It’s painfully clear now that Detroit’s iconic Heidelberg Project is under attack. The storied grass-roots art park suffered it’s eighth arson attack in seven months on Sunday, December 7th, resulting in the destruction of the Elba Street Clock House. Three other Heidelberg Houses were destroyed by fire earlier in the year. Only three undamaged Houses now remain.
In the latest attack, the arsonist seems to have struck just minutes before a night watchman arrived for duty. Detroit authorities and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are now recognizing the premeditated, serial nature of the crimes. ATF is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.
It’s easy, maybe too easy, to feel rage and frustration over the senseless nihilism that’s robbing Detroit, and the world, of these treasures. But let’s try to take solace in the message from the Heidelberg Project itself: They won’t stop. Art is perishable, to be sure. And as these tragedies prove, it’s all too vulnerable. But the artistic spirit? That’s invincible.
No new info yet, but energy is high. If you know HP history, you know we won’t give in. THANK YOU for standing with us! #ChallengeAccepted
— Heidelberg Project (@HeidelbergProj) December 9, 2013
