The Detroit Heidelberg Project

By Nicole Brewer

Greetings globe-trotters!! I’ve recently returned from my mid-western USA tour from Detroit and Chicago back to Atlanta. I had an Amazing time catching up with some of my friends and family in both locations.  It’s been over five years since I’ve been back to the D and honestly it was a little heart-breaking seeing some of the deterioration of the East side, where I grew up as a young child.  I’m a believer in the revamping of the city. Nonetheless, I’m convinced that it will be a very long, rocky road to bring the Motor city back. Many of you are aware of the financial struggles that my hometown currently face.

Well on a brighter note I wanted to educate the globe-trotters about a great arts project that has been going on in the city for some time now.  Specifically on the East side of the city, there are may abandoned buildings. Their is a program entitled the Heidelberg Project that is “Using art to provoke thought, promote discussion, inspire action and heal communities.”  The founder Tyree Guyton had taken several city blocks of the city and decorated and designed the houses/trees/sidewalks etc to provoke thought and symbolism for the rebirth of the city.

I hadn’t visited the area in quite some time and was amazing to see so many individuals from the city and other areas walking around with huge smiles on their face taking in the art scape.  From the “hipsters” with their nikon and cannon cameras to the kids enjoying a bright, sunny day playing basketball at the street corner. I was very pleased to see that the Heidelberg project was still in fruition and evoking happy spirits for Detroiters. They are currently taking short video submissions via the Heidelberg youtube page of how the project has impacted their viewers. Be sure to visit their page to find out more information and  check it out here globe-trotters!

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