Welcome
Our Background
With Camden - dubbed the nation's most dangerous city in 2004 - as it's backdrop, the non-profit Institute for the Development of Education in the Arts (IDEA) was founded in 1995 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 inspiring and empowering them through arts education.
According to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities:
"...safe havens of music, dance, theater and visual arts programs have proved 'particularly potent' in stemming violence and drug abuse and in keeping students from dropping out of school. The arts play a crucial role in children's educational development."
So, too does the presence of caring adults.
By combining these two elements, IDEA provides adolescents with creative outlets for self-expression and positive, caring role models who help the children become more motivated, focused, responsible and creative. IDEA's diverse group of artists and educators are dedicated to uplifting and enlightening adolescent youth.
The ultimate goal: to open new opportunities for the region's teenagers by boosting their self esteem, introducing them to careers and fostering life and job skills.