LANSING — State Representative Leslie Love (D-Detroit) applauded the passage of House Resolution 368, which declares December 2016 as Heidelberg Project Month in Michigan. The world-famous art installation, which began 30 years ago, has turned blighted homes and abandoned lots in Detroit into vibrant art spaces to help improve neighborhoods, brighten people’s lives and draw visitors to the city.
“As a Detroiter, I’m extremely proud of the cultural gems our city has to offer, with the Heidelberg Project among them,” Love said. “But the project is about more than just art. What started with just one man, a few neighborhood kids and some paintbrushes has become a powerful movement of hope, healing and making the world brighter. I’m proud to sponsor this tribute, and I look forward to another 30 years as the project transitions to the ‘arts-focused community’ of Heidelberg 3.0.”
Heidelberg founder and artist Tyree Guyton and his wife, Jenenne Whitfield, executive director of the project, issued a statement of thanks to Love for offering her resolution.
“Words cannot express our true appreciation for this tribute. We are deeply grateful to Representative Leslie Love for acknowledging and honoring the effort we have made in our city for the last 30 years,” Guyton and Whitfield said. “As conversations about race, inclusion and equity persist, we believe that this tribute exemplifies Detroiters’ contributions to our city’s resurgence. We plan to continue our work and look forward to partnering with city, civic and business leaders to help take the Heidelberg Project to an even greater level with Heidelberg 3.0.”