In partnership with the City of Pensacola, the University of West Florida is leading an initiative to promote music appreciation throughout Pensacola by installing pianos in various locations for public use. Dr. Hedi Salanki-Rubardt, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Piano Program and Chamber Music at UWF, created the project to enhance Pensacola’s cultural climate and bring visibility to the university. Donated pianos will be painted by local artists and placed in businesses and other public locations around Pensacola. Any spectators will be welcomed to play the piano or enjoy listening.
“As a patron of the arts, I am delighted to see art and music brought into public spaces for everyone to enjoy,” stated Mayor Ashton Hayward.
On Thursday, Dec. 5 at 12:30 p.m., Mayor Ashton Hayward will join UWF officials to unveil the first piano in front of Vinyl Music Hall. The piano was painted by 22-year old Josh Green and depicts a Spanish explorer on one side, a Native American woman on the other and a sun rising over the water just above the keyboard.
Public Piano Projects have been successfully implemented in many large U.S. cities such as Miami, New York, and Boston, and Pensacola plans to join in this creative concept.
What: Unveiling of Public Piano Project
When: Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 12:30 pm
Where: Outside of Vinyl Music Hall, 2 Palafox Place