As inflation remains near a 40-year high, Materials for the Arts (MFTA) in Long Island City is providing relief to New York public school teachers and giving them access to a wide range of free supplies available in his huge warehouse on Northern Boulevard, from basics like paper and markers to unusual items like movie props and mannequins.
MFTA is proud to be a go-to source for free supplies for educators, nonprofits, agencies, and arts groups.
“We are thrilled to once again host our ‘Back to School Shopping’ at the MFTA Warehouse,” said MFTA General Manager Tara Sansone. “Materials for the Arts is an amazing resource for teachers looking to enrich their lessons with hands-on and engaging art projects. I’m always amazed by the amazing exhibits, theater productions, murals, and visual art projects that students and teachers create using supplies they discover in our warehouse.
Located at 33-00 Northern Blvd., the warehouse is New York’s largest reuse center. On average, the MFTA collects about 1.5 million pounds of supplies each year, which it provides free to its member organizations.
“I am delighted to have this wonderful program back just in time for the new school year,” said Queens Borough Chairman Donovan Richards. “The arts are an essential aspect of the education of our children. Teachers deserve access to the best materials available so they can provide our students with the best possible experience. To our teachers: we thank you for your work. Enjoy your shopping spree in Long Island City.”
MFTA is a program of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and it welcomes teachers to the warehouse year-round, but the back-to-school shopping spree gives them a chance to kick off the new year. school with fresh supplies. They can also learn about the wide range of resources available through the MFTA Education Center, which includes creative reuse excursions, artist residencies in schools, and professional development courses through which teachers can earn P credits and CTLE (MFTA Fall Professional Development) hours. courses starts on September 24th ; find out more here).
The MFTA Online Education Center – established as a remote resource during the pandemic – continues to offer diverse and engaging creative reuse lesson plans and activities that educators can access for free.
“The Arts Materials Warehouse is a treasure trove of essential supplies and unusual items, and the MFTA Education Center is an incredible resource for teachers looking to incorporate creative reuse into their classroom,” said Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. “Together with our colleagues at MFTA and the Department of Education, we are committed to giving our students access to the extraordinary power of the arts to inspire the next generation of artists and creative thinkers.”
Legendary singer and songwriter Paul Simon became so enamored with MFTA during a tour of its facilities that the Kew Gardens native performed a benefit concert at the Northern Boulevard warehouse in 2017. Educators who want to join party can visit MFTA’s website and make an appointment. As the back-to-school shopping spree continues through September 29, teachers are encouraged to visit MFTA for free supplies throughout the year.
“New York City Public Schools are thrilled to continue supporting Materials for the Arts. Materials for the Arts provides free resources to our schools and teachers to support student artistic creation,” said Paul J. Thompson, executive director of the DOE’s Office of Arts and Special Projects. “We are grateful to DCA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo and MFTA Executive Director Tara Sansone for this fruitful collaboration that is impacting students across the city,”
