This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Ms. Whitfield discusses how the Heidelberg Project is much more than art.
Prior to her involvement with the Heidelberg Project she had a successful career in banking. Then, in 1993, she took a wrong turn and drove down a polka-dotted street- through a colorful chaos of paint and people- and asked a paint-spattered man, “what is all this?” The man was artist Tyree Guyton and what he told her sparked an obsession that changed her life forever. She could never have imagined giving up her fourteen-year career to work in a non-profit arts-related venture, but she recognized this seemingly wrong turn as a higher calling. With a leap of faith, she embarked on the challenge of a lifetime.
Under Ms. Whitfield’s direction, The Heidelberg Project has expanded its goals to include acquisition and restoration of property in the Heidelberg area, and implementation of community art and education programs. Her leadership and commitment have enabled the project to extend its reach by participating in joint projects with museums, universities and other educational organizations. Her relentless enthusiasm and tireless efforts have won increasing support and respect for this often-controversial endeavor. Her persistence has been rewarded by a growing worldwide interest in the message she embraced on that summer afternoon when she asked “what is all this?” and felt the answer resonate inside her.
Ms. Whitfield is currently leading the Heidelberg Project in the development of the Heidelberg Cultural Village and a new initiative with the Michigan Dept. of Edu. Whitfield is also building the framework for what she and Guyton call, Heidelbergology, a 27-year study of the work Guyton began in 1986.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)