The Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf with the Belleville Association of the Deaf proudly present
OCSD Arts & Culture Festival: Expression Unbound Belleville 2026
Expression Unbound Festival 2026 is a Deaf arts and culture festival taking place in Belleville, Ontario at the historic Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf campus. It’s FREE!
This festival was created to celebrate and showcase Deaf talent, sign language, visual storytelling, performance, heritage, and community connection across Ontario. Years ago, the Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf (OCSD) hosted festivals and gatherings that brought Deaf communities together through arts, culture, and shared experiences. Over time, many people have expressed how much these spaces were missed and how important it is to reconnect communities again.
Expression Unbound was created as a way to bring people together once more.
The festival will feature artist booths, community networking spaces, museum access, and an evening performance showcase featuring Deaf performers from across Ontario. It also creates opportunities for Deaf youth, alumni, emerging artists, families, allies, and organizations to connect, share experiences, and preserve Deaf cultural history for future generations.
Expression Unbound is more than an event. It is a space where sign language, Deaf perspectives, arts, storytelling, and community are visible, valued, and celebrated publicly.
Following the Expression Unbound Festival, the TRI-O AGM will take place the next day, bringing members together to discuss the future of the Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf (OCSD), Ontario Association of the Deaf (OAD), and Ontario Deaf Sports Association (ODSA).
The AGM is an important opportunity for members to have their voices heard, ask questions, share ideas, and vote in the elections for two of the organizations. These decisions help shape leadership, programs, priorities, and the direction of the Deaf community moving forward.
Are you a TRI-O member? Members are encouraged to complete the registration form and submit their membership fee to participate in the AGM and voting process.
Please note: These meetings will be conducted in ASL. Interpreters will not be provided. DeafBlind support will be available. Please contact info@ocsdeaf.org in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Strong participation matters. Deaf organizations grow through community involvement, shared perspectives, and members taking part in decision-making together.
We encourage members to attend, stay informed, and help shape the future together.