This is an account of the community event “Spire - Beacon of Hope”, held on September 18th 2011, from noon till 4pm at the corner of Chene and Canfield East.

Touched by a colorful breeze:

Our Artefacting in Detroit concludes successful in achieving its’ mission of using art to
1) positively support the community
2) create a platform for community discussion

First off the positivity. On Sept 18 more than 70 flags were created by diverse people of the neighborhood and beyond and set flight on ropes ascending together up to a golden Spire installed atop 4232 Chene’s roof. In all there were approximately 700 bright colorful flags flapping messages in the breeze; “Peace on earth”, “This too shall pass”, “Unity is love”, “Love is god”, “You are not alone”, “With our hands”. These words of hope, prosperity and expression were created by a crowd of people connected through their concern for seeing their city improve.

Photos of the event day (photos courtesy of Geronimo Patton):

  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • copyright by Artefacting / Arne de Knegt
    copyright by Artefacting / Arne de Knegt
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • copyright by Artefacting / Arne de Knegt
    copyright by Artefacting / Arne de Knegt
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • copyright by Artefacting / Arne de Knegt
    copyright by Artefacting / Arne de Knegt
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
    courtesy of and copyright by Geronimo Patton
  • copyright by Artefacting / Arne de Knegt
    copyright by Artefacting / Arne de Knegt
click here for pictures of the event preparation

In the following days neighbors and passerby’s voiced their appreciation for the bright colored installation, saying it was nicer to look at and brings joy. Indeed we heard a common sentiment, that everyone in the neighborhood was talking about how nice it was.

Secondly Spire served various people and groups as a platform for the community. Discussion, dialogue and emotions illustrated different perspectives and dynamics in real life. A small neighborhood group came to protest the project with some calling it blight and even painful to look at. Some discarded the opinions of the direct neighbors calling them not part of the community. Some accused us as interlopers in the neighborhood, while others saw our presence and activity more reflective of the area when it was more diverse and thriving.

In the ensuing days, the symbol of hope and unity was picked up by the press and packaged as controversial. A direct neighbor to Spire rejected the criticism of Sydell Smith and other quoted locals for the fact that they don’t actually live in the neighborhood. Artefacting was also portrayed on television as unreachable for comment, which was not true. Indeed we reached out to the news to set up a time to meet. In fact of all media only I am Young Detroit & Detroit News spoke with us.

The Heidelberg Project, partnering with Artefacting in using art to engage social issues, were pressured by the controversy the media had taken. And in spite of our having a small group of local supporters ready to take the installation down in one months time, Heidelberg demanded that “Spire; a beacon of hope” be taken down immediately. It hadn’t been vandalized nor touched as people had feared after viewing the media’s controversy or hearing the comments of the opposition.

Spire: a beacon of hope

Flags of hope had come face to face with the societal conditions of Detroit. Politics, divisions, self interest and fear had resulted in an art installation, enjoyed and appreciated by the neighborhood being taken down. Seeing these dynamics has been invaluable contributions for how we operate. All in all critical thinking and awareness was generated. Artefacting now sets forth with a stronger understanding of its relevancy, its process and more sensitive to how it can serve as a catalyst of positivity.

(for more responses and links to media coverage click here)

This event was part of the Artefacting Detroit project, undertaken from August 11-September 23, 2011. For the blog of the Detroit project click here