Piano man: Artist behind street campaign hopes Hong Kong public will connect through music
As 'Play Me I'm Yours' project hits Hong Kong's streets, artist behind multi-city campaign urges people to take chance to connect through music
A street project offering free access to pianos will be an "interesting test" of the city's creativity, says the man behind the innovative international art campaign.
"Our Hong Kong, Our Talents - Play Me, I'm Yours" will provide a platform for performers and listeners in public locations from Central to Tin Shui Wai over the next four months.
British artist Luke Jerram initiated the project in the English city of Birmingham in 2008, and it has spread to 46 more cities around the world. He is curious how the campaign will fare in Hong Kong, the 48th and the second city in Asia to host the community art project.
When the project was launched in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in 2012, Jerram said the city's peple were "quite nervous" at first.
"They couldn't quite believe the pianos were for them to play and enjoy. So I'm interested to see whether it will work in Hong Kong, whether people will understand and whether they will engage and embrace the opportunity," he said.
The project kicked off at the PMQ creative hub in Central last week, featuring 16 pianos.
"I hope the community will take the opportunity to take their headphones out their ears, turn off their phones, meet strangers and play the piano on the street to their fellow citizens and connect," Jerram said.
