Category Archives: News

We’re hiring for our Sign Language Café! Join our team!

Visual Description: The image is a flat graphic-style illustration of a cozy cafe. The color palette is warm with shades of brown, tan, and muted greens, creating a welcoming atmosphere. At the top, a large, illuminated "WE'RE HIRING!" sign hangs against a dark brown wall.
Below the sign, there is a cafe bar with three baristas: a woman with red hair tied in a bun, wearing glasses; a man with a beard and a white cap; and another woman with short black hair and a white bandana. They are behind a counter stocked with coffee cups, a coffee machine, and other barista equipment. Shelves with plants and coffee-related items are above them.
In the foreground, there are customers seated at tables. On the left, a bearded man in a teal shirt and orange pants sits with a coffee cup, engaged in conversation with a woman in a coral dress. In the center, a person with short brown hair, wearing a blue sweater and green pants, is seated in a wheelchair, gesturing while talking to a woman across the table in a teal blouse. On the right, a woman in a long blue dress stands, facing away, conversing with an elderly woman seated at a table, who has grey hair and wears a peach cardigan.
The environment is friendly and lively, with all characters appearing engaged and content. The cafe's ambiance, characterized by soft lighting and comfortable furniture, and the active engagement of the characters, suggest an inclusive and inviting social space.
Illustration of a cafe in warm tones featuring three baristas at the counter and patrons seated at tables. One patron is in a wheelchair, and others are enjoying coffee. Above them, a “WE’RE HIRING!” sign is prominently displayed. The setting conveys a cozy and inclusive atmosphere

Hello CymaSpace Community!

Dedicated to serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through innovative technology, education, and cultural outreach, CymaSpace invites driven individuals to join our mission. Currently, we’re excited to offer an opportunity for Café Baristas, a role central to our impact and outreach. The positions are available immediately and will remain open until the perfect match is found.

Job Opening:

1. Café Barista (Immediate need!)

Your Role: Deliver exceptional hospitality and service, prepare quality beverages and food, maintain a pristine café space, skillfully handle POS systems, and support a diverse team during 4-8 hour shifts.
Who We Are Looking For: Individuals passionate about coffee and inclusivity, who operate effectively under pressure and value a clean environment, with Sign Language knowledge and an appreciation for Deaf Culture being a plus.

For detailed job description, please click here. Note: We opted for PDFs for easier access, but rest assured, they are comprehensive and easy to navigate.

We Are Also Seeking New Board Members!

More details will be posted on our website to detail this unique and impactful opportunity, but if you are interested in contributing at the governance level, please reach out to us.

How to Apply:

To apply for any of these positions, please send your resume or a detailed cover letter to the email listed in the job description with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Application Deadline:

The positions remain open until filled.

We are eager to welcome new team members who share our dedication to making arts and culture accessible to everyone. Be part of a community that values inclusivity, creativity, and the power of technology to bring people together!

Best, The CymaSpace Team

Holiday Greetings!

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Members of our Community,

As we stand at the threshold of 2024, I am filled with immense gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead with CymaSpace. Our mission, rooted in making arts and culture accessible to all, continues to evolve, reflecting our deep commitment to inclusivity and innovation.

This year marks a significant milestone with preparing the launch of our Sign Language Café, a project close to our hearts. Envisioned as a vibrant hub of culinary delight, artistic expression, and community engagement, the café is not just a new venture but a symbol of our broader aspirations. It embodies our dedication to creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and valued, where the barriers between sound and silence are transcended, and where the richness of Deaf and disability culture is celebrated.

“PAHCast supported “Deaf Artist Collective” photoshoot (behind the scenes shot)”

Looking forward to 2024, our vision for CymaSpace is expansive and inclusive. We aim to deepen our impact in the arts and disability sectors, drawing inspiration from the diverse experiences and talents within our community. Our collaboration with Andre Gray, a pivotal figure in our organization, continues to enrich our perspective, especially in the culinary arts and community engagement.

Our commitment to technology and innovation remains steadfast. We foresee more groundbreaking projects that bridge the gap between technology and accessibility, making cultural experiences more immersive and inclusive. Our Maker Workshop and Media Lab programs will continue to be centers of creativity and learning, fostering new ideas and solutions.

“SignKids workshop with our Deaf Mentors”

Education and outreach will also be a key focus. We plan to strengthen our partnerships with local schools, universities, and cultural organizations, expanding our reach and impact. Initiatives like PAHCast and an immersive Sci-Fi Puzzle Room, designed by and for the Deaf and DeafBlind community, will continue to showcase the trailblazing talents within our midst.

