A touring arts institution producing performing arts in sign language

Riksteatern Crea in Sweden creates sign-language performances for deaf audiences. With 6 staff, it is the largest Nordic employer of deaf artists, reaching 7,400 viewers annually.

Riksteatern is a touring performing arts organization in Sweden, with 40,000 members organized into 220 local associations. Riksteatern Crea is a unit of the ‘hearing’ Riksteatern that produces and brings performing arts in Swedish Sign Language on tour. Riksteatern Crea is primarily run by, with, and for deaf persons and sign language users. It employs six full-time staff and is the largest employer of deaf artists in the Nordic countries, reaching an audience of some 7,400 people annually.

Problems Targeted

There is a lack of performing arts for deaf persons and sign language users, leading to limited cultural participation and representation for these communities.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Riksteatern Crea is a pioneering touring performing arts organization offering a unique range of performances in Swedish Sign Language. It is a unit of the much larger Riksteatern, which consists of 220 independent performing arts associations across Sweden. Riksteatern Crea has a deaf and sign language director who also serves as artistic director. In addition, everyone in the unit is deaf except one, who is a sign language interpreter. The organization delivers high-quality performing arts by, with, and for deaf people and other sign language users, and tours nationally and internationally. Riksteatern Crea focuses on exploring sign language art such as visual vernacular and sign language poetry. This is also done in various projects, including European cooperation, children and youth activities, and with other disabilities organization. Riksteatern Crea also works with innovative digital technology, including a sign language avatar that is on stage in real time as a deaf character.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Riksteatern is funded through a combination of government grants, performances sales, and membership fees. Riksteatern Crea is a cost centre within the overall budget. Because of stagnant government funding, and although Riksteatern Crea is prioritized, Riksteatern Crea’s potential to meet the demand from the deaf community is currently challenged. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

Riksteatern Crea produces and brings performing arts in Swedish Sign Language on tour.

Riksteatern Crea produces and brings performing arts in Swedish Sign Language on tour.

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