Sing for Hope


Sing for Hope is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 by opera singers Monica Yunus and Camille Zamora, that is located in New York City. The two vocalists established Sing for Hope as a resource for New York artists who want to use their art to give back to their community, and the program fosters interaction between artists and communities and makes the arts accessible to the public.
The Sing for Hope Pianos project brings 88 artist-painted pianos for three weeks in June each year since 2011 to parks, street corners, subways, and other outdoor public spaces of the five boroughs of New York City. The pianos are available for anyone to play, for free. Notable entertainers take part in the project, and notable artists and fashion designers are among those who paint the pianos. Following their three-week public residency, the pianos are donated to schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and community centers.

History

Sing for Hope is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 by opera singers Monica Yunus and Camille Zamora. It is located in Midtown Manhattan, in New York City. The two New York City based vocalists and alumnae of the Juilliard School established Sing for Hope as a resource for New York artists who want to use their art to give back to their community, and the program fosters interaction between artists and communities and makes the arts accessible to the public. Among other things, the organization sends professional artists to sing for students in New York City classrooms.

Sing for Hope Pianos Project

The Sing for Hope Pianos project is one of New York City's largest public art projects. It brings 88 artist-painted pianos for three weeks in June each year since 2011 to parks, street corners, subways, and other outdoor public spaces of the five boroughs of New York City. The pianos are available for anyone to play, for free. The pianos often feature formal and impromptu concerts and have been likened to an open festival of music bringing together New York’s culturally diverse population.
In 2010, artist Sophie Matisse, the great-granddaughter of French painter Henri Matisse, hand-painted four Kimball pianos that had been donated for the cause, including painting the piano keys. In 2011, fashion designers Isaac Mizrahi, Diane von Furstenberg, and Kate Spade painted pianos for the project, and the following year fashion designer John Varvatos painted a piano silver.
Following their three-week public residency, the Sing for Hope Pianos are donated to schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and community centers. CBS News wrote that the project was "reminding us all of the power of music to inspire and unite".

List of artist partners