Mission and Vision

Materials for the Arts (MFTA) provides NYC arts nonprofits, public schools and city agencies with access to free materials. We strive to keep valuable materials from entering the landfill and put these materials into the hands of arts professionals, educators and students across the five boroughs. We give unwanted items the opportunity to become something new through Creative Reuse, inspired education and unlimited imagination. Better than new; it’s renewed.

The City of New York funds infrastructural and operational costs for MFTA, and it falls upon Friends of Materials for the Arts (FOMA), MFTA’s nonprofit partner, to support other initiatives to reach a broader audience through our Education Center which reaches thousands of people by hosting our Artists-in-Residence program, Designer-in-Residence Program, Gallery program, Third Thursday program, Professional Development program and Field Trip/In-School Residency programs.

Shop at MFTA

Each year, MFTA provides millions of dollars of supplies and endless opportunities to New Yorkers across the five boroughs. With an MFTA membership, registered organizations can schedule appointments on specific shopping days to get supplies from our warehouse in Queens and obtain items through our online Direct Donations listing free of charge.

Press

For press or media inquiries about Materials for the Arts, warehouse shopping, our Education Center, events, MFTA Gallery, and Artist-in-Residence program, please contact publicaffairs@culture.nyc.gov.

2023
Conversation-making exhibit by Bayside artist captivates viewers at MFTA Gallery (QNS)
‘To Shed New Light’: A fantastic, immersive gallery show now on display at Materials for the Arts in Long Island City (LIC Post)
New Yorker of the Week: Maricela Reyes (NY1)

2022
11,000 Free Pairs of Shoes Will Dance Across New York (New York Times)
A Guide to Get Rid of Almost Everything (The New Yorker)

2021
Burberry donates giant animal sculptures once used for in-store promotions to the Staten Island Zoo (Staten Island Live)

2020
Artists and Arts Organizations Help With Masks and Mourning Room at Hospital (NY1)
From Waste to Opportunity, Thanks to Creative Reuse Centers (Make Magazin DE)
14 Ways to Give Back in NYC, Based on What You’re Into (Thrillist)
Bygone Buttons Fill A Hole for New York Arts Groups (The Wall Street Journal)

Board and Staff

Friends of Materials for the Arts — Board of Directors

Supporters

The City of New York funds infrastructural and operational costs for MFTA, and it falls upon Friends of Materials for the Arts (FOMA), MFTA’s nonprofit partner, to support other initiatives to reach a broader audience through our Education Center which reaches thousands of people by hosting our Artists in Residence program, Designer in Residence Program, Gallery program, Third Thursday program, Professional Development program and Field Trip/In School Residency programs.

We’re grateful for the continued support from foundations, corporations, and organizations who help us champion sustainability through creative reuse, providing an invaluable service to New Yorkers across the city!

Contact Us