1990 Los Angeles, California — Four individuals came together and created a festival where Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals could showcase their artistic talents. 3,000 individuals attended the first ever DeaFestival in Los Angeles California.    The concept was brought to Kentucky in 1995. 

1996 Danville, Kentucky —  1st DeaFestival 3,000 attended, held at the Kentucky School for the Deaf.

1997 Frankfort, Kentucky — 2nd DeaFestival 4,500 attended, held on the State Capitol grounds.

1998 Louisville, Kentucky — 3rd DeaFestival 7,500 attended, held at Kentucky Center / Belvedere.

2000 Covington, Kentucky — 4th DeaFestival.  8,500 were in attendance at the first indoors DeaFestival. The new and beautiful Northern Kentucky Convention Center was transformed into a professional theatrical production with staging. For the first time, an International dance troupe from Cuba was featured and brought new excitement to the SpotLights program. The Kentucky Post focused on the local talents showcased at the event while The Cincinnati Enquirer featured the Visual Artist Studio and exhibit Elements of a Culture: Visions by Deaf Artists, at the World Peace Bell Exhibit Center.

2002 Lexington Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky — 5th DeaFestival gave us a real Kentucky feel with the spectacular backdrop of the Kentucky Horse Park, including Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. The festival was held predominantly outdoors with 9,000 in attendance. As always the event was FREE to the public and showcased local, national and international visual and performing artists in four programs running concurrently. DeaFestival - Kentucky is rapidly becoming known as a premiere regional festival. This notoriety was enhanced as DeaFestival partnered with the National Association of the Deaf in Washington, D.C. to bring a “taste of Kentucky” to the national conference. 

2004 Louisville, Kentucky — The Kentucky Center — 6th DeaFestival with 10,000+ attendees was the biggest success yet!  From the Horse of a Different Color, created by deaf artists during 2003, at the front door of the Kentucky Center to the expansive Visual Artist Studio, the Ky Center lobby was "buzzing" with conversations. Outside the Children's Program showcased the "Lord of the Rings" and emphasized the importance of reading. The Culture and Traditions tent provided an opportunity to see hearing assistive technology demonstrated and to hear old time stories and student's perspectives on emerging technology. Exhibitors lined the Belvedere and the SpotLights program held inside the Bomhard Theater hosted many nationally known performers. Videoconferencing demonstrations took place in the lobby and sponsors booths provided a wealth of information.    

2006 Louisville, Kentucky — The Kentucky Center — 7th DeaFestival estimated 8,000 in attendance, a reduction from previous years due to the competition with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) conference the same weekend. The Visual Artist's Venue, although smaller, none the less showcased professional artists with exceptional works of art for sale. The Children's program, "Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" was well received and showed children and adults alike how we are all diverse and must work together to accomplish our goals. SpotLights, the Adult program presented some familiar returning favorites and a new group of deaf professionals and students who showed us that we can all... "Dare to Dream"... and become anything with hard work.  Exhibitors, Vendors and Sponsors also provided information, crafts and technology demonstrations at the outside venues.  

2008 - Louisville, Kentucky— The Kentucky Center – 8th DeaFestival with an estimated 9,000 in attendance.  Although the economic crunch is being felt by everyone, artists and performers still joined exhibitors, sponsors and vendors to make this a true cultural celebration.  SpotLights featured storytellers, dance troupes, dramatic performances, comedy routines and another glimpse into “Dare to Dream”, a program featuring role models for students.  The Children’s program presented “Around the World in 80 Days”, engaging the children while educating and emphasizing reading skills.  For the first time DeaFestival venues were broadcast live through a satellite linkup and could also be viewed on the Internet as a delayed broadcast, giving access to anyone worldwide.  

2010 – Horse Cave, Kentucky – 9th DeaFestival will be held on September 4th in Horse Cave.  Join us for a fun-filled, family weekend and see the local sites and participate in activities at Kentucky Down Under, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Reparatory Theater at Horse Cave, American Cave Museum, Hidden River Tours, Guntown Mountain or KOA Campgrounds before and after DeaFestival.   Activities on September 4th will be held in the town square, at the theater and on the grounds of the Thomas House.  Come join us as DeaFestival Goes on Vacation !   


And, so, what is DeaFestival-Kentucky exactly?

A one-day FREE event for ALL!  Four main attractions include: The main stage SpotLights, which displays the creative talents of storytellers, dancers and theatrical performances. The Children’s Program, Hands Across the World, which allows children to open up their imagination and travel with artists through a colorful and visual world while participating in interactive craft projects and mesmerizing visual stories. The Folklore Program, Culture & Traditions allows everyone to broaden their awareness and learn more about deaf and hard of hearing culture. The Visual Artist Studio is a collection of unique works from deaf and hard of hearing artists all over the United States.

• Until DeaFestival, the deaf and hard of hearing community in Kentucky had never truly had the opportunity to fully experience and participate in a comprehensive program of cultural and artistic activities and performances.
• Until DeaFestival, the hearing community had never truly had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of visual wonders.  Those who attend gain understanding, awareness and a better appreciation of the artistic talents and visual wonders surrounding deafness.

For more information contact the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
at 1-800-372-2907 or www.kcdhh.ky.gov