Deaf-led · Artist-driven · Canadian-founded · International
A creative home where Deaf artists deepen their practice, experiment with technology, and build work that reaches the world.
Access is part of the experience.
Why Sumain
Sumain creates serious opportunities for Deaf creatives to grow their talent, sharpen their practice, expand their professional reach, and earn greater visibility and respect for their work.
The first gathering
An intensive professional-development retreat for established Deaf artists exploring how technology can expand performance, visual storytelling, space, and connection.
A focused environment for artists with an active practice to challenge their process, test ambitious ideas, and move their work to its next level alongside professional peers.
Retreat applications
Admission is selective. We are building a focused cohort of serious artists who already have a body of work and are ready to deepen their practice—not an introductory arts program or open registration retreat.
Tell us about your discipline, experience, and the work you are making now.
Share a website, PDF portfolio, or public Instagram profile. Instagram accounts must remain public during the review period.
Show us the questions, themes, or ideas currently shaping your practice.
Explain what you want to strengthen, explore, or move forward during the retreat.
Application Q+A
Professionally active Deaf artists with an established or clearly demonstrated body of work. This first retreat is focused on refinement, experimentation, and professional growth rather than introductory training.
No. You may submit a portfolio website, a PDF portfolio, or an Instagram profile that clearly shows your work. Instagram profiles must be public while applications are being reviewed.
No. Every complete application will be considered as part of a curated selection process. The cohort will be shaped around artistic readiness, goals, and the overall mix of practices.
Yes. Sumain is Canadian-founded and operated, with an international mandate. The eligibility, location, and travel details for each retreat will be confirmed in the formal call for applications.
The retreat is multidisciplinary. Theatre, performance, visual art, digital practice, film, design, movement, and hybrid forms are all welcome when the applicant can demonstrate a serious artistic practice.
Program fees, travel information, accommodation details, and any available financial support will be published with the formal call for applications.
The Sumain Journal
Studio notes, artist conversations, access thinking, and creative discoveries.
Explore the journalAccess + process
What changes when access begins with the first sketch?
Read entryTechnology + theatre
A plain-language guide to new tools in the rehearsal room.
Read entryProfessional practice
How Deaf artists are inventing new ways for stories to live.
Read entryThe everyday studio
Follow the experiments, artist takeovers, retreat updates, open calls, and the beautiful unfinished parts in between.
Follow Sumain TheatreInstagram link launching soonThere’s a place for you here
Join the community, hear about opportunities first, and help guide what Sumain becomes.
Membership applicationPropose a project, workshop, event, or collaboration. Bring the beginning of an idea.
Collaboration applicationPartner with a growing international Deaf-led arts nonprofit through sponsorship or meaningful support.
Sponsorship application