Play Me, I'm Yours

Recently someone on facebook posted a link to this public art project that has been going on for a few years in differnent cities around the country. British Artist Luke Jerram was inspired by the way people see each other every day in their communities, yet never make a meaningful connection, or even learn their neighbor's names. This project was an experiment attempting to bring community members together.

Here is a little blurb from the website:

"Touring internationally since 2008, ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ is an artwork by artist Luke Jerram

Street pianos are appearing in cities across the world. Located in parks, squares, bus shelters and train stations, outside galleries, markets and on bridges and ferries, the pianos are for any member of the public to enjoy and claim ownership of. Reaching an audience of over 1,000,000 people worldwide, Jerram has installed over 300 pianos in 16 different cities so far.

Who plays them and how long they remain is up to each community. Each piano acts as sculptural, musical, blank canvas that becomes a reflection of the communities it is embedded into. Many pianos are personalised and decorated.

Questioning the ownership and rules of public space ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ is a provocation, inviting the public to engage with, activate and take ownership of their urban environment.

To get an overview of the arts project check out the Highlights from London2009, see NYC2010 or go to Jerram’s website. All content has been created and uploaded by the public.

Each city has a website (see left column) made for the public to upload and share their films, photos and stories of their interaction with the pianos. The websites act as one of the legacies for the project whilst connecting the pianos and communities across each city. After each presentation of the arts project, the pianos are donated to schools and community groups in the area.

Conceived, promoted and managed by British artist Luke Jerram, please respect the authorship of his artwork."

Here is a video link. Enjoy! I sure did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6LeEKX1mLE