BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Sixteen pianos, painted with original artwork by 16 different artists, are now on display in public spaces throughout the city of Beverly Hills. The project is part of one of the largest recurring public space art projects in the world called "Sing for Hope."  

What You Need To Know

  • The "Sing for Hope" project is one of the world’s largest recurring public space art projects which brings pianos painted with unique designs to public spaces for everyone to play or admire

  • This is the first year the city of Beverly Hills has participated in the project

  • Beverly Hills Mayor Robert Wunderlich said the project fits into the city’s tradition of bringing public art to the streets

  • After the pianos have been on display for a period of time, they will then find new permanent homes in schools and hospitals throughout the city

Artist Alexandra Nechita said when she heard about the "Sing for Hope" project, she just had to get involved.

"I'm always looking and searching for new ways to perpetuate public arts and engagement for the community," Nechita said. "So, this was an immediate 'Yes' for me."

Nechita's piano is called "Sing It Loud," and she said painting a piano, with all its nooks and crannies, was a bit tricky.

"It's obviously a very different canvas compared to what I'm usually used to," she said.

And it was especially tricky as she's expecting her next child in just six weeks.

"I knew that I wanted to work with a palette that was really strong and vibrant and that could spark an emotion as soon as somebody saw the piece," Nechita explained. "I think color has the power and the magic of doing that."

Other cities worldwide have been seeing the "Sing for Hope" pianos popping up over the years, but this is the first time the project will be in Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills Mayor Robert Wunderlich said the project is a great, safe way for the community to reactivate its public spaces for both locals and visitors alike.

"People like to be able to walk around the city find things to engage with," Wunderlich said.

And the project fits right into the city's ongoing tradition of bringing art to the streets.  

Related Stories

"We are so pleased that 'Sing for Hope' has brought this project to Beverly Hills this year," Wunderlich said. "This is one example of a variety of ways in which we're trying to increasingly incorporate arts and culture into the street life of Beverly Hills."

With their colorful, unique designs, the 16 'Sing for Hope' pianos represent a diverse body of artists, all with their own unique points of view.

"What I strive for is really trying to democratize the arts and making it an experience for everyone," Nechita said.

The 'Sing for Hope' pianos are now on display throughout Beverly Hills. Afterward, all the instruments will be transported to permanent homes in places like schools and hospitals where they can continue giving the gift of sound and vision.