Call for Deaf artists

Calling All Deaf Artists in Ontario! Share Your De’VIA Masterpieces!

Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2025 by 4pm Eastern Standard Time.

The Hands in Commemoration: Celebrating American Sign Language Culture
Through Art exhibition, organized by OSD/SJW alumni in collaboration with the City of
Belleville, is seeking Deaf artists, especially with a connection to Belleville, to showcase
their De’VIA artwork in a special gallery exhibition at the Parrott Gallery and Quinte Arts
Council Cultural Hub Gallery, in September 2025.

Deaf culture is unique and deserves to be recognized in Belleville. It focuses on a
reframing of the historical, cultural, and linguistic reality of Deaf people in the world from
one that is minimizing, oppressive or damaging. Key to this is recognition of sign
language. The theme of the exhibition is valuing the lives and experiences of Deaf
artists through View/Image Art, also known as De’VIA. De’VIA is a genre of visual art
that intentionally represents the Deaf experience and Deaf culture. It is art that
examines and expresses the Deaf Experience from a cultural, linguistic, and
intersectional point of view. De’VIA art often incorporates specific motifs and symbols
related to Deaf culture, such as hands, eyes, and sign language.

This event celebrates the 155th anniversary of Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf
(SJW), Deaf Awareness Month, International Day of Sign Languages (September 23rd)
and the International Week of Deaf People. It’s a unique opportunity to educate the
Belleville community and audiences across Ontario about the rich culture, history, and
contributions of the Deaf community, as well as the significance of sign language. By
showcasing stunning De’VIA (Deaf View/Image Art), we aim to amplify Deaf voices and
preserve the heritage that defines our community.
Selected artists will receive a total contribution of $500 commission to this landmark
event.

Submission Details:
● Eligibility: Open to Deaf artists in Ontario specializing in De’VIA. New artwork
can be created for this exhibition or existing pieces that exemplify the theme are
also fine.

● Priority: Special consideration will be given to alumni of Sir James Whitney
School for the Deaf (SJW), and/or a connection to Belleville and its
surroundings..
● How to submit: Artists can select up to four pieces for the committee to review.
Send a clear, high-quality photo of your artwork to
handsincommemoration@gmail.com for selection. Along with your submission,
include a short statement (written or video) explaining what your artwork
represents, how it connects to the De’VIA movement, and how it exemplifies its
themes of Deaf culture, identity, or experience.
● Art requirements: Possible contributions include, sculpture, photography, fibre
art, printing, painting, drawing, etc. For 2D pieces the maximum width including
the frame is 36 inches.
● Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2025 by 4pm Eastern Standard Time.
● Selection process: Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee, and
chosen artists will be notified. Selected artists will be notified on May 9, 2025.
Don’t miss this opportunity to have your art featured in a meaningful exhibition that
celebrates Deaf identity, culture, and creativity while educating the broader community
about the beauty and importance of Deaf history and sign language.
Submit your artwork today!

For more information, contact us at handsincommemoration@gmail.com.
Let’s come together to honour our past, celebrate our present, and inspire the future
through art!