Mattress Factory, the pioneering contemporary art museum and international artist residency on Pittsburgh’s Northside, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Elms as its next Artistic Director, following a highly competitive national search.
Elms is an acclaimed curator, writer, and arts leader who brings decades of experience shaping boundary-pushing exhibitions, supporting artists, and deepening public engagement across major institutions and independent initiatives. His multifaceted career has included influential curatorial and leadership roles at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, where he served as Chief Curator as well as at Peter Freeman, Inc. in New York, and numerous independent projects and publications. He brings to Mattress Factory a rare combination of curatorial rigor, deep relationships with artists, and a vision grounded in openness, inquiry, and the generative potential of risk.
Elms is widely known for his artist-centered approach and his commitment to experimentation across disciplines. He organized the exhibitions Karyn Olivier: Everything That’s Alive Moves (2020), Cauleen Smith: Give It or Leave It (2018), Endless Shout (2016–17), Rodney McMillian: The Black Show (2016), Christopher Knowles: In a Word with writer Hilton Als (2015), White Petals Surround Your Yellow Heart (2013), among others. Elms’s writings have appeared in many catalogues and edited collections, as well as various periodicals. He has independently curated many exhibitions, including Whitney Biennial 2014; Interstellar Low Ways (with Huey Copeland); A Unicorn Basking in the Light of Three Glowing Suns (with Philip von Zweck); and Sun Ra, El Saturn & Chicago’s Afro-Futurist Underground, 1954–68 (with John Corbett and Terri Kapsalis). His most recent exhibition, Rodney McMillian: Neighbors, is currently on view through May, 2026, at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, Wa.
“Mattress Factory’s commitment to supporting artists is the heart of its history and mission,” said Elms. “Artists challenge our definitions of art, determining its purpose, its possibilities, its values. For nearly fifty years, the Mattress Factory has given artists the space and support to explore those questions on their own terms. I am honored by the invitation to share in this challenging work with Pittsburgh and beyond.”
As Artistic Director, Elms will oversee all artistic programming at the museum, including exhibitions, artist residencies, commissions, interpretive strategies, and public engagement. His leadership arrives as Mattress Factory prepares for its 50th anniversary in 2027, a milestone that marks not only a half-century of impact but an opportunity to add new perspective to the museum’s artistic voice, deepen its role as a global center for installation art, and strengthen ties with local communities.
“Anthony is the perfect fit for this moment at the Mattress Factory,” said Executive Director David Oresick. “His artist-first approach, his deep experience across the art world, and his history of producing exhibitions that resonate widely while remaining deeply attentive to the artists’ visions make him an exceptional addition to our team. We are thrilled to welcome him and excited for the new energy, care, and creative ambition he will bring to our program.”
Elms begins his tenure at Mattress Factory in February 2026.
Visit Mattress Factory for FREE all year long with RAD Pass! RAD Pass is a free and discounted ticket program from RAD (Allegheny Regional Asset District) that makes it easier than ever to visit Mattress Factory and enjoy Allegheny County’s cultural assets.
All you need is an Allegheny County library card and a reservation to enjoy the museum’s exhibitions for free.
Free tickets for Mattress Factory through the RAD Pass can be booked and redeemed by following the steps below:
When offers appear at RADPass.org, guests are encouraged to be courteous to other RAD Pass users: only book a reservation that you plan to use on the selected date. If you find you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation to open up spots for others.
Save $7 on admission every Wednesday evening for the rest of the year!
From 4-8 PM every Wednesday, museum admission is just $15. Stop by the museum to relax, unwind, and discover our always-rotating art installations. Enjoy refreshments in our Café and Garden after exploring the museum. We proudly serve Commonplace Coffee brews, sandwiches and snacks. And! The museum is always BYOB.
