Pianos for people to play

By Lachlan Ellis

For those of a musical nature, or anyone who might enjoy a song or two over coffee or lunch, a new project from Council is encouraging Mooraboolites to take a moment and enjoy the tunes.

Two pianos decorated by local artists are out on the streets this summer, and will remain available to play until March.

In a time where connectedness is at a premium, Moorabool Shire Council’s ‘Pop-Up Pianos’ project is an opportunity to connect through love of music and art.

Moorabool Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said Council was proud to provide the community with a new way to enjoy being out and about in Moorabool.

“Council officers sourced pianos from the community and set them up in highly visible areas of Ballan and Bacchus Marsh to give the community an opportunity to listen to local musicians. As well as commissioning musicians, Council commissioned local artists to paint each piano,” Cr Sullivan told the Moorabool News.

“The pianos are still stationed in the areas they were set up, and are enjoyed by community members young and old, which is fantastic to see. Funding for this program came from the State Government’s Outdoor Activation initiative.”

The first piano, painted vibrantly by distinguished local artist Lou Callow and young artists Tilly, Ayla, and Audrey, is located at McLean Reserve on Fisken Street, Ballan.

“Prior to Christmas I had the privilege of working with a small group of local teenagers painting the piano at McLean Reserve. It was a joy working with the team. It has been a delight to hear and see people of all ages and abilities sit down and play,” Ms Callow said.

The second piano is located at Eddie Toole Reserve in Bacchus Marsh, and was painted by Mt Egerton artist Myrawin Nelson and her children.

The State Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund supported local councils across Victoria in making physical improvements and providing entertainment to bring outdoor precincts to life, including through the Pop-Up Pianos project.

The project is inspired by British artist Luke Jerram’s ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ global art piece, which has seen more than 1,900 street pianos installed in 60 cities around the world.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-02-15/7

in the 15 February 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.