MDVAP Deaf Awareness Month Series 2026
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Theme: Deaf & Diverse: Celebrating Black, Brown, and Indigenous Deaf Voices
The Melanated Deaf Visual Arts Project (MDVAP) is proud to present a month-long series of programs during Deaf Awareness Month 2026. Through art, storytelling, education, accessibility, and community engagement, this series will celebrate the creativity, experiences, and contributions of Black, Brown, Indigenous, DeafBlind, and diverse Deaf voices across Arizona. Programming will take place throughout September and conclude with a statewide virtual celebration on September 30. |
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Arizona & Virtual | September 2026
About the Series
The MDVAP Deaf Awareness Month Series is a statewide celebration of Deaf arts, culture, storytelling, accessibility, and community engagement throughout September. Through exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, community gatherings, and a virtual gala, MDVAP uplifts Black, Brown, Indigenous, DeafBlind, and diverse Deaf voices across Arizona.
Phoenix Exhibition Series
Deaf & Diverse: Celebrating Black, Brown, and Indigenous Deaf Voices
September 1-12, 2026 | Phoenix
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
The Phoenix Exhibition Series serves as the opening exhibition of the MDVAP Deaf Awareness Month Series 2026 and celebrates Black, Brown, Indigenous, DeafBlind, and diverse Deaf artists through visual storytelling, accessibility, and community engagement. Featured works explore identity, culture, storytelling, accessibility, resilience, and community.
The exhibition will provide opportunities for community members to engage with Deaf artists, learn about diverse lived experiences, and celebrate the richness of Deaf culture through visual art.
The exhibition will provide opportunities for community members to engage with Deaf artists, learn about diverse lived experiences, and celebrate the richness of Deaf culture through visual art.
MDVAP Exhibition Opening Reception
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | Phoenix
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
Introductory ASL Workshop
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Tempe
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Tempe Public Library
3500 S Rural Rd
Tempe, AZ, 85282
Tempe Public Library
3500 S Rural Rd
Tempe, AZ, 85282
An interactive introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, and respectful communication practices for community members interested in learning more.
MDVAP ASL Gallery Tour
Sunday, September 6, 2026 | Phoenix
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
MDVAP ASL Art Workshop
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | Phoenix
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
Deaf Art, Storytelling & Identity
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Tempe
1:00 PM -2:30 PM
Tempe Public Library
3500 S Rural Rd
Tempe, AZ, 85282
Tempe Public Library
3500 S Rural Rd
Tempe, AZ, 85282
A presentation and discussion exploring how Deaf artists use visual art, storytelling, culture, and lived experiences to express identity, community, and belonging.
MDVAP Protactile Gallery Tour
Sunday, September 13, 2026 | Phoenix
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
MDVAP Protactile Art Workshop
Sunday, September 13, 2026 | Phoenix
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
Mood Room
3121 N 3rd Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ, 85013
MDVAP Voices Panel
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | Phoenix
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Phoenix College
Willo Conference Room
3310 N. 10th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phoenix College
Willo Conference Room
3310 N. 10th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013
A community dialogue featuring Deaf artists, storytellers, educators, and community leaders exploring identity, culture, storytelling, accessibility, and the importance of representation.
Sponsored by Phoenix College ASL Club
Sponsored by Phoenix College ASL Club
MDVAP Virtual Gala & Celebration
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | Virtual
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The statewide closing celebration of the MDVAP Deaf Awareness Month Series featuring artist recognition, storytelling, reflections, community appreciation, and a look ahead to the future of MDVAP.
Community Partners
The MDVAP Deaf Awareness Month Series is being developed through community relationships, cultural collaboration, and shared commitment to Deaf arts, accessibility, and representation across Arizona.
Community partners and collaborating organizations will be announced as participation is confirmed.
Community partners and collaborating organizations will be announced as participation is confirmed.
Program Partners
Organizations hosting or collaborating on workshops, panels, exhibitions, and community events.
- Tempe Public Library
- Phoenix College
Accessibility Partners
Organizations supporting communication access, DeafBlind access, Protactile-centered engagement, and inclusive participation.
Community Supporters
Individuals, groups, and organizations helping share, uplift, and support the series.
- Artlink
- Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ACDHH)
Interested in partnering with MDVAP for Deaf Awareness Month 2026? Contact us at [email protected]
[ID: Digital map of Arizona, including other states and country -- California, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.]
Artist Participation
MDVAP values artists as cultural contributors, educators, and community leaders. Participating artists may be invited to exhibit artwork, participate in panel discussions, contribute to educational programming, and engage with community members throughout the series.
Stay Connected
Additional locations, participating artists, accessibility information, and event details will be announced as they are confirmed.