Mattress Factory announces the opening reception of a new installation by Ghanaian artist Akwasi Bediako Afrane. From his early years in Kumasi, Ghana, Akwasi Bediako Afrane displayed a boundless curiosity for technology. As a child, he would dismantle his father’s old televisions, stereos, and VCRs, and scavenge for discarded electronics in his neighborhood. This early fascination laid the groundwork for his current artistic practice, creating scenes and sculptures from discarded devices and salvaged components.
D²NA - TC24: Visions of the Past continues this exploration on a grand scale. Set amidst a darkened gallery, this work forms a cityscape of carefully arranged e-waste emerges. Old printers, computers, and sound systems have been meticulously deconstructed, their insides pulled apart, their housing removed and reconfigured into something familiar yet otherworldly. Screens, LEDs, motors, and a working model train are reanimated, bringing back to life objects once destined for the landfill. Working intuitively with these materials, Afrane has created a small yet buzzing metropolis, one that feels simultaneously futuristic and nostalgic. Afrane challenges us to consider how these items are made and their significance in our daily lives, fostering a critical reflection on the broader impacts and possibilities of technology.
Afrane was chosen to exhibit at Mattress Factory through an International Open Call, a selection process guided by a panel of Mattress Factory alumni artists. Embracing the museum's philosophy of curatorial inclusivity and collaboration, this approach allows alumni artists to shape the exhibition landscape based on their unique perspectives and experiences. This Artist Alumni Review Panel included Vanessa German, Sohrab Kashani, Christopher Meerdo, and Sarah Oppenheimer.
Akwasi Bediako Afrane was born in 1990 and continues to live and work in Kumasi, Ghana. His work explores the relationships between humans and technology, utilizing discarded electronic gadgets. These repurposed materials are transformed into what Afrane terms “TRONS,” intricate assemblies that serve as platforms for reflection and interaction.
PITTSBURGH, PA – Mattress Factory, a 'By Artists, For Artists' contemporary art museum announces the artist selections from our unparalleled program invited artists worldwide to share their work with our Artist Alumni Review Panel: Jon Rubin, Harrison Kinnane Smith, and Julie Schenkelberg. Mattress Factory received an overwhelming response from 90 countries, resulting in nearly 1800 submissions. The selected artists, Ting Tong Chang, Yasmine El Meleegy, and Lolo y Lauti, will develop their first solo U.S. exhibitions of new site-specific work at Mattress Factory. The artists were chosen for their visionary, exceptional, and audacious work. Through artist residencies, Mattress Factory commits to the production of diverse and pioneering work.
Mattress Factory holds a philosophy of curatorial inclusivity and collaboration. International Open Call embraces this approach by prioritizing the perspective and experience of artist alumni. The panelists reviewed all the submissions over a period of months and had total agency over selections. The Artist Alumni Review Panel ensures that the selection process is deeply rooted in our belief in artistic autonomy and our commitment to being an artist centered organization where experimentation and risk-taking are celebrated.
Artist Review Panelist John Rubin remarked on the selection process, "Choosing artists for the International Open Call was incredibly challenging, given the sheer volume of amazing work. The caliber and diversity of submissions truly impressed everyone on the panel, making our decision a difficult but rewarding one."
Based in Taiwan and Spain, Ting Tong Chang crafts dynamic environments that blur the boundaries between the physical and digital realms. Deeply rooted in addressing social and cultural issues of Asian societies, his work aims to provoke dialogue and reflection. Through interactive and mechanized sculptures, Chang invites viewers into a world where art and technology coalesce to reflect on personal identity and the environment.
Yasmine El Meleegy’s artistic journey explores the intersections between history, materiality, and identity. Through her multidisciplinary approach, which spans sculpture, installation, and site-specific interventions, Cairo-based El Meleegy delves into historical narratives, presenting them in a new contemporary context. Her meticulous attention to the texture, form, and inherent stories of materials invites a tactile engagement, urging audiences to consider the deeper meanings embedded within the physicality of her art.
