MoMA PS1 was founded in 1971 by Alanna Heiss and has been an affiliate of The Museum of Modern Art since 2000. One of the oldest and largest nonprofit arts centers in the United States devoted to contemporary art, MoMA PS1 is recognized as a defining force in the alternative space movement, standing out from other major arts institutions through its distinctive approach to exhibitions and direct involvement of artists within a scholarly framework. Functioning as a living, active meeting place for the general public, MoMA PS1 is a catalyst for ideas, discourses, and new trends in contemporary art. MoMA PS1 is a vital cultural resource for New York City and serves constituencies beyond New York with traveling exhibitions, a studio program, publications, and representation by professional staff. Overall, MoMA PS1 aims to provide an engaging environment for artists; to inform, inspire, and challenge its audiences; to actively attract new audiences; and to be an accessible resource that elevates the role of art in our contemporary world.