2024 Program
We have a packed day planned for all Deaf Festival attendees!
Choose between events on the Main Stage, take a workshop and/or check out our Kids Zone.
Please note program and times may change.
Main Stage
Mademoiselle Coco, a Deaf Drag Queen inspired by Coco Chanel, started her career in Melbourne in 1998. She won Miss Deaf Drag Australia in 1999 and has performed at numerous events, including the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Melbourne Fringe Festival, and World Pride 2020. Known for her classy and chic style, she tailors her performances to entertain Deaf audiences. She is excited to be part of the Deaf Festival in Sydney!
Welcome to Country with Daniel McDonald. Daniel Mcdonald, also known as Deadly Hand Talk, is a queer First Nations artist and First People with Disability Network (FPDN) advocate. Daniel, a proud Gadigal and Wonnarura man, will be performing the Welcome to Country on Wangal land. You will not want to miss Daniel’s Welcome to Country which marks the beginning of the Deaf Festival Sydney for 2024 and celebrates the importance of communities coming together to share knowledge, stories, and celebrate culture.
My name is Sabeeha, I am Deaf, born and raised on a farm in Iraq. I moved to Australia with my sisters about 6 years ago and learned Auslan. I then set up a business teaching traditional Iraqi food, I love cooking and sharing food. I grow some of my own vegetables and make Iraqi bread. I look forward to meeting you at the Sydney Deaf Festival.
Discover the unique Deaf art of storytelling, Visual Vernacular, presented by Ivan Callaghan, returning to the Deaf Festival Sydney for the second year in a row! Ivan uses expressive facial expressions, dynamic movements, and vivid imagery to tell stories. Don't miss this chance to experience the captivating art of Visual Vernacular with a seasoned performer
An award-winning writer, poet and essayist. Best known for her book The Shape of Sound. Fiona will be discussing Deaf representation, employability, advocacy, and the importance of Deaf storytelling and language in shaping perspective, cultural awareness, and identity. What is next for Fiona, and can we expect another book?
A presentation about their experience with Gallaudet University Immersion Program.
Workshop Tent
Formosa is a deafblind artist with 3% vision, and paints amazing traditional style dot paintings. Joseph enjoys learning about his Aboriginal culture and heritage through art. His painting are largely inspired by nature and in particular the sea. Join Joseph and his guide dog Yogi, in an art class that celebrates First Nations dot painting techniques, symbols and storytelling.
Do you desire to know more about how to practice yoga; asanas, breathing, relaxation and meditation at home everyday to help with your Deaf Mental Health? Do you want to find out how to bring compassion in your daily life? If yes, come along to a 30 minute class with Karli, Deaf Yoga Teacher!
Come and do experiments at the ANSTO science workshop! You will play with microscopes, magnets, and other science toys. Deaf educators will show you what to do and will explain how these things work. You will have fun and you can ask questions any time! (This workshop is for adults & kids aged 14+)
Come and do experiments at the ANSTO science workshop! You will play with microscopes, magnets, and other science toys. Deaf educators will show you what to do and will explain how these things work. You will have fun and you can ask questions any time! (This workshop is for adults & kids aged 14+)
The arts facilitate powerful moments for social change and cultural awareness. This Deaf Art Networking event will focus on Deaf creative projects, accessibility in the creative industries and an opportunity to share your ideas and make connections. Those attending will be emerging to established arts professionals, arts organisations, and Deaf arts industry allies. We will come together to share knowledge about upcoming events, promote individual creative practice, and brainstorm. It will include information about grants, industry contacts, upcoming artist opportunities and more!
Kids Zone
City of Ryde presents Auslan Storytime.
Come and do experiments at the ANSTO science workshop! You will play with microscopes, magnets, and other science toys. Deaf educators will show you what to do and will explain how these things work. You will have fun and you can ask questions any time! (This workshop is for kids between 8-14 years old)
Join Karli Dettman.
Suitable for 6-12 years.
Join Sue Jo Wright.
Suitable for 5-12 years.
Come hang out with us for a super fun session of Auslan with David and Fallon! These two amazing performers are experts at keeping kids entertained through play and movement. Their show is not only entertaining, but also educational, making learning Auslan a blast. Don't miss out on the fun!
