The Heidelberg Project is located in Detroit’s McDougall Hunt neighborhood, only about a 10 minute drive from downtown Detroit. It encompasses a long block of street art. Its name comes from one of its bordering streets, Heidelberg Street.
While often referred to as eclectic art, and it is, however art is truly defined by the eye of the viewer. And in this case, this community art is created by building pieces and forms from common items used by the local communities. These items are arranged to provoke thought, inspire creativity, create a sense of pride and bring a diversity of visitors to this particular part of Detroit.
Painter and sculptor Tyree Guyton founded the Heidelberg Project in 1986 with his wife Karen and grandfather Mackey. Tyree grew up on Heidelberg Street and was inspired by his grandfather to become an artist. Their early work involved cleaning up the blocks where he grew up, collecting household items and transforming these streets into an art filled environment.
The Heidelberg Project is funded by the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, the National Endowment of the Arts, the Michigan Council for Arts & Affair and the Detroit Public Schools.
For more information, visit: www.heidelberg.org
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