At Solar Bear, we were thrilled to welcome Camilla Arnold, CEO of the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT), to Scotland. Her visit was a  opportunity to learn more about the impressive achievements of BSLBT and explore training opportunities that align with our shared vision for the future. A key takeaway from our time with Camilla is the pressing need for greater representation of deaf professionals in the media sector—both in front of and behind the camera.

At Solar Bear, we have a proud tradition of groundbreaking digital work. Initiatives such as the Solar Reels Film School and the Deaf Heritage Project (sfdh.org.uk) have allowed us to create meaningful opportunities for deaf individuals to explore and express their creativity. These programs are just a glimpse of our wider mission to support and elevate deaf talent in the arts and digital media sectors.

Collaboration lies at the heart of what we do. By building connections with other forward-thinking arts organisations, we aim to strengthen the ecosystem that supports deaf creatives. Our meeting with Camilla and BSLBT underscores the importance of working together to nurture and empower deaf talent, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative media landscape.

We’re also excited to share that we will soon welcome a Film and Screen Lead Officer to the Solar Bear team. This dedicated role will enhance our ability to provide tailored support for emerging deaf creatives and deliver innovative programs within the film and screen industries.

As we look ahead, we are excited about the possibilities and look forward to deepening our relationship with Camilla and the team at BSLBT. Together, we can continue to break barriers and create opportunities that celebrate and amplify deaf voices across the digital and creative industries.