Photo: The New Museum

There’s no shortage of ideas in New York City (for proof, watch just about any episode of Seinfeld), but the Festival of Ideas for the New City might be the first time they’re organized and celebrated. The event—which kicks off today and runs through May 8—brings together a grab-bag of thinkers, makers, and movers-and-shakers. Through projects, public events, exhibits, and a multi-day conference, all taking place in Downtown New York City, the collaborative initiative seeks to connect brilliant new ideas with people who can make them happen. Among the big names contributing in some way to the festival are Rem Koolhaas, Marilyn Minter, Vito Acconci, and Dustin Yellin.

But it’s not all art world A-listers; from Etsy to Farm City to The Lower Eastside Girls Club, anyone with a mission to improve the city is given a platform. In fact, it could just as likely be your neighbor who becomes the star of the week: Many of the 100-plus events rely on audience interaction, with a few even sending attendees home to continue a project (Seeding the City, for example, is equipping people with “green roof modules,” which you can pick up on the Bowery on May 7). They might not make you laugh like beach-scented perfume or a coffee table book about coffee tables, but what comes out of the Festival of Ideas for the New City will certainly be more life-changing.  Visit festivalofideasnyc.com for more info.