The Heidelberg Project

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The Heidelberg Project was created in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton and his grandfather Sam Mackey as an outdoor art environment on Detroit's McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on the city's east side, just north of the city's historically African-American Black Bottom area.

The Heidelberg Project is, in part, a political protest, as Tyree Guyton's childhood neighborhood began to deteriorate after the 1967 riots. Following his stint in the Army, Tyree Guyton described coming back to Heidelberg Street. He was astonished to see that the surrounding neighborhood looked as if 'a bomb went off.'

Tyree Guyton uses everyday discarded objects to create a two block area full of color, symbolism, and intrigue. Now in its 23rd year, the Heidelberg Project is recognized around the world as a demonstration of the power of creativity to transform lives.

The Heidelberg Project website.