Pictured: Richard Costes. 

This summer, Chicago will be getting its first look at a new arts organization focused on bridging the Deaf and hearing communities.

Chicago D(ART), or Deaf ART, hopes to be recognized as a home for art and culture for Deaf artists in the city. They plan to create works in a wide variety of mediums that reflect the underserved d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in Chicago. The company is led by Artistic Director Christopher M. Schroeder, a Deaf advocate and artist, and Executive Director Richard Costes, a deaf long-time member of the Chicago theater community. The board of directors is said to be 90% d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

D(ART) is announcing the launch of its inaugural season with David Rush’s POLICE DEAF NEAR FAR. Loosely based on actual events, POLICE DEAF NEAR FAR will follow the parallel stories of a young Deaf rights activist and two police officers as their worlds collide. POLICE DEAF NEAR FAR is directed by Costes and runs from July 25 through August 9 at Steep Theatre Company’s 1115 W. Berwyn venue.

Steep is serving as a mentor as the new company launches, by hosting their first production at the Edgewater storefront and providing administrative support throughout the production process.

Auditions for POLICE DEAF NEAR FAR will be held at the Cuckoo’s Theatre Project located at 7077 N. Ashland Blvd. on February 24th and 25th. For more information on auditions, email [email protected]. For more information on the company, visit www.chicagodart.com.