● Athletes Recycling & Thrifting
Operation ART
Operation ART brings athletes and communities together through recycling, thrifting, and creative reuse. Built around accessibility and sustainability, ART creates spaces where participation and community care take center stage.
From pop-up thrift events to collaborative activations, Operation ART turns reuse into shared action — strengthening connections while reducing waste.
● Operation Overview
What Operation ART Does
Operation ART focuses on creating accessible, sustainability-driven experiences rooted in community participation. Through recycling, thrifting, and creative reuse, ART invites people to engage with sustainability in tangible and social ways.
How It’s Structured
Operation ART takes shape through pop-up events, partnerships, and community-led activations. Each experience is intentionally flexible, allowing space for creativity, participation, and collaboration.
The structure adapts to each community and setting, prioritizing access and shared ownership.
What It Includes
Operation ART events often include access to reused clothing, shared resources, and spaces for creative engagement. Materials, setup, and coordination are supported through partnerships and collective effort.
Each activation is designed to be welcoming, low-barrier, and community-centered.
Event Format
Operation ART events vary in size and scope, from single-day pop-ups to recurring community activations. This flexibility allows ART to respond to different needs while maintaining a consistent focus on sustainability and access.
Who It’s For
Operation ART is open to community members of all ages. Events are designed to be inclusive and approachable, creating opportunities for people to participate regardless of background or experience.
● Operation ART
What an ART Event Looks Like
In the weeks leading up to each event, community members bring used clothing to a designated drop-off location, helping build a shared resource pool ahead of time. Kids clothing, swimsuits, and underwear will not be accepted.
community
drop-off periodVolunteers and partners organize donations by type, size, and condition to ensure accessibility and thoughtful redistribution.
sorting & preparationDuring the event, participants browse and exchange clothing freely, removing Barries to access while encouraging reuse.
open thrift &
resource exchangeArtistic stations invite people to customize, repair, or reimagined pieces — extending the life of clothing through creativity.
creative engagementThe space becomes a place to meet, collaborate, and share stories, strengthening local relationships through collective action.
community connectionRemaining items are redistributed responsibility, minimizing waste and maximizing community benefit.
wrap-up & redistribution● Leadership & Collaborators
Meet the People Behind Collective ARC
Aiden McFadden
Aiden’s, our very own founder, vision of collective action and community care continue to guide Collective ARC today.
Founder, athlete & community builder
Community Partners
artists, volunteers & organizersEvents are powered by local artists, volunteers, and partners who bring their skills, time, and care to each activation. From creative leaders to logistical support, ARC is built through collaboration.
Athletes in Action
Advocates, creators & changemakersARC is built alongside athletes who believe in using their platform for good - showing up, speaking out, and support community-led change.
● Operation Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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Collective ARC events are scheduled throughout the year and announced in advance on our website and social channels. Each event includes a pre-event donation period followed by a public activation day.
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Participation looks different at every event. Community members can get involved by donating items ahead of time, attending events, volunteering, or collaborating as artists, athletes, or partners. Visit our events page to learn more.
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We welcome a wide range or gently used clothing and accessories. However, for health and safety reasons, we do not accept kids’ clothing, swimwear, or underwear.
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Drop-off locations are selected in partnership with local businesses and community spaces. Details are shared several weeks before each event to ensure easy and accessible participation.
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Donated items are sorted and redistributed during ARC events through open-access exchanges and creative activations. Any remaining items are responsibly redistributed through community partners.
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Collective ARC events are designed to be free and accessible. Our goal is to remove barriers to participation and create welcoming space for everyone.
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All events are staffed by volunteers and partners who help maintain a safe, respectful environment. ARC works closely with host locations to ensure events are well-organized and community-centered.
● Contact
Get in Touch.
Whether you’re curious about our operations, interested in attending an event, or exploring a partnership, we’re here to talk.