ABOUT US: The Institute for the Development of Education in the Arts (IDEA) was founded in 1996 to serve as a healing presence in the lives of the City’s adolescents, 46 percent of whom live in poverty. IDEA is a creative learning organization that exists to create better futures for youth in Camden and throughout Southern New Jersey, by tapping into their creative spirit in order to inspire and give power to their dreams and aspirations through arts education. OUR MISSION: To provide a safe and supportive artistic environment that enhances and respects the diversity of all cultures and inspires excellence by offering opportunities to under served youth and their families throughout the Delaware Valley to (claim their voice) as they explore and participate in the performing, literary and multimedia arts.