Material Institute is a nonprofit arts center, learning environment, and community space in the 9th Ward of New Orleans providing resources to a new generation of New Orleans artists ORGANIZATION WAS FORMED TO SUPPORT FREE, CREATIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE 9TH WARD OF NEW ORLEANS. THE PROGRAMS RUN FROM A CENTRAL CAMPUS ON PORT STREET. IT EMPLOYS TEACHERS (WHEREVER POSSIBLE, FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY) TO LEAD WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING SESSIONS IN A VARIETY OF FIELDS, INCLUDING GARDENING, COOKING, MUSIC RECORDING AND PRODUCTION, DIGITAL ARTS, DESIGN, FASHION AND THE CREATIVE ARTS.