- Donated instruments to be put in locations across Jersey
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- See videos of public pianos around the world
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PIANOS are to be placed in public buildings across the Island as part of a new scheme being launched in Liberation Square today by the Jersey Arts Trust.
The initiative, called Jersey Street Pianos, will see a handful of the instruments installed at various locations including the Airport, Liberty Wharf, St Brelade’s Parish Hall and the Central Market.
The pianos will be free for anyone to use during the month-long scheme.
Organiser Martin Coxshall said that he wanted to give people the chance to fall in love with the piano.
He said: ‘Pianos are often seen as cumbersome and not fitting in with modern lifestyles.
‘I have been given so many to use in the project, which unfortunately proves my point.’
A similar scheme called ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ has seen approximately 1,300 pianos installed in many public locations around the world, including train stations, bus shelters and parks.
Mr Coxshall said: ‘I have seen lots of support, enthusiasm and generosity from individuals and businesses.’
The event is being sponsored by the Jersey Arts Trust and the Economic Development Department.
Assistant Economic Development Minister Murray Norton said: ‘This is the department’s first direct investment in culture since it took on responsibility for the portfolio.
‘I think it is a fun, colourful and musical way to encourage Islanders and visitors to join in with this summer’s sporting and cultural extravaganza.’
The launch event is from noon until 2 pm at Liberation Square, where all the pianos being used for the scheme will be on display.
More information can be found here.
- Touring internationally since 2008, Play Me, Im Yours is an artwork by British artist Luke Jerram.
- Reaching over six million people worldwide more than 1,300 pianos have already been installed in 46 cities across the globe, from New York to London, bearing the simple instruction Play Me, Im Yours.
- Located in public parks, bus shelters and train stations, markets and even on ferries the pianos are available for any member of the public to play and enjoy.
- Who plays them and how long they remain on the streets is up to each community. Many pianos are personalised and decorated by artists or the local community.
- By creating a place of exchange Play Me, Im Yours invites the public to engage with, activate and take ownership of their urban environment.
