UCD INVITES PUBLIC TO PERFORM ON ARTIST-DECORATED PIANOS TEMPORARILY INSTALLED IN VARIOUS UNIVERSITY CITY PUBLIC SPACES

For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Christman, University City District, 215-243-0555 or [email protected]

(Philadelphia, PA) – 8 pianos. 8 artists. 8 public spaces. From June 7-17, 2012, University City District (UCD) will present Heart & Soul: The University City Public Piano Project, an interactive public art exhibition featuring eight artist-decorated pianos on sidewalks and in parks and public spaces throughout University City. Both visual art and performance art, Heart & Soul invites musicians of all backgrounds to share their creativity through impromptu public performances. Eight artists or collectives were chosen to visually re-interpret the pianos, transforming each into a unique piece of visual art: Terry Adkins, Joe Boruchow, Justin Duerr, Melissa Maddonni Haims, The Heads of State, Kali Yuga Zoo Brigade, Katie Holeman, and Thom Lessner.

Before these eight pianos pop-up in various University City public spaces, UCD will hold an opening reception and launch party on Wednesday, June 6 at 6pm at The Porch at 30th Street Station, where all eight pianos will be seen (and performed!) for the first time. Then, from June 7 and until June 17, the pianos will be placed throughout the neighborhood in various public spaces including The Porch at 30th Street Station, Drexel Park (32nd and Baring), Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore), Drexel Dragon Statue (33rd and Market), The Science Center (37th Street Pedestrian Mall, at Market St.), and more.

For a complete list of Heart & Soul details visit http://www.universitycity.org/heart-soul

About University City District

University City District is a partnership of world-renowned anchor institutions, small businesses and residents that creates opportunity, improves economic vitality and quality of life in the University City area of West Philadelphia. UCD’s primary mission is community revitalization. UCD works within a place-based, data-driven framework to invest in world-class public spaces, address crime and public safety, bring life to commercial corridors, connect low-income residents to careers, and promote job growth and innovation. For more information visit universitycity.org

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