Shaping Spaces, Amplifying Deaf Narratives

Office of Arts, Culture, and Experience

Reimagining Deaf stories

The Office of Arts, Culture, and Experience at Gallaudet University produces authentic narratives about Deaf people as empowered global citizens. Our work reframes and revitalizes representations of Deaf/hard of hearing/DeafBlind/Deaf Disabled* cultures.

Our work is about community building, ensuring that Deaf narratives shape the future of the arts and cultural expression, creating a world where Deaf stories are central to the global conversation.

*“Deaf” here is used as shorthand to refer to refer to people who may identify as Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing

A colorful mural on the side of a building featuring the words "EQUALITY" and "INCLUSION." The mural includes a depiction of a woman with flowers, set against a backdrop that suggests a cityscape. In the foreground, a parked gray car and a bicycle are visible, along with architectural elements of surrounding buildings under a clear blue sky.

This mural celebrates Deaf culture, artistic expression, and community engagement through public art.

Our Key Initiatives

We build bridges between Deaf and hearing people through collaborative creativity, ensuring that Deaf creative production has its space in an expansive and inclusive cultural scene.

A close-up view of a historic brick building featuring intricate wooden framing, large windows, and a steep, gabled roof. The building is set against a clear blue sky, with a glimpse of another structure in the background and greenery in the foreground.

Campus Tours

Explore, experience, and discover what makes Gallaudet truly one of a kind. Your visit offers a chance to learn about our rich history, bilingual culture, and vibrant community.
An indoor exhibition space featuring large colorful murals on the walls, including a prominent mural with figures in red, yellow, and blue. The floor is divided into sections of different colors—black, red, yellow, and blue. Several display panels with text are arranged around the room, and there are large windows letting in natural light. A banner with the text "WE, NATIVE DEAF PEOPLE, ARE STILL HERE" is visible on the wall.

National Deaf Life Museum

Celebrate Deaf history and culture through engaging exhibits and rich collections that connect the past with the present. Explore, learn, and be inspired.

A wide photo of art on the wall of a gallery. The art varies in size, color, and subject, clearly by different artists. The gallery is otherwise nondescript, with pale walls and a wood floor.

Linda K. Jordan Gallery

Experience the richness of Deaf art and culture at the Linda K. Jordan Gallery in the Washburn Arts Center–visit today and celebrate Deaf creative expression.

Three women stand on a stage in front of a colorful mural that reads "YOU MATTER HERE." The mural features a large hand holding a red rose, surrounded by flowers and butterflies. In the background, there is a brick building and green trees. The women are engaged in conversation, with one wearing a black suit and the others dressed in casual attire.

Campus Murals

Gallaudet art students transform campus spaces with bold, meaningful designs—guided by staff and faculty who inspire innovation and self-expression through public art.

A photo of two people taking a selfie in front of an orange backdrop with the Deaf Way logo. The person on the left is holding the phone and making a playful face of cheer. The person on the right is smiling warmly toward the phone.

Deaf Way Festivals

Discover the rich culture, creativity, and connections that define the Deaf experience worldwide. The Deaf Way brings communities together to share ideas, art, and stories that inspire.

Support Deaf Stories

Help create spaces, programs, and experiences that uplift Deaf communities worldwide.

Stay Connected.

Follow Gallaudet stories and initiatives in our signing community.

Contact Us

Why Gallaudet?

Gallaudet University, the world’s only four-year liberal arts university serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students, serves as the educational, social, and political engine of Deaf America. The duty of the university to foster disagreement, debate, and civic engagement is embedded in its role as a higher education institution.

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