In 1986, Artist Tyree Guyton took a stand against crime, blight and apathy in the Detroit neighborhood where he was raised. Using discarded objects, he transformed abandoned houses and vacant lots on an entire city block into an open-air art installation. The work talks about the life of the urban poor from faces on car hoods to lines of shoes representing the homeless. He wanted to get people thinking, talking - interacting. Tyree Guyton still works on The Heidelberg Project nearly every day with neighborhood children, giving them a sense of pride, providing a safe haven, fostering creativity and offering them a connection to the world. Visitors are inspired and moved by what they see. People gather to view the art and end up talking about everything from politics to painting. Each year, over 250,000 people from around the world visit the Heidelberg Project to experience the powerful message of healing communities through art. Census figures show that if the neighborhood around the Heidelberg Project continues to decline at the current rate, the last house will vanish in 14 years, leaving nothing but vacant lots where a thriving community once stood. The Heidelberg Project plans to halt and reverse the decay by acquiring and restoring property in the area. As it grows, the project will help provide an economic base for this community through development and education. Development plans include creation of the city's first indoor/outdoor museum; complete with an artist colony, creative art center, community gardens, and more. This year the first abandoned house will be renovated to serve as a visiting artist residence, childrenÍs gallery, library and studio. The Heidelberg Project offers a new approach to the growing problems of sprawl and decay facing our cities and suburbs.

The Heidelberg Project is open to the public free of charge. The exhibits are impossible to miss, just follow the polka-dotted street. Visitors can drive through or get out and walk around. There are sidewalks and street parking. The artist himself is often on site to greet visitors and answer questions. Volunteers also provide information during peak times. People from the neighborhood often stop by to see whatÍs new and explore.

Tyree Guyton and volunteers maintain the vacant lots, sweep the street and sidewalks and remove litter. At present there are no facilities as much of the project is vacant city-owned property but picnic tables are being installed. Men and women of all ages feel comfortable and safe and the ratio of male to female visitors is about equal. The block occupied by the Heidelberg Project has not had a serious crime since the project began, despite the high crime rate in the surrounding neighborhood.

A wide range of people, including local residents, use the Heidelberg Project as a place to socialize, reflect and play. Neighborhood children play and work on art projects. Artists come to paint or work on sculpture. Photographers and film crews are regular visitors. Schools and organizations bring busloads of visitors. Students often use the Heidelberg Project for school projects on art and social issues. It is accessable 24/7/365 at no charge so it is truly a place for everyone.

People from Metro Detroit often bring out of town guests to see the Heidelberg Project. It is one of those unique places that you just have to see. People from 85 countries have visited, bringing cultural exchange to the closed-in world of DetroitÍs inner city. It is a favorite spot for students, photographers, filmmakers and artists, but it also attracts people of all ages from all walks of life. The art brings people together and the atmosphere encourages conversation.

The unique art landscape attracts people to an area of the city that is normally avoided or forgotten. It brings issues to light in a new and non-threatening way - encouraging dialogue with thought-provoking assemblages of cast off items, paintings and sculptures.