Heidelberg Project (Detroit, Michigan)

 region, arts centre

A project begun in the 80s by artist and Heidelberg Street resident Tyree Guyton. The Heidelberg Project is a block-long art exhibit consisting of free standing found object construction along with abandoned buildings and trees adorned with found objects and other manifestations of art. The signature icons are large multi colored polka-dots painted on "anything that doesn't move". Through the years, controversy grew between Guyton and the city of Detroit, who held the title on the abandoned houses. The block became a tourist attraction, and won Guyton international acclaim, while at the same time, carrying an implicit criticism of the city's failure to seal, maintain, or demolish the buildings. Citing complaints from neighbors that the area had become infested with rats, and posed fire hazards, the city destroyed parts of the project by demolishing (finally!) a few of the abandoned properties. Then in 2013 the Project suffered from an arson problem, the culprit of which was never apprehended. The project lives on in a slightly diminished, yet still intact state.

www.heidelberg.org
www.roadsideamerica.com/story/21166