MTA working with arts and culture groups to fill 30 vacant spaces
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Millions of commuters are on the move around the transit system.
Sometimes, music rises above the underground sounds.
The MTA has been working with arts and cultural groups to fill 30 vacant spaces in the system.
For the month of June, a special piano has graced the 81st Street Station by the American Museum of Natural History.
Anyone can have a seat at the piano and play when the space is open.
Randy Naraine is a musician and a commuter.
"The subway can be stressful, especially if there’s delays. When you hear the music, you come right to it," Naraine said.
The piano is a special one. Sing for Hope was created by two Julliard graduates after 9/11 to position pianos around the city in the month of June. Over the years, artists have designed 750 pianos for the program.
This is the first time one of the program's pianos has been in a subway station.
"This is the music of the city. Sing For Hope believes in bringing art to the people and meeting people where they are, where they work, play, and commute," said co-founder Camille Zamora.
JJ Gonzalez Acosta created the piano art. Pianos are usually donated to schools and hospitals when the season ends for the year.
The space at 81st Street Station by the uptown C train is officially called Sound Booth and it has been open for a year. The space will continue to host subway performers.
Barbara Anderson created Art on the Ave NYC, which transforms vacant spaces.
"We activate species both below and above ground. The 40 idea is to bring fresh eyes to space available for rent and also to provide opportunities for local artists," Anderson said.
The MTA's Vacant Unit Activation program works with groups to fill former retail units in the subway system with creative non-traditional uses.
The unit was created in 2023 and has identified 30 spaces. Activations can be art installations, support for non-profits, or public notifications, or for general uses to serve the surrounding community.
The MTA says the demand for retail space has evolved in recent years and the 30 locations "have experienced vacancy because their size limitations make it challenging for revenue-generating businesses to adapt them for traditional retail."
A digital post says space is currently available in Chelsea at the 23rd Street downtown platform, Kew Gardens-Union Tpke mezzanine, and Sterling Street mezzanine in Prospect Lefferts Gardens in Brooklyn.
The 42nd St/Port Authority Bus Terminal area by the turnstiles and A/C/E lines has multiple spaces.