About Sing for Hope Pianos
The Sing for Hope Pianos
The Sing for Hope Pianos places artist-designed pianos throughout NYC’s parks and public spaces for anyone and everyone to play. Each summer, the pianos bring individuals and communities together in an open festival of art for all. After their time on the streets, Sing for Hope transports the instruments to NYC public schools, where they become hubs for Sing for Hope’s ongoing creative programs and enrich students’ lives for years to come. Click here to apply for your school to receive a 2018 Sing for Hope Piano!
This year, Sing for Hope placed its 400th unique piano artwork in the five boroughs, making NYC host to more street pianos than any other city in the world. As New York City’s largest recurring public art project, the Sing for Hope Pianos impacts an estimated 2 million people each year.
2017 Pianos/Artists
The Broadway cast of "Aladdin"
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Laura Alvarez
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Andranik Aroutiounian
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Anne Bae
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Jose Baez
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Rob Baird
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The Broadway Cast of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"
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Billy the Artist
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Trevon Blondet
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Jennifer Kakaletris Boyar
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Broadway Inspirational Voices
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Jessica Browne-White
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Manon Casimir
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The Broadway casts of "Cats," "Phantom of the Opera," and "School of Rock"
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The Broadway cast of "Chicago"
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Monica Chulewicz
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Julia Ladds Clauss
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The Students of Claremont International High School
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Elvira Clayton
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Simon Cooper
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Tracy Crane
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Franck de las Mercedes
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Lady Jday
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The Foundation for Art & Healing
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Patrick Freeman
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Gilly Gil-Lugo
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Joseph Gregorevich
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Bridget Grotberg
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Lexy Ho-Tai
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Lance Johnson
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Michael David Kozlowski
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Claire Kuttler
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Izabel Lam
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Jordy Lievers-Eaton
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The Broadway cast of "The Lion King"
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Jana Liptak
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Chelsea Marotta
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Kate McKinnon
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Joseph Meloy
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The Broadway Cast of "The Great Comet of 1812"
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Laura Nemerson
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Nupur Nishith
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Peggy Padovano
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Robert Padovano
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Red (Tracy Sagalow)
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Laura Ricciardi
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Sashalynillo
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Sesame Street
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Irina Sheynfeld
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Christopher Spinelli
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Nick Stavrides
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Lindsay Stewart
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Nancy Swendseen
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Poramit Thantapalit
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Shannon Thiesen and Chelaine Neufeldt
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Alexandra Turchinsky
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Edward Ubiera
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Melanie Wagner
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The Broadway cast of "Waitress"
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Victoria Wrubel
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Jieun Yang
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2017 Sing for Hope Pianos Map
The 2017 Sing for Hope Pianos were outdoors from June 5-25.
They have now all been placed in permanent homes in NYC public schools.
2017 Pop-Up Performances
Buddies/Ambassadors
PIANO BUDDIES
Sing for Hope is looking for dedicated, enthusiastic community members like you to help watch over the Sing for Hope Pianos during their time on the streets and help to ensure that each instrument stays protected and able to move on to its permanent home once the public installation is over.
We will take great care to partner you with a piano in your community, and in turn we ask that you be available for the entire three weeks the pianos are outside:
• Check on your piano at least twice a day
• Report any issues to the Sing for Hope team
• Cover your piano in advance of inclement weather.
Buddies are also welcomed and encouraged to arrange special events and performances around your pianos to help get everyone in your neighborhood involved!
The Sing for Hope Pianos project helps bring art to all New Yorkers—we hope you will join us!
To learn more about being a 2017 Piano Buddy, e-mail pianos@singforhope.org.
PIANO AMBASSADORS
Planning to visit the Sing for Hope Pianos? Want to play a special role and help us tell our story? Then sign up to be a Piano Ambassador during the 2017 Sing for Hope Pianos!
What do I do?
On your own schedule and at your convenience during the 3 weeks of the project, simply plan to visit one or more Sing for Hope Pianos near you!
While you’re there:
• Encourage people to play, listen to, and enjoy the SFH Pianos
• Capture pictures, video, and/or stories, and share them on social media
• Hand out our fun Sing for Hope pins and postcards
There is no minimum time commitment! Just sign up and help us spread the word.
Benefits
You’ll receive a limited edition Sing for Hope Pianos t-shirt, a swag bag with fun treats, and of course, all the good karma and fun that comes along with sharing the harmony of the Sing for Hope Pianos!
How do I sign up?
E-mail us at pianos@singforhope.org to get started!
Become a Piano Artist
How to Apply
1. Download the 2018 Application Info Packet & RFP and the Piano Outline Template.
2. Fill out our online submission form by clicking the button below
Application Deadline
Program Information
The Sing for Hope Pianos is a community initiative that places artist-created pianos in parks and public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City in the summer. For two weeks, the pianos remain outdoors for anyone and everyone to play. Then, we donate the pianos to local schools, healthcare facilities, and community-based organizations so they can reach under-resourced New Yorkers year round.
Sing for Hope seeks proposals from visual artists to create these one-of-a-kind piano artworks!
(Please scroll down for Frequently Asked Questions and more information.)
Not sure if the Sing for Hope Pianos is the right project for you? Hear what past Piano Artists have to say!
- “Being a Sing for Hope Piano Artist was a dream come true. I couldn’t have asked to have a more fulfilling experience as an artist in this amazing city…To see the pure joy brought to people’s faces thanks to Sing for Hope has been a true gift!” — Amanda de Souza, Sing for Hope Piano Artist
Artistic Guidelines
All parts of the piano pertaining to the instrument’s sound & functionality must remain intact and unpainted, including but not limited to keys, strings, inner workings, pedal rods, casters, etc.
Seams may not be covered/painted over, to ensure that our technicians can access the pianos’ internal mechanisms at all times.
No objects that could be detached or cause harm to individuals may be attached to the piano at any time.
No part of the piano may be removed at any time.
Artists are encouraged to paint the backs of vertical pianos (the sound board), but no additional materials may be used/attached.
Obscenities, nudity, political messages, religious iconography, and distasteful images are strictly prohibited on the pianos at all times.
Corporate logos, branding, website URLs, and hashtags are not permitted anywhere on the piano at any time, with the exception of Sing for Hope and select project sponsors. We welcome the artist’s signature in an area designated by Sing for Hope prior to the painting period.
Artwork must not contain copyrighted materials, including the images/writings of any other artist(s) or the appropriation of another person’s name and/or likeness.
As painting will occur in an indoor studio space, use of spray paint or toxic materials is prohibited at all times.
All sanding must be done with a sanding block—electric sanders may not be used.
For maintenance purposes, miscellaneous hardware will be attached to each piano before the public installation. Hardware will be applied by Sing for Hope Staff after the painting on each piano has been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application
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 2018 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 in early 2018.Design/Creation
When is the Artist Orientation?
Multiple orientation sessions will be held in February and March 2018. 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.