City Sounds DSM

City Sounds DSM Transforming community through music, animating spaces & making artistic creation accessible to all.

Inspired by Iowa City’s “Tickle My Keys” project, MIDWESTIX and a motley band of fellow music lovers endeavored to bring together partners in Des Moines to place public pianos throughout the Des Moines metro from May-October as “CITY SOUNDS: Des Moines Public Piano Project.”

Since our first season in 2015 City Sounds has become a leader in activating public and accessible private space with mu

sic to connect humans, build community and revitalize land. Our project also realized the following benefits-

Increased traffic to a specific location:
Facilitators in other communities have indicated these pianos are a magnet for traffic and often times help sponsoring businesses draw people into their businesses or bring people into parts of the city that need more pedestrian traffic. They also can provide ongoing marketing benefit to sponsoring businesses as they act as a completely unique “billboard” of sorts. Continuing to build on our reputation as a city with the highest quality of life and support for the arts:
These pianos not only speak with music but their mere presence lets natives and visitors alike know that they are in a place that values the power and beauty of the arts. This project is a perfect complement to the commitment our city has already made to public visual art. Filling our environment with the beauty of music:
Music is a source of happiness and serenity for most people. This power is magnified amongst the hustle and bustle of an urban core. Encouraging interactive relationships with citizens and visitors:
The pianos offer an instant and accessible way for music lovers to engage within the community. Whether you are playing the instrument or listening to it being played, both actions allow for our community to come together spontaneously around music. Partners:

https://citysoundsdsm.org/partners

To get involved or find out more about our project visit our website at:

https://citysoundsdsm.org

06/18/2025
06/12/2025

Outdoor piano is back on 24th street next to the old firehouse. You’re invited to stop by and play a tune.

+ This is a summer project of City Sounds DSM. Host of this piano is xBk Live.

06/09/2025
06/03/2025

Join us at our 2025 Season Opener!!

🎹 🎹 🎹 🎹 🎹 🎹 🎹
Be among the first to play all seven pianos before they hit the streets on June 10th!

🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉
And don’t forget to personally congratulate the featured artists behind this year’s Public Piano Project.

Send a message to learn more

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Congratulations to our selected artists!!We can’t wait to see your piano designs!art & art gooseyy.art
03/14/2025

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations to our selected artists!!
We can’t wait to see your piano designs!
art

&
art
gooseyy.art

DEADLINE APPROACHINGsubmissions due by 11:59pm Saturday (3/8)
03/07/2025

DEADLINE APPROACHING
submissions due by 11:59pm Saturday (3/8)

CALL FOR ARTISTS
is ready for your 2025 piano art submissions!!

Folks of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience are encouraged to apply.

DEADLINE: March 8, 2025.

🔗 Link in comments.

Please direct all questions to Monica at [email protected].

CALL FOR ARTISTS is ready for your 2025 piano art submissions!! Folks of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience are ...
02/21/2025

CALL FOR ARTISTS
is ready for your 2025 piano art submissions!!

Folks of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience are encouraged to apply.

DEADLINE: March 8, 2025.

🔗 Link in comments.

Please direct all questions to Monica at [email protected].

City Sounds calls for support in 2025!• consider a monetary DONATION• apply to VOLUNTEER with our team • SERVE the commu...
01/20/2025

City Sounds calls for support in 2025!
• consider a monetary DONATION
• apply to VOLUNTEER with our team
• SERVE the community

Thank you !!
01/20/2025

Thank you !!

We’re amping up for 2025!! Wanna host a decorated piano? Apply online!!Link in comments.For questions email info@citysou...
01/17/2025

We’re amping up for 2025!!
Wanna host a decorated piano? Apply online!!
Link in comments.
For questions email [email protected].

Address

Des Moines, IA

Website

https://www.givedsm.org/givedsm/needs/public-piano-project-2024-0811/

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