“Close up of the “Starship” Puzzle Room Sci-Fi Console” 

The Sign Language Café is just the beginning. We envision it as a cornerstone for future endeavors, a place where the community can gather, share, and grow together. From Sign Language Poetry Slams to family-friendly events like SignKids: ASL Dungeons & Dragons, we aim to offer a diverse array of cultural activities that resonate with everyone.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, your support is more vital than ever. It is your belief in our mission and your generous contributions that empower us to make a difference. Together, we can build a future where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated, where every voice is heard, and every heart is touched.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to a bright and inclusive 2024 at CymaSpace!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Myles de Bastion & Andre Gray

Co-Artistic Directors

Note from the Sign Language Café founders

Let's Do It Together. A hetter from the founders: Help Launch Our Sign Language Cafe!

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Representing the CymaSpace team, known for making arts and culture accessible to all, we’re excited to introduce our newest endeavor: the Sign Language Café. This initiative is a natural extension of our mission of bridging communities through art, culture, and now, a unique culinary experience.

Since CymaSpace’s inception, our focus has been on inclusivity, transcending the barriers between sound and silence. The addition of Andre Gray six years ago significantly expanded our impact in the arts and disability sectors. Drawing on Andre’s culinary background, including his successful tenure at Crema Cafe, we’ve envisioned the Sign Language Café. More than a culinary venue, this café aims to deepen community engagement, foster connections, and support our sustainable involvement in Portland’s arts scene.

The Deaf and disability community often faces exclusion in cultural spaces. Our Sign Language Café, rooted in Universal Design and accessibility technology, will be a beacon of inclusivity. It’s designed to offer a disability-friendly environment, promoting communication and career opportunities for those often marginalized.

The café will not just be a space for workforce development, but a vibrant hub where the Deaf and hearing communities can engage in diverse communication and sensory experiences. Our walls will showcase the vibrant artworks of Deaf and disabled artists, celebrating Deaf artistic expression with an array of cultural activities. From Sign Language Poetry Slams to DJ nights and family-friendly events (SignKids: ASL Dungeons & Dragons night, here we come!). Aligning with our broader mission, these projects are only scratching the surface of what we have planned. Ultimately, the café will be the cornerstone of our future endeavors to elevate Deaf and disability artists. 

Your support is crucial in making this vision a reality. By donating, you are directly empowering the Deaf and disability community. We are thankful to those who have generously donated to support our work. Together, we will create a space where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.

With gratitude,

Myles de Bastion & Andre Gray

Support the Opening of PDX’s Sign Language Café!

Welcome to CymaSpace’s new Sign Language Cafe – Where Communication Knows No Bounds!
CymaSpace is on a mission to create a unique space in the heart of Portland, Oregon, that goes beyond serving delicious coffee and scrumptious treats. Our dream is to establish the city’s first Sign Language Cafe, a haven for fostering connections between the deaf and hearing communities.

Why a Sign Language Cafe?
Imagine a place where conversations transcend language barriers, where the rich tapestry of sign language weaves together diverse stories and experiences. The Sign Language Cafe aims to be that place – a welcoming hub where deaf and hearing individuals can come together, share stories, and build friendships.

Our Vision:

A cozy, warmly lit cafe interior filled with a diverse group of people of all descents and ages, engaged in conversations using sign language. The scene includes community members who are deaf and disabled, showcasing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The cafe features comfortable seating, and warm colors.

Community Connection: The cafe will be a vibrant meeting point for deaf and hearing patrons alike, fostering a sense of unity and understanding within the community.
Safe Space: We envision a safe haven where deaf individuals feel empowered, valued, and respected, free from communication barriers that can be prevalent in traditional public spaces.
Cultural Celebration: Beyond coffee and pastries, the Sign Language Cafe will celebrate deaf culture, hosting events, workshops, and performances that showcase the beauty and diversity of sign language.

Why Your Support Matters:
To turn this vision into reality, we need your help. We’re seeking to raise $20,000 to cover startup costs, including sign language training for staff, accessibility features, and creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Your contribution will not only help us open the doors to the Sign Language Cafe but will also play a vital role in creating a more connected and understanding community.

How You Can Make a Difference:
✨ Donate! Every dollar brings us one step closer to our goal. Your generosity will directly contribute to making the Sign Language Cafe a reality.
✨ Help Spread the word! Share our campaign with your friends, family, and networks. The more people who know about our vision, the greater impact we can make.
✨ Follow Us! Stay updated on our progress by following us on Facebook and Instagram . Your support and encouragement mean the world to us.

