Keys to happiness

B Gauci

Sep 24th 2011, 10:06

An international, cultural event created by world-renowned artist Luke Jerram. Presented as part of the GM FOR YOU corporate social responsibility programme, intended to raise awareness of cultural, historical and environmental issues in Malta.

“Play me I’m Yours” is a concept created by international artist Luke Jerram. To date, Jerram has reached an audience of over 1,000,000 people worldwide, installing over 400 pianos in over 20 different cities across the globe. Previous locations include Birmingham and Sao Paulo in 2008; Sydney, Bury St. Edmunds, London and Bristol in 2009; Barcelona, Bath, Blackburn and Burnley, London, New York, Belfast, Pecs, Cincinnati, San Jose and Grand Rapids in 2010. And now in Malta, September 2011.

As street pianos begin to appear in cities across the world, located in parks, squares, bus shelters and train stations, outside galleries, markets and on bridges and ferries, the pianos become public domain and are free to be enjoyed by all. The public claim ownership over the instruments and they are there to be enjoyed by one and all, regardless of age, gender, nationality or religion. Who plays them and for how long is entirely up to the community in which they are located. The pianos in themselves become both sculptures and blank sheet-music waiting to be played. The pianos will not only reflect the community they are in through the style of music that is played but also through the way they are decorated and personalized.

It provides Malta a unique opportunity to showcase its various locations as this is an event that will be hosted not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. It is also a great opportunity to promote music across our country. What will also be unique about hosting it in Malta is that it will be the first time “Play Me,
I’m Yours” will be hosted on a national level and not specific to one or two cities.

Once the arts project is completed, plans for the pianos to be donated to schools, community groups, care homes, hospitals, etc. are being formulated. Given the government’s drive to promote culture, as outlined in the last budget, “Play Me, I’m Yours” truly makes arts appreciation accessible to all and will hopefully help to build on the introduction of the cultural subsidy to students.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/Malta.Street.Pianos and http://www.streetpianos.com/malta2011/ for updates