Street theatrics are the ultimate form of an Urban Semiotic, and this Summer, in the five boroughs of New York City, you can place your hands on 88 pianos dotting the city core and open your throat in song to light up the neighborhood with your shared joy: Sing for Hope!
This summer, from June 1st through June 16th, the Sing for Hope Pianos return to our city streets. In one of New York City’s most vibrant public art installations, 88 artist-designed pianos (one for each key on a piano) are placed in parks and public spaces throughout the 5 boroughs for anyone and everyone to enjoy.
Visual artists from Sing for Hope’s roster of over 1,000 Volunteer Artists and local community members were selected through an open application process and donate their time and talent to create this beautiful gift to our city: 88 unique and interactive piano artworks.
What I especially appreciate about this Sing for Hope project is how it encourages impulsive creation. Sure, you may want to play one of the pianos or burst into song on the street — but the variables of the environment will color your performance in wonderful and unpredictable ways. You could be singing a duet with someone you do not expect!
I am a bit confused by the promotion of this event. A television report suggested the project was to offer 88 pianos on the street designed by artists that you can sit down and play; but when you visit the Sing For Hope website, the emphasis appears to be on you singing with someone else playing the decorated pianos. Are there permanent accompanists with each piano or not?
I suppose, in the end, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking to play a piano or a sell song, but sometimes a unification of purpose can help solidify a plan in the minds of the plenty. We cannot effectively be led, or inspired, by two competing memes.