Upper ID: teal background with a black and white image of Marilyn J. Smith’s performance. 

Mission

Deaf Spotlight inspires and showcases Deaf Culture and Sign Languages through the arts.

Vision

Deaf Spotlight illuminates the artist within every Deaf person.

Core Values

Deaf Spotlight’s work is rooted in our values. The purpose of our core values is to be a guiding star for our organization and activities to ensure we achieve our mission. We commit to our own ongoing learning and to uplift the following values in everything we do. 

CREATIVITY 

Deaf Spotlight celebrates, amplifies, and invests in creativity across all art forms and industries, while encouraging innovative opportunities for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing artists from all walks of life to freely express their whole authentic selves and to cultivate their talents. 

COMMUNITY

Deaf Spotlight invests in the community through a shared appreciation of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing arts. We create safe and accessible spaces that bring people together through the celebration and development of the arts, fostering genuine connections between audiences and creators to enrich their artistic journeys. In all endeavors, we will not amplify works or approaches that harm marginalized communities. 

EQUITY  

We are a part of the liberation movement that aims to be barrier free for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing artists and audiences. Deaf Spotlight creates equitable opportunities and experiences for all by removing barriers and building spaces for artists to contribute based on their abilities, identities, and strengths. By embracing and elevating the wide diversity of the community, we can inspire fresh perspectives, attract new audiences, and create exciting avenues for communities to explore the arts. 

INTEGRITY 

We maintain an honest approach to how we support creativity, community, and equity. Doing the right thing may mean we have to leave our comfort zone and we will not allow that to hinder our progress. We ensure long-term financial sustainability for our programs. We will commit to our goals and when we make a promise, we truly mean it and we follow through. 

Supporters

Deaf Spotlight started from a committee’s desire to set up a Deaf Film Festival in Seattle, WA where people can come together to celebrate Deaf arts and embrace Deaf culture and ASL. Donations, ticketing sales and grants help supporting the ongoing programming. Please join us with BIG handwaves for supporters like you. Every donation counts toward our mission.

Status

Deaf Spotlight is a 501(c)3 arts nonprofit organization since 2012.

Board

Deaf Spotlight Board consists of diverse Deaf, DeafBlind and hearing individuals to oversee the organization’s activities.

Team

Deaf Spotlight programming cannot continue without wonderful peers and leaders.

Programs

Using Deaf Spotlight Mission as the north star, we plan and produce events and programming to celebrate and spotlight Deaf artists and their work.

Logo

Designed in mind to present a simple and iconic logo - three spotlights pointing into different directions: illuminating the diverse areas of Cinema, Performing Arts, and Studio Arts. Created by our local Deaf graphic designer, Buddy Elledge, along with committee's inputs and discussions, our logo reflects our mission.

Timeline

Check out our timeline full of accomplishments and our legacy in making.

Our Intentions

Learn more about our organization’s intentions.