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Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA) and National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) are thrilled to partner in hosting a three-day community event, Deaf Enlightenment & Arts Festival, to celebrate Deaf culture through the arts at the REACH.

Deaf Enlightenment & Arts Festival includes various outdoor activities and performances highlighting Deaf artists while showcasing their unique talents in the creative arts: music, ASL poetry/storytelling, visual arts, dance, film, theatre, and more. Join us for a great adventure and fun at the Deaf Culture & Arts Festival!

Deaf Enlightenment & Arts Festival is part of the Kennedy Center's 2021 Millennium Stage Summer Series, celebrating our societal emergence from the pandemic and the return of live performance.

Access to the event space is first come, first served and may be restricted due to capacity.  to receive the latest program and weather updates. Registration covers all events listed on the schedule below.

Limited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis for guests with disabilities.

Thursday, September 23

6–8 p.m.

Arts Market on the REACH Plaza

Vendor space is offered by invite only. Vendors interested in participating should email [email protected].

6–7:15 p.m.

DJ set with DJ Kazeem Babatunde

7:15–7:45 p.m.

Short film: Am I Next? by Natasha Ofili and Storm Smith

7:45–9:30 p.m.

Film: COMPENSATION

Friday, September 24

5–8 p.m.

Arts Market on the REACH Plaza

Vendor space is offered by invite only. Vendors interested in participating should email [email protected].

5–6:15 p.m.

DJ Set by Leyland Lyken aka DJ SupaLee

6:15–6:30 p.m.

Performance by Sunshine 2.0

Also watch Sunshine 2.0 at the livestream online

6:30–7 p.m.

Performance by Evon Black

Also watch Evon Black at the livestream online

7–7:30 p.m.

Performance by Fred Beam

Also watch Fred Beam at the livestream online

7:30–8 p.m.

Performance by Ronnie Bradley

Also watch Ronnie Bradley at the livestream online

Saturday, September 25

10–10:45 a.m.

Yoga with Luv Yoga (part of Sound Health: Yoga at the REACH)

11–11:45 a.m.

Dance class with Yola Rozynek (part of Dance Sanctuaries)

12–8 p.m.

Arts Market on the REACH Plaza

Vendor space is offered by invite only. Vendors interested in participating should email [email protected].

12–12:45 p.m.

Dance class with Tara Miles (part of Dance Sanctuaries)

1–1:45 p.m.

ASL Songs/Dance class with Sunshine 2.0 (part of Dance Sanctuaries)

5 & 7:30 p.m.

DJ Set by DJ Hear No Evil

6–6:15 p.m.

Performance by Mervin Primeaux-O'Bryant

Also watch Mervin Primeaux-O'Bryant at the livestream online

6:15–6:30 p.m.

Performance by ASL Poet TeeFlo

Also watch ASL Poet TeeFlo at the livestream online

6:30–7 p.m.

Performance by ASL Rapper WaWa: Warren L. Snipe

Also watch ASL Rapper WaWa: Warren L. Snipe at the livestream online

7–7:30 p.m.

Live performance by CJ Jones

Also watch CJ Jones at the livestream online

7:30–8 p.m.

DJ Set by DJ Hear No Evil

Also watch DJ Hear No Evil at the livestream online

èßäAVwelcomes guests with disabilities. Below is some information to help you plan your visit for our Summer Series. Please contact the Accessibility Office at 202-416-8727 or [email protected] with any questions or to request an accommodation.

Questions? Please contact the Accessibility Office at 202-416-8727 or [email protected] with any questions or to request an accommodation.

For all events and performances

• A face covering is required for all un-vaccinated patrons. Patrons who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a face covering when outdoors.
• If you'd like to sit, bring your own blankets or folding chairs. Personal chairs must be limited to 36” high or smaller. Limited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis for guests with disabilities.

If you're participating in Sound Health: Yoga at the REACH or Dance Sanctuaries

• Shoes that protect your feet—classes take place outside on the REACH Plaza, which has a stone floor
• Your own yoga mat
• Your own towel(s)
• Water
• Warm clothes/layers, as some days may be slightly cooler than others
• A desire to move your body and have fun!