Public Piano Project

OCAF Public Piano Project – Oceanside’s Arts in Action

Imagine strolling through Oceanside, California and discovering a beautifully painted piano—free for anyone to play, anytime. The Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) proudly presents the Public Piano Project, a community art initiative transforming donated pianos into vibrant public instruments, spreading creativity and music throughout the city.

Each piano is skillfully painted by talented local artists and tuned for public performances. These artistic pianos turn sidewalks, parks, and plazas into spontaneous concert stages, connecting neighbors, visitors, and musicians of all ages. Whether you’re an accomplished pianist, a beginner, or just exploring, every piano welcomes you to join Oceanside’s musical journey.

Why install public pianos in Oceanside?

• Community Engagement: Public pianos encourage spontaneous music-making and spark community conversations.

• Art Accessibility: By placing pianos in public spaces, OCAF brings high-quality art and music directly to residents and visitors.

• Support Local Artists: Each instrument is uniquely decorated, showcasing Oceanside’s creative talent.

How can you support the Public Piano Project?

• Donate a Piano: Contribute a gently used upright piano (spinet or studio size ideal).

• Sponsor a Piano: Dedicate a piano in honor or memory of someone special.

• Make a Financial Gift: Donations help cover costs for transportation, artist commissions, tuning, wheels, and protective covers.

• Volunteer: Help with piano upkeep, monitoring their condition, and spreading awareness.

Why Public Pianos in Oceanside?

Bringing public pianos to Oceanside helps foster community through a shared love of music and the arts. Across the world, public pianos create lasting memories and joyful connections. A spontaneous moment with a brightly painted piano in a local park can uplift your day, encourage music lessons, and bring generations together. By revitalizing gently used pianos, the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) transforms them into vibrant works of art, making smiles contagious throughout our neighborhoods and strengthening Oceanside’s reputation as a hub for creativity.

Enthusiastic Volunteers Needed

We invite compassionate volunteers to help maintain and monitor the public pianos. Your support with covering instruments during bad weather, moving pianos, and reporting any maintenance needs is crucial to keeping music alive in Oceanside’s public spaces.

Host Locations Wanted

Do you own or manage a public space in Oceanside? Become a host location for one of our community pianos and help make arts and music accessible to all! Visible placement ensures maximum community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Support the Oceanside Public Piano Project

Financial contributions and donated instruments are essential to keeping this initiative thriving. As a nonprofit, OCAF welcomes directed donations to the Public Piano Project—your support helps fund transportation, artist commissions, routine tuning, durable piano covers, commemorative plaques, and moving hardware. Donors may be eligible for a tax deduction*, and local businesses and residents can make a meaningful impact by contributing upright pianos no taller than 45 inches. Elevators or ground-floor access make donation logistics easier.

Where Your Support Goes

• Safe transportation of donated pianos

• Unique artistic decoration by local artists

• Piano covers and maintenance supplies

• Plaques honoring donors or dedications

• Permanent institutional wheels for easy movement

* Consult your accountant for tax advice.