Decibels creates opportunities for deaf, deafblind, deafened and hard of hearing people to participate, create, learn and connect through arts, music, theatre, culture and language.
Led by Deaf people and shaped by lived experience, we work with communities, artists and organisations to remove barriers, create opportunities and help Deaf voices be heard.
Our work has four connected strands: Decibels: Create, Decibels: Connect, Decibels: Access and Decibels: Innovate.
We create opportunities for deaf people to participate in arts and cultural activity, develop creative skills and express themselves. This includes visual art, music, theatre, dance and digital media, through creative projects, workshops, performances and opportunities for Deaf creatives.
We support communication, connection and participation through accessible, Deaf-led approaches - helping people connect, learn and express themselves in ways that work for them.
We explore what becomes possible when creativity, technology and accessibility come together. We are interested in new ideas, new experiences and new ways of enabling people to create and participate.
Access should come first - not be added afterwards. We work with organisations, artists, event organisers and communities to identify barriers and develop more inclusive ways for deaf, deafblind, deafened and hard of hearing people to participate
Access First | Lived Experience | Creativity with Purpose | Collaboration | Lasting Impact
We don't believe there is a single solution to accessibility. We listen, collaborate and work alongside people and organisations to develop opportunities that are meaningful, accessible and sustainable.
Access First — Accessibility is considered from the beginning, not added as an afterthought.
Lasting Impact — We want the opportunities we create to make a lasting difference.
Collaboration — We achieve more by working with communities, artists and organisations.
Creativity with Purpose — Creative activity can open doors, build confidence and create connection.
Lived Experience — People with lived experience lead our organisation and help shape the work we do.
Decibels exists for deaf, deafblind, deafened and hard of hearing people. Everything else follows from that.
Audiences & Participants — People who want to enjoy, take part in and learn through the arts, music, theatre and culture.
Deaf Artists, Musicians & Performers — People who want to enjoy, take part in and learn through the arts, music, theatre and culture.
Deaf Communities — Coming together to connect, share language and culture, and celebrate Deaf creativity.
We can't do this alone. We partner with venues, festivals, arts and cultural organisations, community groups and funders who share our belief that the arts should be open to everyone. Together, we open doors - and keep them open.
Are you an arts organisation, venue, festival, artist, community organisation or funder looking to work with a Deaf-led organisation? Whether you'd like to take part, share your work as a Deaf artist, bring Decibels to your venue or festival, or support what we do, there's a place for you at Decibels.
Be part of something accessible, creative and meaningful.
Email us at info@decibels.org.uk and we'll get back to you.
We'd love to hear from you and explore what we could create together.