The Festival of Ideas unveils grand plan

The New Museum and friends today unveiled the details for the Festival of Ideas for the New City. The event, which takes place May 4-8, is like a hybrid TED conference/block party/art fair, gathering creative big thinkers to the Bowery nabe.

"It's not a street fair of tube socks and sandwiches," said Bowery Poetry Club owner Bob Holman at a press conference today. Instead, look for a keynote speech by architect Rem Koolhaas, a panel discussion by international mayors who have revolutionized their cities, demos on urban gardening, (legal!) murals on the security gates of storefronts around the Bowery, live performances and so much more.

The Festival website should be going live later today April 1, and there you'll be able to find a full roster of events and participants (including the drool-worthy food vendor line-up).