Material Institute

Material institutes fashion & textiles (f&t) department is a one-year curriculum-based design foundation taught by a team of fashion designers, artists, and industry professionals. The program emphasizes conscious material practices; handmade textiles are implemented and encouraged through experimentation in both traditional techniques and contemporary technologies. In 2024, the program graduated 13 participants from the curriculum-based program. Two graduates went on to pursue postsecondary education in fashion, including one at the world renowned fashion institute of technology in new york city. The program hosted two industry panels made up of 5 industry experts to provide feedback and critique to the fashion participants end-of-year portfolio. F&t hosted world renowned west african textile and dye artist, aboubakar fofana, for an indigo dye workshop and artist talk. The program also partnered with hotel st. Vincent to host an artist talk with designers, diotima x zankov. In 2024, 51 people attended public workshops on marigold dye, bucket hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and beading and embellishments. The program employed a department chair, program manager, studio director, lead instructor, and program administrator, all of whom are full-time, and one part-time hand-stitch instructor/open studio manager.

Material institute music expands new orleans artists access to a recording studio, music education, and professional development through cost-free professional recording sessions, a music lab and library, workshops, and a recording artist residency program. In 2024, the recording studio recorded singles/projects for 64 individual artists/groups; served 146 people through public workshops and talks; developed 6 artists in the recording artist residency; and, hosted the annual mi music showcase reaching 150 audience members. Music operates 6 days a week from the organizations headquarters at 2120 port street. The program employs a full-time program director, a full-time program coordinator, a full-time audio engineer, a part-time audio engineer, and a part-time music lab manager.

The mi manufacturing program serves as a teaching model within the fashion & textiles department, providing students with hands-on experience in research-driven product development and small-scale production within the luxury fashion market. The departmentdeveloped prototypes in collaboration with factories and artisans, with costs varying based on design complexity. Projects included embroidered t-shirts, woven jacquard labels, custom fabrics, small bags, duster bags, and knit sweaters. Finished products were distributed to staff, alumni, and community supporters as learning tools and examples of high-end craftsmanship,fostering dialogue around design process, quality, and innovation. No profit, sale, or transaction occurred in the end use of the products.