Published September 12, 2024
Queens, NY – Materials for the Arts (MFTA) – a program of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the city’s premier creative reuse center for arts nonprofits, public schools, and city agencies – is thrilled to welcome NYC Public School teachers across the five boroughs for MFTA’s annual Back to School Shopping Spree. Educators across all subject areas are invited to MFTA’s massive, 35,000 square foot warehouse in Long Island City to “shop” (free of charge, of course) from a wide array of donated materials as they begin the school year.
Educators have access to everything from basics like paper, office supplies, notebooks, fabric, and craft items to more unique MFTA finds like vintage post cards, buttons, beads, mannequins, and movie props. Teachers from MFTA’s 1,800+ member schools can schedule their Back to School Shopping Spree appointments on MFTA’s website. If a school isn’t yet a member of MFTA – now is a great time to join!
“Materials for the Arts is a one-of-a-kind gem, and an invaluable resource for educators across subject areas eager to enrich their classrooms with creative projects,” said NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “Our administration is deeply committed to fostering a cleaner, greener, and more creative New York City, and as we welcome the new school year, we are excited to invite teachers to Materials for the Arts to access an extensive array of FREE supplies. We urge all public school educators to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to infuse their teaching with creativity, as they begin another year of their amazing work to bring the benefits of the arts to all of our city’s young people.”
“NYC is an arts and culture center for the world, and it is critical that our youngest New Yorkers have the resources they need to flex their creative muscles and nourish their artistic spirits. This is why Materials for the Arts is so valuable,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “I am so grateful to the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs for their continued partnership in service of our kids and our educators alike.”
“Materials for the Arts is proud to support NYC Public Schools educators all year long, and as the back-to-school season unfolds, we want to welcome even MORE teachers to discover the remarkable resources we offer,” said MFTA Executive Director Tara Sansone.
“As the number one provider of free materials to our public schools, we encourage teachers to fully embrace MFTA’s rich array of educational resources, including our diverse selection of materials, late night teacher shopping, MFTA’s new Sustainability Curriculum Guide, and our professional development courses for educators. MFTA is brimming with resources to empower your students now and throughout the entire school year.”
“Every student in New York City deserves high quality arts education as part of a well-rounded curriculum, and DCLA’s Materials for the Arts programs ensure that public schools have art supplies to start off the school year. Access to art and culture is linked to wellbeing, improved quality of life, and safer neighborhoods, and this is an important program for supporting faculty, students, and communities,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries.