaf Culture and sign language through the arts. [Close-up of a letter collage with “Deaf Spotlight” spelled out in artistic letters.] Patty: Deaf Spotlight is more than an art organization. We support Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing artists. We are a community-centered art space. We are equity-driven, aiming to provide accessible experiences for all. [Video transitions to Jennifer.] Jennifer: You don’t need to be an expert. We can thrive together. [Video transitions to Patty.] Patty: You can become part of the future of Deaf Arts. Join us. [Video transitions to a black and white slide showing a QR code in the center with “Board FAQ & Application” underneath.] [Video transitions to a giphy outline showing Deaf Spotlight in ASL, which evolves into the black and white logo. Website underneath: “DeafSpotlight.org”. ]

Storytelling through Branding & Marketing with @tdscreativeagency Sunday, May 17, 2026 1 to 3 PM PST / 4 - 6 PM EST Zoom Workshop fee: $25 Registration Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 RSVP Link in the Bio. [Descriptive transcript in the comment below]

Introducing the DAL Cohort 2026-27 We have something exciting to share with you all! From all over the United States, six people were selected as the inaugural Deaf Arts Leadership cohort from March 2026 to November 2027. Here's the selected candidates below. Please follow their social media and support their future endeavors. -Kevin Abrams -Joey Antonio -Joshua Castille -Jennifer Harbaugh -Naima Johnson -Daniel Katz-Hernandez Deaf Arts Leadership (DAL) is a new pilot program by Urban Jazz Dance Company and Deaf Spotlight. DAL aims to increase the pool of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing leaders in the arts and culture sector across the United States. Many thanks to the Borealis Philanthropy Disability Inclusion Fund for supporting this project. ID: Flyer for Deaf Arts Leadership Cohort 2026-2027, with six headshots grouped together on top and text below: “Kevin Abrams, Joey Antonio, Joshua Castille, Jennifer Harbaugh, Naima Johnson, and Daniel Katz-Herandez”. Logos for Borealis Philanthrophy, Urban Jazz Dance Company, and Deaf Spotlight across the bottom, with the website below: DeafArtsLeadership.org

Let’s soar together! Deaf Arts Leadership (DAL) is a new pilot program by @urbanjazzdancecompany and @deafspotlight DAL aims to increase the pool of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing leaders the arts and culture sector across the United States. Learn more about our program in our bio link above. Follow us for more updates! ID 1: flyer in tones of purple and white, with "Deaf Arts Leadership" on top with multiple paper airplanes flying through the title. Text below: "Soar together." On the bottom: afArtsLeadership.org, along with the logos for Borealis Philanthropy, Urban Jazz Dance Company, and Deaf Spotlight. ID 2: flyer in tones of purple and white, with "Deaf Arts Leadership (DAL) is a new pilot program by Urban Jazz Dance Company and Deaf Spotlight. DAL aims to increase the pool of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing leaders the arts and culture sector across the United States.” On the bottom: afArtsLeadership.org, along with the logos for Borealis Philanthropy, Urban Jazz Dance Company, and Deaf Spotlight.

Come learn how to write a project grant to elevate your arts! This FREE workshop is intended for those who are new to grant writing. Antoine Hunter & Zahna Simon of Urban Jazz Dance Company will share their experiences and tips! Sat, May 16, 2026 10 AM - 12 PM PST / 1 - 3 PM EST RSVP Deadline: Thurs May 14, 2026 RSVP link available in bio above. [DT: video opens with Antoine and Zahna standing side by side signing to the camera. Above their heads is a flyer, in white text on a purple background with an outline of a pencil peeking from the side. Text: “Virtual Grant Writing Workshop”. Subtitle: “For Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing Artists”.] Both: Hello, hello! A: My name is Antoine Hunter and I’m the director and founder of Urban Jazz Dance Company as well as the International Deaf Dance Festival as well. Z: Hello! My name is Zahna Simon, and I’m the assistant director for both UDJC and International Deaf Dance Festival as well. A: UDJC and… Z: Deaf Spotlight! A: are partnering for a Grant Writing Workshop! Who is this workshop for? Z: The workshop is for DDBDDHH artists, or part of an arts organization, or spearheading arts projects of their own. A: We will be sharing many good tools to help you fund yourself or your projects. After thirty years of experience, we’ll be sharing some Dos and Don’ts to help you. We’re really excited about this, to be able to use direct communication in sign to discuss this all with you. If there are any accessibility needs, please do contact Deaf Spotlight - where would we find that info? Z: The information can be found on Deaf Spotlight’s website. Remember, this workshop will be conducted online virtually. And it’s FREE! So don’t miss out on this opportunity! Check out more information on Deaf Spotlight’s webpage! A: We look forward to meeting you all! [Both flash ILY signs at the camera. It becomes a little dance movement.] [Video transitions to the flyer, with white text on purple background, now with addition of the workshop ad along with a scannable QR code and the website: DeafSpotlight.org. ]