How Your Donation Makes a Difference:
Accessibility Features: Your donation will help us install cutting-edge technology for better visual communication and accessibility.
Training Programs: Your donation will provide workshops for the hearing community to learn Sign Language, fostering an inclusive environment.
Café Setup: Your donation will help us design a warm and inviting space where everyone feels welcome.
Community Events: Your donation will help us host regular events that celebrate Deaf culture, promoting understanding and unity.

Perks of Being a Supporter:
Everyone who donates will be entered to win an incredible getaway package to Portland, which will include:
☺ A two-night stay at the Jupiter Next☺ $75 for lunch at the delectable Kachka Lavka☺ Four tickets to experience Hopscotch☺ $50 for dinner at Portland’s famous Nong’s Khao Man Gai
Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a lasting impact on our community.
Join Us in Building Bridges, Not Barriers

Join us in making the Sign Language Cafe a reality. Your support is not just an investment in a nonprofit business; it’s an investment in creating a more inclusive and connected community.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Together, we can build a space where communication knows no boundaries!

With gratitude,

-The CymaSpace Team

We’re hiring! See new opportunities to join our team in support of inclusive arts & culture

Cozy illustration of a modern workshop with a relaxed vibe, showcasing tools and a 3D printer and drill press. Diverse individuals include a Black male with cochlear implants crafting, an Asian male in a wheelchair programming, a Hispanic gender-fluid person working on a 3D printer, and neurodivergent Caucasian male and female wearing noise cancellation headphones discussing a project. Warm lights illuminate the setting, with a neon ‘We’re Hiring!’ sign drawing attention.

Hello CymaSpace Community!

We are thrilled to announce new opportunities to join our team! As we continue to serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through technology, education, and cultural outreach, we are seeking passionate individuals to fill several roles that will contribute to our mission and impact. We are particularly in immediate need of a Relocation Coordinator to join our team as soon as possible, otherwise positions remain open until filled.

Job Openings:

1. Relocation Coordinator (Immediate need!)

  • Key Responsibilities: Oversee logistical aspects of office relocation, coordinate with vendors, and manage timelines.
  • Requirements: Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in logistics.

2. Volunteer Coordinator

  • Key Responsibilities: Manage volunteer outreach, coordinate volunteer efforts for events and workshops, and maintain volunteer databases.
  • Requirements: Strong interpersonal skills, previous volunteer management experience, and dedication to community outreach.

3. IT Support Specialist

  • Key Responsibilities: Provide IT support, manage software and hardware installations, and troubleshoot issues.
  • Requirements: Proven experience in IT support and technical problem-solving skills.

For detailed job descriptions, please click here. Note: We opted for PDFs for easier access, but rest assured, they are comprehensive and easy to navigate.

We Are Also Seeking New Board Members!

More details will be posted on our website to detail this unique and impactful opportunity, but if you are interested in contributing at the governance level, please reach out to us.

How to Apply:

To apply for any of these positions, please send your resume or a detailed cover letter to the email listed in the job description with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Application Deadline:

The positions remain open until filled.

We are eager to welcome new team members who share our dedication to making arts and culture accessible to everyone. Be part of a community that values inclusivity, creativity, and the power of technology to bring people together!

Best, The CymaSpace Team

CymaSpace Announces Access Lab – A Space For All

PRESS RELEASE

PORTLAND, Ore. (January 24th, 2019) – At CymaSpace we believe access to the world is a fundamental human right. For over 5 years we have committed our resources to affecting positive change by encouraging inclusion and equal access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. In support of this vision, CymaSpace is thrilled to announce it’s newest initiative; Access Lab – A Space for All. Assess Lab is the next step to facilitating accessibility at the intersection of technology, art and social movements.

Access Lab integrates a Workshop, Education Program and Support Services within our new 800 sq. ft studio. Access Lab provides multimedia workstations, community meeting areas, event production & rehearsal facilities, audio-visual tools, live captioning technology and a pilot micro-grant program to provide disability accommodation resources to individual members and partnering organizations. Access Lab members have access to these resources year-round in tandem with support and mentorship from CymaSpace volunteer staff.
For more information about how to become a member, see our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/cymaspace

Year One Goals:

  1. Increase the frequency and impact of arts and cultural events that are accessible to Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) Oregonians and document the impact of the programs.
  2. Spread awareness of accessibility needs of DHH and access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  3. Partner with Access Providers: Stellar Communications is a Service Provider agency that refers Sign Language Interpreters and translators. Qualified BIPOC and Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI’s) are given priority for freelance opportunities in CymaSpace projects.
  4. Create specific work opportunities for Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI’s). A CDI with native ASL skills complements a non-native interpreter. CymaSpace makes every effort to include CDI’s in all our projects.
  5. Award small grants to qualifying nonprofit and for-profit organizations that want to provide DHH access services and technology, but need performing arts interpretation or live captioning services.

