See Pop-Up Pianos Infiltrate Art Basel.
One of Art Basel Week 2011's most recognizable public art series will return to town this December -- and no, it's not the traveling pink snails.
The Pop-Up Piano Miami project, which debuted around town during Basel week last year, is now seeking artist submissions for its new batch of painted pianos, which will be distributed around town for public playing once again at the end of 2012.
Last year, the pianos weren't just art pieces -- they were functioning instruments, as plenty of passersby in Wynwood, Midtown, and the Design District discovered when they sat down to relive the lessons of their youth. The Pop Up Pianos also hosted a series of free, local shows by local bands like Jacob Jeffries Band, Brendan O'Hara, and Suenalo. The pianos were painted, adorned, and otherwise altered by the likes of Miguel Paredes, Lebo, and Krave.
This year, it's anyone's game -- with a few requirements, of course. Artists applying for a piano should be careful to use mediums that can withstand South Florida's tricky weather, as all pianos will be placed outdoors. No dirty business on the ivories; when Basel Week ends, all the pianos will be donated to charities for kids, so content must be child-appropriate. Other than that, any modifications artists make to the instruments are cool -- as long as the piano is still functional.
Interested artists must apply by Wednesday, September 5, at noon. Accepted artists will be announced Sept. 10, giving them just under two months to art-ify their pianos. Another concert series is in the works, but no word on which musicians will be tickling the ivories come December.
Visit popuppianomia.com to apply.
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