Is there an entry fee?
No. All artists are invited to apply free of charge.

I’m a past Piano Artist. Do I still need to apply?
Yes, all artists must apply with a new design concept each year in order to be considered. Feel free to reflect on a prior piano(s) in your application, but note that images of a previous year’s piano will not be accepted as a rendering.

Can I apply as a team/group/organization?
Yes! To apply as a team, simply fill out one application for the entire group, and include in your bio the names of each artist who will be participating. Please note that all artists must be in place at the time of the application. You may not solicit/recruit additional artists once your application has been accepted. (Occasional assistants are permitted; see below.)

What do I need to include in my application?
A completed application includes our online submission form, résumé, and at least one rendering of your proposed piano design.

What do you mean by a “rendering”?
We’d like you to show us the concept for your Sing for Hope Piano in a visual way. This could be a drawing of the proposed piano design, examples of a particular pattern/technique you intend to use, etc. Help us see on paper the finished piano that you envision in your mind! (Please note: while we’re happy to look at samples of your past artwork, your rendering must represent the execution of a NEW idea or vision.) This year, we’ve created a Piano Outline Template to help you get started.

What size/type of piano should I propose?
The installation includes both vertical and baby grand pianos from a wide variety of shapes & sizes. Please be advised that our supply of baby grands is extremely limited (2-5 per year). We strongly recommend that your proposed concept be versatile and easily applied to different types of instruments. Feel free to complete your rendering using our handy Piano Outline Template!

Do I have to use paint in my proposed design?
No: you’re welcome to propose any artistic medium as long as your materials fit under the Pianos 2015 Artistic Guidelines listed above! Please note that any non-paint materials will not be provided by Sing for Hope. If we have questions about the application of your chosen medium, we may contact you prior to acceptance for clarification.

Does my design have to conform to a specific theme or subject matter?
Not at all! We welcome a variety subjects, as long as your artwork falls under the Artistic Guidelines.

Can I propose a piano that’s part of a larger project/installation I’m working on?
No—all pianos must be independent artworks and may not be associated with any series/program other than the Sing for Hope Pianos.

I have more than one idea for a piano. Can I submit all of them?
No, please propose only one piano design concept.

How do you choose the Piano Artists?
Applications are evaluated by an independent panel of adjudicators from New York’s leading cultural institutions, who judge each proposal on quality, creativity, diversity, practicality, and accessibility. Artists at all stages of their careers—including emerging artists and students—are highly encouraged to apply.

When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?
All artists will be notified of their application status by February 26, 2016.

When is the Artist Orientation?
Multiple orientation sessions will be held in February and March 2017. Orientation is required for all Piano Artists.

What materials does Sing for Hope provide?
Sing for Hope will provide the following for communal use:
– Water-based acrylic paints in basic colors
– White, water-based primer
– Clear varnish
– A limited supply of basic brushes in various sizes
– Other general art supplies, including rags, drop cloths, mixing cups/sticks, sanding blocks, painter’s tape, pens/pencils, and Elmer’s glue
– Additional materials must be supplied by the individual artist.

Where/when can I work on my piano?
All artwork will be completed in the Sing for Hope Piano Studio, an open communal work space located in downtown Manhattan (exact address disclosed upon acceptance). The Work Period is early March to early May, and the studio will be available 6-7 days a week during a combination of daytime and evening hours. Access to the studio outside of designated hours is prohibited (NO exceptions.)

I don’t live in NYC. Can I still apply?
Yes: past Piano Artists have hailed from New England, California, and even Taiwan! Please note that non-local artists are responsible for making arrangements to be in New York during the Work Period. Sing for Hope unfortunately cannot provide travel, housing, or visa sponsorship for out-of-town or international artists.

Can I choose which piano I get to work on?
No. In the interest of fairness, all piano assignments will be made by Sing for Hope, based on the information included in the proposals. If your design requires a specific type/style of piano, please specify as such in your application.

After seeing my piano in person, I’d like to work on a different design than the one in my proposal. Is this allowed?
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. We understand that artists may get inspired with new ideas after seeing their specific instrument. However, all designs are subject to the approval of Sing for Hope. If you wish to significantly change your proposed piano design, you must get written permission from the Pianos team. Sing for Hope reserves the right to refuse any design concept proposed after the initial application phase.

Can I bring an assistant to help me work on my piano?
Of course! Assistants are welcome but must complete our Terms & Conditions agreement before beginning work in the Studio.

My mom/roommate/spouse wants to see my piano or keep me company while I work. Could they come visit me in the studio?
Unfortunately, no. Out of courtesy for the other artists working in the space, the Studio will be closed to visitors at all times except for Sing for Hope-sanctioned events.

Can I choose where my piano is located during the installation?
No: all piano placements are made at the discretion of Sing for Hope with final approval by the City of New York. We work hard to curate a city-wide exhibition that considers not only the artwork, but also the pianos’ sizes, instrument quality, security concerns, and more. For those reasons, and to ensure that the placement process is as fair and objective as possible, we cannot take location requests. It’s important to remember that the Sing for Hope Pianos is a community project above all else, and our piano locations take many different forms in order to truly accomplish our mission of Art for All. All piano location placements are final and non-negotiable.

Don’t see your question answered here? Email our Pianos team at piano.artists@singforhope.org.