About Voca

Who We Are

VOCA Arts is Washington DC’s premiere Deaf-led, BIPOC-centered performing arts organization. We celebrate Deaf culture through bold artistic expression, community programs, and educational initiatives.

Performers in "A Strange Loop". Photo by Andrew Robertson.

Performers in ‘A Strange Loop.’ Photo by Andrew Robertson.

Our Story

The Story of VOCA

A Voice for Deaf Artists
in the Heart of DC

Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA), a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, was established in July 2019 in response to the critical need of supporting the works of the Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf+, and Hard-of-Hearing BIPOC artists all together locally and nationwide.

The Deaf/HoH BIPOC community and its artists have been overlooked and underrepresented in mainstream and Deaf culture, a form of social injustice that VOCA stands to redress.

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Our History

VOCA’s conception was led by Michelle Banks, our visionary leader along with her co-founder, Nayte Paxton who shared the same vision. She knew something was missing in the DMV area. After Ms. Banks directed Gallaudet University’s spring 2018 production, A Raisin in the Sun, she realized what was missing - a permanent home for our local Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf+, and BIPOC artists.

When Ms. Banks shared her vision with Nayte Paxton who was the director of voice performers for the production, both of them eagerly agreed to make the vision come true by embarking on the establishment of VOCA. As a result, Visionaries of the Creative Arts - VOCA was born!

OUR MISSION AND VALUES

What We Stand For

Mission

VOCA’s mission is to present a visionary platform for Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf+, and Hard-of-Hearing (HoH) Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BlPOC) artists to create, collaborate, and showcase their culturally distinctive works through various artistic and linguistic expression forms.

Vision

VOCA’s vision is to be a global leader in providing equitable access and opportunities for Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf+, and HoH BIPOC artists in the creative and performing arts arena.

WHY DO WE EXIST

The Purpose Behind VOCA

01

To increase awareness of intersectionality in the D/deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf+, hard-of-hearing, and hearing communities by artistically collaborating and celebrating the authenticity of our human experiences together.

02

To create unique, aesthetic, and high-quality theatrical presentations in multiple sign languages such as American Sign Language (ASL), Black American Sign Language (BASL), and spoken English.

03

To provide in-depth training programs for people from all walks of life who want to master one or more creative arts disciplines — including acting, theatrical interpreting, dance, music, ASL poetry, and filmmaking — and prepare them for employment in the entertainment industry and theater.

04

To strengthen nationwide and global partnerships with other organizations, businesses, and individuals by co-creating new work or adapting theatrical pieces focused on Deaf-centered themes, Deaf multicultural and cross-cultural experiences, and the art of sign language.

05

To serve as a community center for families, children, and youth to be actively engaged in arts enrichment programs and classes, such as interactive ASL, while providing access to creative arts resources.