University of Brighton graduate wins top international award for transforming theatre access for visually impaired communities

Linh, who graduated with a masters in Sequential Design and Illustration at the University of Brighton, was named winner of the Culture, Creativity and Sport Award at the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in Vietnam, for his project “Ear to Eye”. The initiative reimagines live theatre performance by moving beyond sight-led conventions, using audio headsets that provide live description and enhanced sound so that visually impaired audiences can experience theatre performances more fully and independently.

Speaking about his work, Linh said: “I became increasingly aware that accessibility gaps can quietly prevent people with visual impairments from participating in artistic and cultural life. 

"That recognition clarified the need for more inclusive artistic models and motivated me to develop practice that makes cultural experiences more accessible.”

Linh credits his time at the University of Brighton as a turning point in developing his research-led, practice-based approach. It was here that he refined the ideas that would become Ear to Eye, challenging traditional understandings of how art can function and who it is for.

“I want to develop Ear to Eye in both breadth and depth,” he said.

“That means reaching more theatres and communities with visual impairments, extending into film, sculpture and pottery, and supporting people with visual impairments not only as audience members, but also as performers. My next goal is to develop what may be the first stage performance in Vietnam led by actors and actresses with visual impairments.

”Linh received a Chevening Scholarship for his degree at the University of Brighton, and his award is evidence of the global significance of a Brighton education and a powerful example of how creativity can translate into real-world impact.

He said: “Brighton is one of the UK’s most open-minded cities. I felt supported not only academically, but also personally. That combination of strong mentorship and human warmth is what I remember most.”

Congratulating Linh on his award, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, Professor Donna Whitehead, said: “Linh’s work demonstrates the transformative potential of inclusive practice and reflects the values we champion at the University of Brighton, creativity, critical thinking and a commitment to widening participation. We are immensely proud of his achievement and the difference he is making in Vietnam and beyond.”

Since returning in Vietnam, Ear to Eye has worked with theatres and cultural organisations to widen access to performance, challenging long-standing assumptions about who theatre is for. Linh now plans to expand the initiative across more cities and art forms, with ambitions not only to support visually impaired audiences, but also to create opportunities for performers with visual impairments to take centre stage themselves.

The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions, and countries.

The award was presented at a British Council ceremony in Hanoi, celebrating the achievements of UK alumni who are driving positive change through culture, creativity and innovation.