DEVELOPMENT OF THE METHODOLOGY FOR PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION OF DEAF PERFORMERS

The project aimed to develop and test a practical methodology for non-vocational adult education in the performing arts for Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults, with a strong emphasis on rhythm, music...

The project aimed to develop and test a practical methodology for non-vocational adult education in the performing arts for Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults, with a strong emphasis on rhythm, music, and sign language integration. Our objectives were to: 1) organise creative workshops that would allow Deaf and hearing professionals to co-create artistic material, 2) refine educational tools and strategies based on real-time collaboration and rehearsal, and 3) publish a user-friendly methodology accessible to adult educators, therapists, and cultural practitioners, etc. Through this, we sought to increase inclusion, foster independent artistic expression among Deaf adults, and offer educators a structured way to support creative learning through sensory, visual, and linguistic diversity.

We implemented the project through a mix of local and transnational activities, structured into three work packages (WPs). WP1 focused on practical development: two transnational partner meetings were held in October and November 2024 in Vilnius, during which intensive workshops and a live practical showcase helped test and refine our methods. Regular creative sessions with the Deaf community in Lithuania took place from September 2024 to March 2025. WP2 involved creating the methodology, summarising WP1 results, and presenting outcomes to the target group. This included two major dissemination events: on 22 April at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and on 29 April in Helsinki (online). These presented the methodology to educators, sign language professionals, and the wider public. Materials were produced in multiple languages and formats. WP3 covered administrative tasks, coordination, and dissemination, including press releases, evaluation of tools, and quality assessment of final results.

The project resulted in a complete, multi-format methodology for performing arts education for Deaf adults. We created the guidebook in three spoken languages—English, Lithuanian, and Finnish—and in Lithuanian and Finnish Sign Languages via video summaries. The publication follows inclusive design principles to ensure accessibility for a wide range of users. We also developed tools such as visual metronomes, rhythm training exercises, and sign-language-based performance methods. We consider the methodology presentation events in Lithuania and Finland to be a significant result of the project as well—they brought together inclusion-focused professionals for meaningful dialogue and exchange. The feedback from educators and Deaf community members exceeded expectations and confirmed the need for such a resource. Our work laid the foundation for future research and dissemination, including integration into education systems and Deaf cultural organisations. The wide visibility in public media contributed to shifting public perceptions and encouraged internal discussion in educational and cultural institutions. Several organisations reported that the project inspired strategic reflection that may lead to future initiatives.