Urban Idea was established in 1989 to encourage the exchange of ideas and opinions relating to the city and the quality of urban life. A project based organization, Urban Idea is uniquely focused on the arts as the lens through which to view the city. Urban Idea is a founding partner in the Architecture + Design Film Festival, has created a City Builders camp for high school students, and in 2014 undertook a year-long initiative of events and programs highlighting the importance of art and design in city building and placemaking.