Make with thematerial of the moment

Material Activation Lab is designed to show what reclaimed materials can become when artists and designers are given a focused material prompt, time to experiment, and a public platform for the finished work.

The goals are to activate surplus materials, support creative experimentation, develop market-aware work, document new material possibilities, and connect the public to the value of creative reuse.

• Projects must be made with the featured reclaimed material for the current Lab.
• At least 50% of the finished project must use the required reclaimed material, unless a specific Lab brief states otherwise.
• Remaining materials may be selected based on the concept, function, structure, or finishing needs of the project.
• Participants must be able to complete work within the Lab timeline.
• Participants should be available for key check-ins, documentation, and the public showcase.
• Work must be original and created for the current Lab round.

• A participant stipend to support design and development.
• Access to the featured reclaimed material for the current Lab.
• Studio access, tools, and workspace during designated Lab times.
• Guidance on developing stronger, more complete, market-aware work.
• Opportunity to present work in a public showcase.
• Documentation and storytelling support when available.
• Potential consideration for further development, production, or release through Public Thread.

Each Material Activation Lab follows a quarterly rhythm. Dates should be updated for each round.

• Lab announced: Add announcement date.
• Applications open: Add application opening date.
• Application deadline: Add deadline.
• Participants selected: Add selection notification date.
• Material pickup / kickoff: Add kickoff date.
• Work period: Add making period.
• Final work due: Add due date.
• Public showcase: Add showcase date.

• Wearable pieces or accessories
• Home goods or functional objects
• Soft goods, bags, or storage pieces
• Fine art, sculptural, or installation-based work
• Material experiments, prototypes, or production-ready concepts

• Creative response to the material brief
• Thoughtful use of reclaimed material
• Craft, construction, and finish quality
• Function, wearability, usability, or presentation quality
• Originality and concept strength
• Potential for further development or production
• Clarity of story, process, and material transformation

Each Lab may include additional awards depending on funding, partners, and the current material brief.

• Participant stipend: Each selected participant receives support for design and development.
• 1st place: Add award amount.
• 2nd place: Add award amount.
• 3rd place: Add award amount.
• Additional recognition: Selected work may be considered for further development, production, display, or release through Public Thread.

• Participants retain ownership of their original creative work unless a separate agreement is made.
• By participating, artists and designers allow Public Thread and Public Thread Lab to photograph, document, promote, and share the work, process, and participant story for program, marketing, grant, fundraising, and archival purposes.
• Any further production, licensing, sale, or release of selected work will require a separate agreement between the participant and Public Thread.
• Public Thread may request access to finished work for showcase, photography, documentation, or program reporting.
• Participants are responsible for communicating any restrictions, collaborators, borrowed assets, or third-party rights connected to their work.

Each round may have different eligibility details. In general, MAL is designed for artists, designers, makers, students, and creative practitioners interested in working with reclaimed materials.

No. Some rounds may welcome emerging creatives, students, or people with hands-on making experience. Check the current Lab brief for details.

Some rounds may include a stipend, materials, studio access, or other support. The current Lab brief lists what is available for the active round.

Sales opportunities may vary by Lab and showcase format. If selling, production, or further release is part of a round, those details should be handled separately and clearly.

Use the sign-up or notification link on this page when available, or check the calendar and Public Thread Lab updates for the next announcement.