The streets along the Bowery in New York have changed quite a lot over the last decade, due in large part to the development and opening of the Manhattan's iconic New Museum, as well as an influx of trendy boutique hotels and high-rises. However, as the Bowery evolves, much remains the same. There's still the Bowery Mission which each day serves meals to the homeless, as well as the old restaurant supply stores that dot the neighborhood.

Enter the Festival of Ideas for the New City, an ambitious new project that aims to inspire the residents of New York to dream of the future. Happening this weekend, the festival will focus on four main themes: the Heterogeneous City, the Networked City, the Reconfigured City, and the Sustainable City. The New Museum, NYU, Cooper Union, and many other organizations are all supporting the effort with a robust lineup of free events.

From May 4th to May 8th, the streets of the Bowery will be filled with an innovative StreetFest featuring over a hundred grassroots organizations with projects, events, performances, and walking tours. The festival will include artists, writers, architects, engineers, designers, urban farmers, and urban planners there to connect, exchange ideas and propose solutions.

For their vision and support of the community, the neighborhood, and the city, the Festival of Ideas for the New City is Character Approved.

[Image: Festival of Ideas for the New City]