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SEE and CREATE, Chatham, launches WATCH with subtitles and BSL for creative children

A new web page will be delivering programmes presented in British Sign Language for children.

WATCH, launched by SEE and CREATE, based in Chatham, will be launching on Saturday April 10 and will be presenting creative activities for families to view online.

A new web page will be delivering programmes presented in British Sign Language for children. Picture: Rob Harris
A new web page will be delivering programmes presented in British Sign Language for children. Picture: Rob Harris

The programme has been created so children can take part anytime, anywhere.

Watch Create is kicking off the creativity with ‘WONKY FACE’ the first episode of six.

Aimed at children aged five to 11 the show has been produced, created and will be presented by Christopher Sacre.

Christopher has been an artist and art facilitator for over twenty years.

He said: "Being a deaf artist, art facilitator and father to three children, including a deaf daughter, I am acutely aware of the onerous barriers and unequal access that deaf children and their families encounter when they want to find something that’s fun, creative and available in BSL at a museum, gallery or creative event.

Christopher has been an artist and art facilitator for over twenty years. Picture: Rob Harris
Christopher has been an artist and art facilitator for over twenty years. Picture: Rob Harris

"The coronavirus pandemic has brought this lack of access into ever sharper focus.

"Over the past year lockdown has meant that the limited BSL accessible activities that were offered have ground to a halt and deaf children have been stuck at home facing difficulties with home schooling and feeling even more left out than before.”

Each episode will show a simple art activity using widely available materials for children to have a go at creating at home.

Viewers can share their creations on social media using #WatchCreate, and email photos of their creations to SEE and CREATE to be considered for display in the WATCH Gallery.

The deaf artist is aiming to build on this pilot project in future by creating partnerships with museums, galleries and arts organisations to become more accessible online in BSL via WATCH, so that all deaf people are included.

Watch Create is kicking off the creativity with ‘WONKY FACE’ the first episode of six. Picture: Rob Harris
Watch Create is kicking off the creativity with ‘WONKY FACE’ the first episode of six. Picture: Rob Harris

Chris added: "I’m excited about the possibilities that WATCH brings and I hope that this is the start of a future where new vistas of art and creativity open up for deaf children."

For more information about SEE and CREATE click here.

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