MATTRESS FACTORY IS A LEADING CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM AND INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCY.
Mattress Factory has pioneered the development of alternative art forms through site-specific installations, video, and performance art.
Our commitment to supporting artists’ vision and creative growth is at the heart of the Mattress Factory. We were founded in 1977 by the tenacious sculptor, designer, and visionary Barbara Luderowski, as a “for artists by artists” community. Barbara emphasized the need to provide artists with resources, space, and time to experiment and take risks.
We define quality through the process of making, not just the product. We value and actively invest in the creative journey. Artists live in residence at Mattress Factory for weeks or months while they create something completely new. This approach promotes experimentation, creative growth, and spontaneity.
The unparalleled support that artists receive from Mattress Factory, while working in residence, often results in the production of extraordinary artwork that propels the artist’s career and significantly impacts the field of contemporary art. Mattress Factory exhibitions present new works by critically-acclaimed regional, national and international artists and the museum’s exhibitions appear in publications like The New York Times, Art in America, Art Asian/Pacific, and the Wall Street Journal, among many others.
We define quality through the process of making, not just the product. We value and actively invest in the creative journey. Artists live in residence at Mattress Factory for weeks or months while they create something completely new. This approach promotes experimentation, creative growth, and spontaneity.
The unparalleled support that artists receive from Mattress Factory, while working in residence, often results in the production of extraordinary artwork that propels the artist’s career and significantly impacts the field of contemporary art. Mattress Factory exhibitions present new works by critically-acclaimed regional, national and international artists and the museum’s exhibitions appear in publications like The New York Times, Art in America, Art Asian/Pacific, and the Wall Street Journal, among many others.
MISSION
Mattress Factory is an artist-centered museum, international residency program and renowned producer and presenter of installation art. We say “yes” to artists, offering time and space to dream and realize projects in our hometown, Pittsburgh, PA. We invite audiences from around the world and around the corner to step inside, immerse and connect with the artistic process.
We are forward-thinking, ambitious and flexible. Through open-ended collaborations, we work with artists at all stages of their careers to develop, produce and present site-specific installations, events and education programs. Responsive to the changing needs of artists and our communities, we facilitate opportunities for artists and audiences to challenge themselves and assume the risk that comes with making and encountering art.
We believe making art is an essential part of civic and cultural life. Leading by example, we set new standards for supporting artists, engaging audiences and mentoring the next generation of arts professionals. Together, we take a leap into the unknown, rallying to the artist’s vision and going the extra mile to make art happen.
Worker's Compensation
Employees who are injured on the job at the Mattress Factory are eligible for Workers' Compensation benefits. Such benefits are provided at no cost to employees and cover any injury or illness sustained in the course of employment that requires medical treatment.
Employee Funded Retirement Plan
All Mattress Factory employees are eligible to participate in a 403B plan sponsored by Empower Retirement and administered by Fragasso Financial Advisors. Retirement contributions are employee funded only and deposited by payroll deduction.
Mattress Factory-Specific Benefits
Museum employees receive a 25% discount in the Mattress Factory Shop.
All Mattress Factory employees also receive a Museum membership for the duration of their employment.
Paid Time-Off
All employees are frontloaded PTO at the beginning of the year, and some are eligible to accrue PTO throughout the year.