The Office of Arts, Culture, and Experience (ACE) at Gallaudet University continues to expand the visibility and impact of deaf arts, culture, and storytelling through nationally recognized exhibitions and public programming. ACE is grateful for the continued support of HumanitiesDC, whose sponsorship has helped make this work possible.
In 2024, HumanitiesDC partially funded the “We, Native Deaf People, Are Still Here!” exhibition at the National Deaf Life Museum. The exhibition opened to the public in October 2024 and will remain on view through December 18, 2026. The exhibition has been widely celebrated and received the 2026 Museum Impact Award from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). AAM, the only organization representing the entire museum field, recognized the exhibition for its meaningful contribution and positive impact on museum practice and public engagement.
Building on this momentum, ACE will open a new exhibition in February 2027 titled “Dandelion Spread: ASL Poetry Across Generations”. HumanitiesDC will also partially fund this multimedia exhibition, which explores the history, evolution, artistic elements, and cultural significance of American Sign Language (ASL) poetry through immersive video installations, interpretive text, and artworks.
“Dandelion Spread” will examine what ASL poetry is, why it matters within the deaf* community, and how it contributes to the cultural history of Washington, D.C. By preserving and interpreting ASL poetry as a vital artistic and linguistic practice, the exhibition affirms its importance to community identity and heritage while inspiring future generations of ASL poets.
*The deaf community is defined as deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, and hard of hearing people.
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