Heidelberg Project, Detroit

The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art environment located in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on Detroit's east side. Established in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton, with assistance from his wife, Karen, and grandfather, Sam Mackey ("Grandpa Sam"), the project began as a form of political protest against the deterioration of Guyton's childhood neighborhood following the 1967 Detroit riots.

Initially, Guyton transformed houses on Heidelberg Street by painting them with bright polka dots and attaching salvaged items, creating a constantly evolving art installation. This initiative turned a once-neglected area into a place of community pride and attracted numerous visitors. Despite challenges such as demolitions ordered by city authorities and instances of arson, the project persisted and gained international recognition. In 2005, it was awarded the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence silver medal.

In 2016, Guyton announced plans to transition the Heidelberg Project into "Heidelberg 3.0," aiming to develop it into Detroit's first indoor and outdoor museum, complete with an artists' colony, creative art center, community garden, and amphitheater. This vision seeks to further integrate art into the community, fostering cultural and economic revitalization.