The artistic duo Lolo y Lauti, known for their vibrant and provocative performances, reimagine the Argentine queer archive. Their work is a mix of satire, humor, and critical insight, using performance art as a medium to interrogate cultural and historical narratives. Their performances are not only entertainment but also acts of resistance, offering a counter to dominant historical records and advocating for the visibility and inclusion of queer voices.
Starting April 1, 2024, Mattress Factory is ushering in a new chapter for our membership program! The revitalized experience introduces eight distinct levels, each offering exciting member programs to enhance your connection with art and creativity. Get ready for more ways to connect, engage, learn, and be inspired!
Note: Your current membership will remain unchanged until it expires. Starting April 1, all memberships can be renewed at our exciting new levels.
Thank you for being a dedicated member and supporter of the museum! Explore the new levels, benefits, and prices below. For any questions, feel free to contact Rachel at [email protected] or 412-313-5410.
Coffee Date is a program that allows members to meet with artists in residence, tour their work, and ask them questions directly! They are typically held on Saturday mornings with free coffee and pastries. These events are an excellent way to learn more about your favorite works, get context directly from the artists, and causally socialize with fellow members.
After Hours is a new program that invites members to experience the museum in the evenings and attend various exhibition-related programs. Immerse yourself in artist talks, engaging panel discussions, tours, and the opportunity to socialize with fellow members and art enthusiasts while enjoying food and drink.
Exhibition Previews offer an exclusive early look at exhibitions before the public opening and a chance to meet the artists.
Factory 500 excursions allow members to visit creative sites throughout Pittsburgh related to Mattress Factory artists and exhibitions. These include behind-the-scenes looks at local galleries, artist studios, and other creative spaces!
If you are interested in joining one of Mattress Factory’s Member Circles and want to learn more about invite-only events with artists and exclusive travel, please contact the membership department at [email protected] or call 412-313-5410.
Q: My membership level doesn’t appear on your website anymore. How do I renew it?
A: Some membership levels will no longer be active in the new membership program. When your current membership expires, you can renew at another chosen level.
Q: What is an Annual Pass? Is it the same as the Individual level?
A: Annual Pass allows one individual to access unlimited admission to the museum for one year. This level is for individuals who use their membership to visit the museum! If you are an individual member who wants to maintain access to core benefits like Coffee Dates, you can renew at the Dual level to continue to enjoy those programs.
Q: I don’t remember what level I am currently. How do I find out?
A: If unsure of your membership level, email [email protected] or call Rachel at 412-313-5410 to inquire with the membership department.
Q: What do the “Ignite” levels support?
A: Advocate’s Circle and Director’s Circle are opportunities for creative catalysts who want to champion the art and artists of the Mattress Factory and build a thriving future together. Dues for these levels are directly funnel towards artist supplies, stipends, and programming. Participation in programming for these levels supports Pittsburgh's art scene's cultivation, growth, and network on the map of international contemporary art.
Mark your calendars--Giving Tuesday is November 28th, 2023! When you donate to the Mattress Factory your support directly funnels into our artistic, educational, and community programs.
As we gear up for 2024, six more artists await to begin a new creative journey with the Mattress Factory. Their residences and exhibitions will push, delight, challenge, inspire, and always be unexpected. This is only possible thanks to the support of our members and donors.
Your contribution impacts each of our exhibits, workshops, and community events, uplifting all who experience the art here.
We are on a mission to raise $50,000 this Giving Tuesday. Every gift we receive will amplify our support for these incredible artists, bringing forth artworks to our community.
We are excited to announce that this year, for every gift of $150 or more, you will receive one of our newly branded T-shirts! For every gift of $1,000 or more, donors will receive a limited-edition print signed by a Mattress Factory installing artist!
Click here to see our GiveBig Pittsburgh Page, and make sure to donate on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28!
Give artists the time, space and resources to create remarkable works of art that help us see our world in new ways.
| Mon - Tue: | Closed |
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| Wed: | 11am – 8pm |
| Thu – Sun: | 11am – 6pm |
