Do you believe in use after use? Introducing wert:stoff Material Initiative

After exhibitions, theater and film productions or large-scale events, significant quantities of high-quality materials are generated, which are usually discarded due to a lack of infrastructure.

WERT:STOFF is committed to preserving and reusing these materials. The aim of the association is to create previously unavailable access to used materials and constructions from the art and culture sector and to make these available to a broad user group.

The central storage facility serves as a contact point for interested parties. Here, materials are temporarily stored and distributed as needed. Those seeking materials can receive on-site advice and be inspired by the diverse and constantly changing assortment of materials.

As a non-profit organization, our goal is to preserve significant quantities of valuable materials to enable their reuse. Social and environmental goals are equally important to us. We offer projects and institutions with limited budgets a cost-effective alternative and simultaneously promote the circular economy in Vienna's arts and culture scene. Therefore, WERT:STOFF is a format that distinguishes itself from existing waste management companies, recycling centers, and secondhand dealers.

We look forward to your interest! No prior booking is necessary.

Team

Yola is a trained carpenter and is currently studying industrial design at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. David is a trained electrician and works as a lighting designer in the theater. Paul and Angela are pursuing master's degrees in architecture, while Yanek is studying for a master's degree in waste management. Sebastian is a furniture designer and craftsman. In addition to this core team, many other volunteers regularly support the project.

Website: https://www.wert-stoff.at/

This event is part of a series of events that includes both virtual and in-person components,
which take place within the format of the_print_fest, now in its fourth edition, and brings together the following institutions and departments within an EU-funded BIP-Blended Intensive Program to offer workshops and lectures on the topic of sustainability in artistic practice as well as self-empowerment as a method in this debate, with the aim of diversifying perspectives. 

Our Partners:
Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków ,Poland
Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts  (HUFA) Budapest, Hungary

Our Guests:
Academy of Fine Arts and Design (VSVU) Bratislava, Slovakia
National College of Art and Design (NCAD) Dublin, Ireland

Come join us in person from April 20–24, 2026, and come to the exhibition opening on April 23rd, 2026, from 6:30–10:00 p.m. at Exhibit Eschenbachgasse at the Academy of Fine Arts.