Many people may have noticed the colorful piano outside the first floor entrance to the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons. A small crowd often gathers for a spontaneous concert between classes when a budding Mozart takes a turn on the keys. The piano has brought happiness to many, but perhaps not everyone is aware of its purpose.

The painted piano was brought to Georgia Tech as part of the citywide Pianos for Peace program. This annual open festival of music is used to inspire artists and unite people in the community. From Sep. 3-18, 29 pianos have been featured throughout Atlanta with locations including the Fox Theatre, Atlantic Station, and public libraries.

"Last Spring, students in Industrial Design created a piano that was placed outside for students to draw on and play," said Madison Cario, director of the Office of the Arts. "It was very well received, so when Pianos for Peace asked if we wanted to participate in their festival, we knew Georgia Tech students would be excited about it."

The pianos are donated or purchased from residents of metro Atlanta. They are then painted by volunteers artists from Atlanta and around the world. After the two-week festival, the pianos will be donated to metro Atlanta schools, community centers, health care facilities, nursing homes, and other organizations in need.

"With the help of the new Arts@Tech Ambassadors group, we will continue to place pianos around campus this year," Cario said. Some may be surprised to learn that more than half of Tech students played a musical instrument prior to college. 

The Pianos for Peace organization supports volunteer work through performing arts, education, and humanitarian programs. It gives disadvantaged youth the chance to acquire skills to make contributions to their communities. It also supports projects that use music and instruments to relieve suffering and provide peace. The target groups include children with medical or emotional trauma, humanitarian aid workers, military personnel, refugees, and embedded journalists returning from areas of crisis. Those interested in getting involved with Pianos for Peace can visit pianosforpeace.org. 

Enjoy the last week of the peaceful piano at Tech.