JENENNE WHITFIELD
Jenenne Whitfield, D.D. serves as the executive director of the critically acclaimed Heidelberg Project (HP) for 25 years. Prior to her involvement with the HP she had a successful career in banking. Under Ms. Whitfield’s direction, The Heidelberg Project (founded by Tyree Guyton) has risen to international status and is currently recognized as one of the most influential art environments in the world. Her commitment has enabled the project to extend its reach by participating in joint projects with museums, universities and other organisations throughout the world, while she also serves as a mentor to the next generation of art thinkers and activists. Under Whitfield’s leadership, the work of the HP spans five continents and has collected over 25 awards, locally and nationally. Her favorite pastime is metaphysics which she has studied for over 30 years.
Which are your three favourite cultural destinations (established or new ones)?
There are many wonderful cultural destinations throughout the world but the ones that stand out for me are: the Magic Gardens (Philadelphia PA ), the African American Heritage Museum and the Rock Gardens (Chandigarh, India). All of these cultural sites embody the spirit of creativity, passion and raw energy at the highest level.
What are your favourite emerging cultural cities in the world and why?
This would be Detroit, for sure and certainly not because I live, work and was raised here. Detroit is the heartbeat of our country and in many ways our world. This city revolutionized the industrial and manufacturing world while at the same time being the home of the Civil Rights Movement and the Motown sound. But Detroit has been devastated by the collapse of the auto industry and the fallout of wall street in 2007/08, as well as many, many years of disinvestment due to its largely Black population. Through much chaos, i.e., re-investment vs. gentrification, white return on the shoulders of black roots, and two Detroit’s developing, we are in the midst of what might be defined as the Great Detroit Experiment. How it will play out is still being defined. However, buried within the contradictions and chaos is the richness of another new genre of music, (Techno/House), new ideas for food sustainability, and a grass roots arts scene that is attracting artists from around the world.
Tell us about a cultural project with great potential for social impact.
Without question, that would be the Heidelberg Project in Detroit. The Heidelberg Project is a game-changing invention in the 21st century. For over 30 years it has brought diverse people together, serving as inspiration for a generation of innovators in Detroit and across the world. This original, ever-changing outdoor art environment embodies what is special and fascinating about our city. As while we are yet in the midst of a global pandemic and civil unrest from systemic racism and inequality, the HP has become a place of refuge, a platform for discussion, an oasis of meditation, in the heart of an urban ghetto. Today, the HP’s raw potential remains untapped in a post Covid 19/civil unrest society. We look forward to what is possible.
What has been your most memorable recent cultural experience?
Culture is a way of life for me. I don’t experience culture and then go home to . . .something else. Culture is a heartbeat, it’s alive, it’s sexy, it’s happening all around us and it draws you in and takes you deeper into the world around you. When I experience what is labeled as culture from an established or institutional perspective i.e., white-walled, roped-offed, don’t touch, I see something that is forbidden yet forced. I see something that is telling me what to think and how to think but void of engagement and passion. I see something manufactured and capitalistic.
Describe the perfect cultural day of the city you live in.
The day may start out with a stroll on the River Walk or Belle Isle in downtown Detroit, then over to Banglatown for some delicious Yemen food. I might experience an informal visit to Dabls African American Bead Museum or Carlos Nielbock’s CanHand Art works, and finally off to Baker’s Keyboard Lounge for dinner, drinks and jazz!