Launching May 18
New York, NY
The Sing for Hope Pianos
New York City
Program Dates
Launch Event
May 18, 2026First Day of Public Play
May 18, 2026Last Day of Public Play
June 1, 2026
About this Program
The Sing for Hope Pianos return to New York City, and this year, we invite YOU to help make history.
Be part of Sing for Hope Pianos NYC: 2026 as we celebrate Sing for Hope’s monumental 25th Anniversary: a quarter-century rooted in the belief that the arts can heal, unite, and transform.
In honor of 25 years of impact, 25 artist-designed Sing for Hope Pianos will be placed across NYC’s five boroughs; one vibrant SFH Piano for every year we’ve spent bringing inspiration and connection to those who need it most. This year’s collection is a tribute to hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of New York.
As you consider applying, we invite you to reflect on this legacy.
How can your visual language honor the past while imagining a future led by creativity,
community, and possibility?
We’re seeking designs that spark wonder, dialogue, and moments of human connection in our parks, transit hubs, plazas, and streets. Sing for Hope Pianos are more than instruments; they are canvases for conversation, carriers of joy, and catalysts for unity.
Join the 25th Anniversary
Selected artists will receive an honorarium of $1,000 upon completion (teams will split the honorarium). Each artist will bring their vision to life at the Sing for Hope Pianos Studio, located at 28 Liberty in Manhattan, working alongside an inspiring community of fellow creatives. Applicants must be available for painting at the SFH Pianos Studio in NYC from March 2nd to May 18th, 2026.
Ready to bring your vision to NYC in this landmark year?
Deadline for Submissions: February 13th
All artists will receive a decision notification on or before February 27th.
The Sing for Hope Pianos NYC: 2026 Adjudication Panel
Our esteemed adjudication panel, composed of artists, leaders, and community members, looks forward to reviewing your proposal. We are honored to be joined by a distinguished group of cultural leaders and arts advocates to select this year's designs, including:
- Mira Atherton, Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships & Sustainability, MTA
- Danielle Chery, Founder & CEO, DMC Original Art
- Natalie Elder, Event Services, Carnegie Hall
- Paul Mueller, Director, Music Under New York
- Carolyn Nurnberg Spungin, Senior Vice President, Rubenstein Communications
- Helen Twingley, Founder & Principal, Sound Color Story
- Robert Parker, Chief Curator & Director of Interpretation, Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
- Ryan Patrick, Curator, Arts in Medicine, New York City Health + Hospitals
- Nicole Paynter, Director, Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District
- Verushka Wray, Senior Program Manager, Brooklyn Academy of Music
- Samara D’Auria, Head of Brand Marketing , COS
- Joshua David Mckenney, Artist, Designer, Sculptor, Doll-Maker
Program News
The Sing for Hope Pianos
From the Bronx to Beirut, the Sing for Hope Pianos program is a global arts initiative that creates artist-designed pianos; places them in public spaces for anyone and everyone to enjoy; then transports and activates them year-round in permanent homes in schools, hospitals, transit hubs, refugee camps, and community-based organizations. Sing for Hope has provided more pianos for under-resourced public schools than any other organization in the world.
- 700+
- SFH Pianos Created
- 2+ Million
- People Annually Served
- 8 + Billion
- Media Impressions Garnered
Frequently Asked Questions
This is the most important question of all, and the answer is a resounding Yes! The Sing for Hope Pianos are for everyone and anyone to enjoy. Have a seat and play — it’s all yours!