Jennie Bourgeois

October 10, 2009

D-PAN: Deaf Professional Arts Network Launches New Name, New Mission, New Programs

October 10th 2009 Posted to Deaf Info/Resources

For Immediate Release
Organization announces $100,000 Challenge and Matching Gift

Detroit, Michigan, October 7, 2009 — Like other Americans, the more than 31.5 million members of the deaf and hard of hearing community are facing the challenges of a rising unemployment rate, increased competition for jobs and significant difficulties in financing an education. This is particularly true for those talented community members whose choice of profession lies in the fields of art and media – fields holding some of the greatest promise for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing to demonstrate and realize their talents. One organization has decided to make a commitment to utilize their expertise to address those issues and make a measurable and positive impact on the lives of these exceptional professionals – D-PAN: Deaf Professional Arts Network.

D-PAN, a nonprofit organization internationally recognized for its creation of American Sign Language music videos, announced today a significant revamp of the organization, its programming and a $100,000 Challenge and Matching Gift in honor of their new mission. Effective immediately, D-PAN, formerly known as the Deaf Performing Artists Network, has been renamed the Deaf Professional Arts Network to better reflects its enhanced mission. The new D-PAN is placing its organizational emphasis upon the active creation of professional and educational opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing individuals within the fields the organization knows best – entertainment, media arts and visual arts.

D-PAN is creating a range of initiatives from financial support to further education and unique training opportunities to precedent -setting opportunities to showcase current and emergent talent. These include:
•   A pair of scholarship offerings, one targeted to aspiring ASL interpreters, the other to deaf and hard of hearing students interested in careers in the organization’s areas of focus.
•   The inaugural “D-PAN Award,” to be announced later this year, designed to provide public acknowledgement of individuals, organizations, and corporations which have made significant contributions to supporting the deaf and hard of hearing community.
•   The forthcoming “D-PAN Prizes” will prove to be the nation’s largest juried showing of creative works by deaf and hard of hearing artists and
•   The D-PAN Gallery, housed within D-PAN’s newly redeveloped website at www.D-PAN.org, highlights the works of notable deaf and hard of hearing creative professionals. The Gallery’s initial offerings feature works by metal artisan/ jeweler Stefrose, digital media artist Jesse Maleh, and filmmaker Mark Wood.

The organization has also launched D-PAN Productions – a video production house staffed with a group of award-winning professionals, 80% of whom are deaf or hard of hearing and all of whom have proven expertise in producing engaging, accessible, and highly polished video productions attuned to the tastes and communication preferences of deaf and hard of hearing consumers.

In honor of the launch of the “new” D-PAN, a generous benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has announced that D-PAN will be awarded $100,000 in unrestricted funding if the organization is able to raise that same amount by December 21, 2009. The benefactor has also agreed to match any funds raised exceeding $100,000 at a rate of fifty cents to every dollar. So should D-PAN raise $150,000 by December 21st, they will receive $125,000 from the benefactor – that means $275,000 to support their constituents.

About D-PAN: Deaf Professional Arts Network

D-PAN: Professional Arts Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting professional development and access to the entertainment, visual and media arts fields for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. D-PAN, headquartered in Ferndale, Michigan, has established an international reputation for its groundbreaking music videos in ASL (American Sign Language). The organization’s range of programming includes educational initiatives as well as efforts intended to enhance the visibility and employment prospects of talented individuals. D-PAN is also committed to insuring the hearing community is aware of, and has access to, these talented individuals while promoting awareness of and appreciation for the beauty of ASL. D-PAN, whose team currently consists of 80% deaf and hard of hearing professionals, will uphold its mission in practice by affording deaf and hard of hearing professionals employment opportunities within the organization.

Please visit us at www.D-PAN.org