Sign Night is our debut projection artwork developed early on in 2020 Covid pandemic. Commissioned by the BBC, the artwork premiered across multiple BBC platforms to international acclaim. The artwork was also live streamed to an audience of 200,000 people in China in 2021.

When we first projected the artwork we were not allowed an audience due to restrictions at the time but Bristol Light Festival approached us in 2021 and the artwork was re-created as a giant outdoor projection called Hand Ships Sail.

This artwork is performed in in British Sign Language (BSL) – the vital, visual and versatile language of British deaf communities. Two deaf women share their dreams for the future as they look out over the night sky. Intriguing and sensual, the projected artwork begins with giant hands resembling ships at sea, rocked by waves. The sailing hands represent the lifelong voyage all deaf people must take, navigating discrimination in the hearing world.  

Sign Night Bristol:

Illuminating the Arnolfini, a beautiful Bristol byzantine building, the artwork was seen by 180,000 people visiting the Bristol Light Festival over the course of one week. Photos by Julian Preece.

Sign Night Liverpool:

The artwork lit up the Cunard Building, part of the iconic Three Graces waterfront in Liverpool overlooking the Mersey for International Women’s Day and Dada Fest International’s 40th Anniversary.  Photos by Charlie Swinbourne

Lead artist:

Created and written by: Cathy Mager
Performers: Vilma Jackson and Sophie
Stone Projection design: Rod MacLachlan Production
Director: Cat Roberts
Music: Toddler & HENGE Animation: James Merry
Supported by funding from: BBC Arts, Unlimited and The Space.