Building Deaf-Centered Creative Space in Mesa, Arizona
The Mesa Deaf Visual Arts Project (MDVAP) is an evolving initiative dedicated to expanding Deaf-centered arts, accessibility, and cultural engagement within Mesa and the greater East Valley region of Arizona.
This project explores how visual art, storytelling, American Sign Language (ASL), Protactile, and community collaboration can come together to create meaningful experiences led by and inclusive of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened artists and audiences.
Mesa’s growing arts ecosystem offers exciting opportunities to foster connection, visibility, and innovation through accessible and community-rooted programming.
This project explores how visual art, storytelling, American Sign Language (ASL), Protactile, and community collaboration can come together to create meaningful experiences led by and inclusive of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened artists and audiences.
Mesa’s growing arts ecosystem offers exciting opportunities to foster connection, visibility, and innovation through accessible and community-rooted programming.
Vision
The MDVAP Mesa Project envisions a creative ecosystem where Deaf artists, DeafBlind artists, and artists with disabilities are fully included, celebrated, and empowered within Arizona’s contemporary arts landscape.
This project aims to:
This project aims to:
- Increase visibility of Deaf and DeafBlind artists
- Expand accessible arts programming in Mesa
- Build collaborative partnerships with local arts organizations
- Create spaces for cultural exchange and storytelling
- Support emerging and established artists through exhibitions, workshops, and public engagement
Areas of Exploration
Programming and collaborations currently being explored may include:
- Deaf-centered visual art exhibitions
- Artist talks and community discussions
- ASL-accessible and Protactile-informed programming
- Creative workshops and cultural events
- Accessibility consulting for arts institutions
- Community partnerships with local organizations and venues
Accessibility & Community Values
The MDVAP Mesa Project is rooted in the belief that language access, cultural equity, and artistic expression are essential human experiences.
The project centers:
The project centers:
- Deaf leadership
- DeafBlind accessibility
- Multilingual visual communication
- Intersectionality and cultural diversity
- Community collaboration and mutual learning
Current Status
The MDVAP Mesa Project is currently in development and relationship-building stages. Conversations with community organizations, artists, and cultural partners are ongoing as the vision continues to grow organically.
Additional updates, announcements, and opportunities for collaboration will be shared in the future.
Additional updates, announcements, and opportunities for collaboration will be shared in the future.
Collaborate With MDVAP
MDVAP welcomes opportunities to collaborate with:
To learn more or explore collaboration opportunities, please visit:
MDVAP Official Website
or contact:
Earl Terry
Founder, Mesa Deaf Visual Arts Project (MDVAP)
- Arts organizations
- Museums and galleries
- Community centers
- Educational institutions
- Deaf and disability organizations
- Artists and cultural leaders
To learn more or explore collaboration opportunities, please visit:
MDVAP Official Website
or contact:
Earl Terry
Founder, Mesa Deaf Visual Arts Project (MDVAP)
"Art becomes more powerful when access, language, and community are centered together."