We warmly invite families, young people, members and allies of the deaf community to Science Gallery Melbourne’s free Deaf Art Science Festival on Saturday 19 September 2026.

This event has been co-designed with members of the deaf community including students and professionals, and will be an exciting day of exploration and learning at the University of Melbourne’s Science Gallery. The program includes:

Auslan-led tours of the EMERGENCE[Y] exhibition featuring an installation by students from Victorian College for the Deaf and Sunshine College with deaf artist Chelle Destefano.

Keynote forum with deaf/hard of hearing experts in climate change and the climate crisis.

Deaf-led STEM activities for families including Makey Makey workshops and Auslan Storytime.

Introductory Auslan lesson by deaf Auslan teachers.

Showcase of deaf organisations and emergency services supporting the deaf/hard of hearing community.

Stencil workshop by DARE inspired by Auslan handshapes, survival signs, and visual symbols while exploring how people might communicate without sound in a post-apocalyptic world. (Drop in sessions at 11am, 1pm & 3pm, runs for 1.5hrs)

Science Gallery Cafe open for coffee and lunch, staffed by deaf student baristas from Victorian College for the Deaf’s Tradeblock Cafe.

Please note: this event is free, but it is essential that you register your attendance for each program you would like to join via the 'get tickets' button on this page.

Auslan interpreters will be available and families with children are encouraged to attend. Attendees can create their own program by selecting from all available sessions to tailor the day to their interests.

This event has been made possible with support of the Commonwealth Government. We acknowledge the support from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources for The Inspiring Australia Maker Projects program Community STEM Engagement Grants Ruth Bunyin and Beth McLaren Smallwood Foundation, Victorian State Government’s Department of Education, Victorian College for the Deaf, Melbourne Polytechnic, Rebecca Adam and Expression Australia, Auslan in the West and Auslan Hub.

“Hello. I'm here to share my experience of last year's Science Gallery Festival. I attended and had a fantastic time. There were four or five different activities running throughout the day in one place. When I arrived, the VCD students were making coffee, which was a great way to grab a hot drink and have a chat. Then we joined a tour led by a deaf facilitator. Having a deaf guide made the experience so much more meaningful, with full language and cultural access. I even learnt new things about science! We also watched a panel discussion about science, which was really interesting. I came with my child, who wasn't interested in the panel, but there was a dedicated kids' space where they could take part in activities, have fun, and learn about science too. I was so happy to see them enjoying themselves. There was another activity that I missed, but overall it was a brilliant day. I highly recommend checking it out this year!”

– Nat, attended the Deaf Art Science Festival 2025