‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ goes national in Malta

Pushed by the GM International Conferences & Exhibitions Ltd, the aim behind the initiative is to invite the public to engage with, activate and take ownership of their urban environment as 15 hand-painted street pianos have been installed for public use.

Launching the event with Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco at St George’s Square in Valletta, promoter Jean-Pie Gauci-Maistre explained how the activity is the brainchild of international artist Luke Jerram.

Gauci-Maistre explained how to date, Jerram has reached an audience of over one million people worldwide, installing over 400 pianos in over 20 different cities across the globe.

De Marco said the aim of the initiative was to bring music closer to the people and foster increased appreciation of the arts.

He added that the initiative ties in with the recent launch of the National Culture Policy and Malta's bid for the European Capital of Culture in 2018.

“Culture is not simply heritage,” de Marco said. “We should also start using open spaces to promote culture and encourage all those who have a talent to share it, while others should also try for fun”.

He added that it would be nice to have impromptu concerts as a result.

Praising the idea, de Marco said artists coming from all walks of life have contributed in decorating the pianos, including local artists, University students, children, residents of Dar Suret il-Bniedem and immigrants.

Gauci-Maistre – who also played the piano during the launch – said this is the first time that ‘Play Me I’m Yours’ will be hosted on a national level. “The project also aims at raising awareness of cultural, historical and environmental issues in Malta.

“Once the arts project is completed, plans for the pianos to be donated to schools, community groups, care homes, and hospitals and more are being formulated”.

Gauci-Maistre added that the public could contribute with ideas, upload videos and photos as well as submit comments on www.maltastreetpianos.com .

The decorated pianos will be available for public use from today, Thursday 22 until Sunday October 9 at Birgu, Nadur Heights – Gozo, Luqa, Marsascala, Sliema, St Julian’s, Msida, Valletta, Siggiewi, Dingli and Hal Far.