Sing for Hope
Sing for Hope's Public Health & Wellbeing program co-creates research-based arts interventions that foster wellness and connection in partnership with hospitals, care facilities, community centers, and public spaces. Designed for systemic impact, our work supports individuals, organizations, and communities.
Sing for Hope's Healing Arts initiative produces thoughtfully curated arts experiences across a range of genres and formats, designed in alignment with rigorous safety protocols for patients, staff, and caregivers in healthcare settings and older adult centers. Each activation is tailored to reflect the unique interests, cultural context, and health needs of our partner sites, ensuring relevance, resonance, and impact. Sing for Hope is the music provider for New York City Health and Hospitals, the country's largest municipal healthcare system.
Sing for Hope's Creative Placemaking initiative leverages the power of the arts to foster social cohesion, public health, and wellbeing in everyday spaces. Through dynamic partnerships with major transportation hubs — including Union Station DC, Moynihan Train Hall, Newark Liberty International Airport, Port Authority Bus Terminal, and the Oculus at World Trade Center - we bring top-tier live arts experiences to thousands of people each day. Designed to infuse public life with moments of beauty and connection, the program reimagines urban transit hubs and other public spaces as platforms for cultural engagement. As one of the country's largest employers of freelance musicians, the initiative also shifts the landscape for artist employment through innovative public-private partnerships and reframes the commuter experience in urban centers.
Sing for Hope's Creative Crisis Response initiative uses the creative arts to heal, soothe, and inspire individuals affected by crises. Launched in 2018 at Athens' Skaramagas Camp in partnership with El Sistema Greece, the programming has since expanded to serve communities across Europe and Africa. The initiative is grounded in the belief, championed by the International Rescue Committee, that refugees (particularly refugee youth) are aided in their readjustment and recovery process through access to creative arts and expressive play. Creative arts programming has been proven to counter the effects of prolonged stress and suffering and nurture social-emotional development.
In honor of Sing for Hope's 25th Anniversary, we are launching the Sing for Hope Choir Fest — inviting community choirs, school ensembles, independent vocal groups, and multigenerational choruses to be among the first to perform at 25 new artist-designed Sing for Hope Pianos across NYC. Join us for a weekend residency of song on May 30–31 and June 6–7, 2026. Applications are open through April 30.
NYC SINGS is a citywide invitation to step out of the daily rush and into a moment of shared joy. On May 30–31 and June 6–7, Sing for Hope Pianos NYC: 2026 serves as the backdrop for a five-borough celebration — artist-led singalongs designed for everyone. Help us build the living "New York City Songbook" by sharing a song that reflects your story by April 30.
Sing for Hope is proud to be named an Avetta 2024 Diversity Leader, recognizing our commitment to fostering inclusive and impactful arts programming across communities.
