Kickstarter

From June 21st-July 5th, 2010 Sing for Hope will bring artist Luke Jerram's worldwide project 'Play Me, I'm Yours' to New York City. The event will install 60 upright pianos all over the streets of New York City, in all five boroughs.

Flash back to the mid 70's as Graffiti writing exploded onto the streets, subways, and buildings of New York City. One nearly unattainable goal reigned supreme among its devotees: going All City.

To go All City meant to have your tag (graffiti signature) on every one of New York City's subway lines at the same time. With cars constantly being painted over and enforcement being stepped up, this title became the ultimate badge of honor for the few artists who achieved it. But behind the challenge, the concept of All City is rooted in public performance and self-promotion. To have everyone in New York City see your name, your artwork, and to leave your mark on all five boroughs.

Back in present day New York, musician Nigel Hall, is going to try and go All City on the street pianos.

His challenge: to play all 60 pianos in just 7 days.

At each piano he will give a short free concert for complete strangers on the streets of New York City. Throughout his journey he will be encouraging fans and fellow musicians to come out to the pianos and join him all over the city.

If you happen to be one of the unlucky few that can’t make it out to meet him in person, don't despair! We are making a 10 minute short documentary that will chronicle Nigel's entire adventure.

Thematically, the film will explore what it means to be a public performer, be it a graffiti artist or pianist. What drives someone to display his or her art publicly? How does the connection form between performer and audience? And how is a performance affected by its surroundings?

We are a group of documentary filmmakers that are dedicating our time, money and resources to this project, but we can’t do it entirely on our own! The final film is going to be made available online for free and submitted to film festivals and we need your help!

We’re looking for your generous support in order to pay for subway fare, meals, and car rental during the shoot. So PLEASE help us out and donate whatever you can afford.

We've also got some nice little gifts for you if you help us out, so check out our incentives and remember, EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS.

Thanks for your support and if you're in the New York area come out and see us. If not, we will soon be launching a blog and will be featured on Atlas Obscura