Access Lab – A Space For All is facilitated by CymaSpace, a Portland non-profit arts and technology incubator. CymaSpace is dedicated to making art and cultural events accessible and inclusive to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing through technology, education and outreach. Committed Deaf and hearing volunteers lend their skills to develop a variety of art installations and stage sets that synergize sound, light, and vibration. The work of CymaSpace has been featured nationally on Jimmy Kimmel Live, as well as at festivals like What The Fest?, Portland Winter Light Festival, Kentucky DeaFestival, and prominent local institutions such as Portland Art Museum, Clark County Historical Museum, Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, Oregon Contemporary, and Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI).

For PR/Media Inquiries contact Myles de Bastion:


An Experience Beyond Sound at the Northwest Deaf Arts Festival

Press Release

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 24, 2018) – CymaSpace is thrilled to announce that the first annual Northwest Deaf Arts Festival (NWDAF) will take place on June 16, 2018 at Mississippi Studios. The NWDAF will bring together top national Deaf artists who share a vision for an inclusive and innovative multi-sensory cultural extravaganza made equally accessible for both Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and hearing audiences. A diverse mix of Deaf artists will perform live on stage, backed by the latest sound visualization, open captioning and tactile technologies created by CymaSpace volunteers.

Headlining the NWDAF will be Detroit’s Deaf hip-hop artist Sean Forbes who complements his lyrics with American Sign Language. Hip Hop music has caught the attention of young DHH teens with its expressive, gestural performances. Sean has created a series of popular music videos with Oscar-winning Deaf actress Marlee Matlin and Deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie. The festival will also feature dance sensation Antoine Hunter of the Urban Jazz Dance Company, and renowned Deaf poet Raymond Luczak. In addition, several local performing artists are on the roster, including immersive multimedia performer and CymaSpace founder Myles de Bastion. Tickets for the family matinee and evening show (21 and over) are available at www.nwdeafartsfest.com.

“When artists involve more of the senses, their work is not only more accessible and inclusive, but also more engaging and exciting. We really want to increase awareness for Deaf artists and provide more opportunities for Portlanders to experience Deaf culture. Deaf and signing artists bring a unique perspective to the arts,” says de Bastion.

NWDAF is produced by CymaSpace, a Portland non-profit arts and technology incubator. CymaSpace is dedicated to making all cultural events more accessible and inclusive to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing through technology, education and outreach. Committed Deaf and hearing volunteers lend their skills to develop a variety of art installations and stage sets that synergize sound, light, and vibration. The work of CymaSpace has been featured nationally on Jimmy Kimmel Live, as well as at festivals like What The Fest?, PDX Winter Light Festival, Kentucky DeaFestival, and prominent local institutions such as Portland Art Museum and Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI).

CymaSpace began in a basement near historic Mississippi Ave in Portland’s NE district. Profoundly Deaf artist and designer Myles de Bastion was frustrated with the challenge of creating music. Progressive hearing loss had left him unable to hear the notes or lyrics. Falling back on his technical training, de Bastion connected with the Portland maker community to create interactive light sculptures, enhancing the experience of music with visual representations of sound frequencies and dynamics.

As a member of the Deaf community, de Bastion became aware of barriers for DHH people who enjoyed performance art. Many budget-strapped arts & cultural organizations struggle to provide accessibility accommodations such as sign language interpreters. Therefore, de Bastion founded CymaSpace in 2013 with the mission to facilitate arts and cultural events that are inclusive of the DHH community.

According to the US Census, more than 180,000 Oregonians have difficulty hearing. Many experience isolation and negative stigma. CymaSpace strives to meet the challenges many in the Deaf community face by providing role models and increasing awareness of Deaf culture, which has a rich heritage of social beliefs, behaviors, literary traditions, values and artistic talent.

Key sponsors of the NWDAF include the Regional Arts & Culture Council, Randall Charitable Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, and Willamette Week Give!Guide.

Northwest Deaf Arts Festival website: http://www.nwdeafartsfest.com/
High Quality Media/Images & Event Resources: https://goo.gl/8ZRX73
CymaSpace website: https://www.cymaspace.org

For PR/Media Inquiries contact Chris Balduc: