Open Signal

Mission

Open Signal’s programs and educational offerings connect local creatives with digital resources and technology, with a focus on communities who have been shut out from the mainstream media industry. In partnership with our network of makers and activists, we’re creating a new vision for a media landscape that amplifies independent storytellers — rebuilding the industry on a local level to break down systemic barriers in the media industry at large.

Bottom Line for Portland

Open Signal is the only place in the city of Portland that offers community members and nonprofits with free access to state-of-the-art media production studios, equipment and training; artist residencies; vibrant events; a cable broadcast platform and a dynamic online network. In the past year we have provided hundreds of hours of one-on-one production support and network-building, resulting in over 5,000 airings of new work by local storytellers on our cable channels and online network.

Quote

“For so long, my partners and I have had this dream of creating a TV show together but we never knew how, or even where to start. We had great ideas but we lacked the environment and support we needed to get the concept into production. Bringing this project to reality from the ground up was not easy, but we believed in our dream and, thankfully, so did Open Signal! The cohort program provided us the resources and guidance we needed to make Beaver State happen."

 –Caleb Sng, Summer 2022 Production Cohort

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Open Signal is committed to supporting communities that have been historically excluded from mainstream media: those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color; people living with dis/abilities; English language learners; people who are low income and our nonprofit partners who align with these efforts. We envision a community where equitable access to information and technology are not just the standard, but a legally protected right. We center the power of media as a tool to educate and to share lived experiences in service of collective liberation.

Incentives

All new donors and returning donors who increase their gift will be entered to win their very own private drive-in screening in Open Signal’s parking lot. 

Donate $50 or more by 12/25 and get an Open Signal shirt.

Donations up to $5,000 will be matched by Conscious Minds Studios.

All new and increased donations will be matched by the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund.

All donors will be entered to win a prize pack from local businesses.

All donors gain Open Signal membership.

Business Partner(s)

Conscious Minds Studios: We are an audience-first creative and production studio.