The Heidelberg Project

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The Heidelberg Project will receive $50,000 over two years to support the planning phase for an expansion of its Cultural Village, an open-air public art project on Detroit's East Side that began in the 1980's as an effort to clean up the vacant lots and abandoned buildings on Heidelberg and Elba Streets. Hoping to counteract the decline of their neighborhood, local artist Tyree Guyton and his grandfather Sam Mackey engaged their neighbors and created beauty out of blight, using abandoned objects to revitalize an impoverished community. This homegrown protest against urban decay has evolved into a celebrated, life-affirming cultural landmark. One of the most frequently visited cultural destinations in Detroit, The Heidelberg Project has now turned its attention to creating facilities where the impact of its work can be expanded and deepened. Through the Space for Change program, the organization is working to create a plan for The HP House That Makes Sense Center, a flagship art center to be constructed with recycled and reclaimed materials from the area, as well as the Heidelberg Project PlayHouse/ Amphitheater, a community performing arts space.