September 23, 2026
On 23 September, the International Day of Sign Languages, Europe Beyond Access is proud to launch its Deaf Strategy, developed with Deaf artists and interpreters, reinforcing our commitment to greater access, participation and representation for Deaf artists across our programme and community.
Over the years, thanks to our work with Deaf artists, we have been aware of the structural barriers that continue to be faced by them in accessing opportunities in the performing arts.
The Deaf strategy stems from the desire to take responsibility for breaking down the barriers and to support Deaf culture, Deaf artistry and sign language access throughout our work.
Our Deaf Strategy is an important step in turning this commitment into action. It sets out our ambition to increase the participation and visibilty of Deaf artists in Europe Beyond Access, deepen our understanding of Deaf artistic practices, and build stronger relationships with Deaf artists and sign language interpreters.
Launching the strategy on the International Day of Sign Languages is an opportunity to reaffirm this commitment and to recognise the essential role of sign languages in enabling participation, communication and artistic exchange.
Introducing the EBA International Sign Glossary
One of the key actions emerging from our Deaf Strategy is the EBA International Sign Glossary.
Shaped by Deaf artists and developed in collaboration with sign language interpreters and Europe Beyond Access partners, the glossary is a growing collection of signs and short videos for terms and concepts in international signs, commonly used within Europe Beyond Access.
The aim is not to create one “correct” or universal sign. Instead, the glossary is designed to support communication, facilitate the sharing of knowledge, and make it easier for Deaf artists, interpreters and cultural organisations to work together across different countries and sign languages.
Most importantly, the EBA International Sign Glossary is a living and collaborative resource. It will continue to develop through contributions, conversations and feedback from the Deaf community.
Over the coming weeks, follow us on our social media: we will share some of the signs included in the EBA International Sign Glossary, offering an opportunity to discover the resource and the thinking behind it.
A commitment to continued learning and change
The launch of our Deaf Strategy is not the end of a process. It is an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to listen, learn and create meaningful, lasting change within Europe Beyond Access and the wider performing arts sector.
This work will continue to evolve through dialogue and collaboration with Deaf artists and communities. Together, we want to contribute to a more accessible, equitable and inclusive cultural landscape for Deaf artists across Europe. For this reason, we welcome your feedback!