CHECK THIS POST ~ Sharing from our May 2026 Community Calendar: DeafSpotlight.org/Calendar! May 14- Thurs- 6-8 PM PT- Seattle International Film Festival- OC Film: The Life We Leave SIFF Cinema Uptown, Seattle, WA Filmed by a CODA Filmmaker: Kyle Seago May 15- Fri- 7:30 - 9:30 PM PT- 5th Avenue Theatre - Jesus Christ Superstar Seattle, WA Promo code: ASL May 16- Sat- 10 AM - 12 PM PT- Grant Writing Workshop with Urban Jazz Dance Company- VIRTUAL RSVP Deadline: May 14 RSVP LINK: /dsudjcworkshop2026 May 17- Sun- 1 - 3 PM PT- Storytelling thru Branding and Marketing with Ta-Da Studios- VIRTUAL RSVP Deadline: May 15 RSVP LINK: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/FzHSYj09qL May 17- Sun- 1:30 - 3:30 PM PT- 5th Avenue Theatre - Jesus Christ Superstar Seattle, WA Promo code: ASL May 20 - Wed- 6:30 - 8 PM PT - Museum of History & Industry, History Café: Field Notes Podcast - HYBRID Seattle, WA May 30- Sat- 3-4:30 PM PT- Seattle Public Library Collab with WA Hands and Voices and Deaf Spotlight- DHH Community Listening Session Beacon Hill Library, Seattle, WA ID: Square graphic with header text "DO DO? Calendar". Text in the 21st calendar date says "Did you know we have a community calendar? Check out upcoming local arts and cultural events with accessible options!" Illustrated icons of flowers and stars. Deaf Spotlight logo at the bottom.

Deaf Lit Fest is BACK! Save the dates: October 9–11, 2026 at Hugo House in Seattle. Join us for an inspiring weekend celebrating Deaf authors from diverse backgrounds, hands‑on writing and literary workshops, and meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow literature lovers. Of course, it'll be LIT! More information soon: DeafSpotlight.org/DeafLitFest Descriptive Transcript of DLF 26 Announcement: [Video opens to blue background with a laptop, a pen, paper and flowers on top. Black text appears: “Coming Soon This Fall....” Video transitions as an orange vertical bar appears, moving from right to left showing new text against a blue background. Black text: “Deaf Lit Fest. Our Stories Through Our Hands. Oct. 9-11, 2026. Hugo House. Seattle, WA.” Flame is above i in “Lit.” More flowers and a cup of latte were added along with the laptop, pen, paper and flowers, framing the text on top half. Video transitions with an orange vertical bar, moving from right to left, showing an orange circle against a blue background. Orange flowers and a cup of latte are on the bottom. In front of the orange circle, a moving outline showing a person’s chest and lower head. The hands move to sign “Deaf Spotlight”. The circle vanishes as the giphy transitions to showing the orange Deaf Spotlight logo. Black text on bottom: “DeafSpotlight.org/DeafLitFest.”]

SDFF 2026 is now closed until Spring 2028. Thank you all for your continued support from us to you all: SDFF planning committee, screening committee, filmmakers, volunteers, funders, sponsors, and community like you! Filmmakers, please continue making more amazing and authentic stories through Deaf cinema lens. Community, deaf stories cannot happen without you and your support! Keep sharing and investing in emerging and Deaf filmmakers and their work. Please share your thoughts on our festival by Wednesday, April 29th. We always want to improve! Survey link available in bio above. Thank you for filling in advance. See you at the next one! ID: Flyer with “Thank you!” across the top, with an illustrated image showing an space helmet resting upon an octopus’ appendages on the bottom. Text inside the helmet: “Seattle Deaf Film Festival”. Popcorn kernels dot the image.

Too many programs, not enough time? Festival Director, MJ shares a film recommendation to help narrow it down. Friendly reminder: TODAY'S last day for SDFF Streaming! Sit back and enjoy the films. Streaming link in the bio. ID: Testimonial with text on top of an image of an octopus’ appendages with a space-themed background. A cutout of MJ’s head lies in between. Text: “ON THE JOB, one of the shorts programs at SDFF, is a funny and creative way to explore how situations in the workplace can spiral out of control (for the best?) and represent our internal longings. - MJ Kiego, Festival Director.”

Too many programs, not enough time? SDFF Programming Lead Andrea shares a film recommendation to help narrow it down. 🍿 Streaming Link in the Bio 🎬 Last day for SDFF streaming: April 26 ID: Testimonial with text on top of an image of an octopus’ appendages with a space-themed background. A cutout of Andrea’s head lies in between. Text: “OKTHANKSBYE is such a charming and funny coming of age story from Netherlands, and a wonderful adventure between two friends. - Andrea Passafiume, Programming Lead.”