Willcox Buyck & Williams Foundation

The Willcox, Buyck & Williams Foundation was created in 2014 to bring piano music to the people of Florence, South Carolina. Its Directors are Mark W. Buyck Jr, Hugh L. Willcox Jr. and Reynolds Williams.
We believe in the power of music & beauty to bring people together and to build bridges throughout the community. Although we live in a world where people are more connected to their smartphones than to each other, we believe that all people have a natural affinity for, and connection to, music; it is a common element that we all want more of in our lives. A recent statistic backs this view: 9 out of 10 adults wish they could play an instrument.
We have engaged British artist Luke Jerram, touring internationally since 2008, to bring his artwork, Play Me, I’m Yours to Florence. Located in public parks, bus shelters and markets, the pianos are available for any member of the public to play and enjoy. Anyone may play them and the hours they may be played on the streets is up to each neighborhood. The pianos are personalized and decorated by artists or the local community. By creating a place of exchange Play Me, I’m Yours invites the public to engage with, activate and take ownership of their urban environment.