RESTRICTIONS ON BUSKING ACTIVITIES

RESTRICTIONS ON BUSKING ACTIVITIES: * * *

30.

Miss Penny Low asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (a) how have buskers contributed to the vibrancy of the Singapore streetscape since the liberalisation of busking activities a few years ago; (b) what are the reasons for the move to restrict buskers' activities; and (c) how will the restrictions impact on the cultivation of a vibrant streetscape.

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Dr Lee Boon Yang: I would like to thank Miss Low for her interest in busking activities and how these have contributed to a vibrant Singapore streetscape.

The Busking Scheme provides an opportunity for Singaporeans to exhibit their artistic talents by bringing arts to the public. These busking activities enliven our streets and add colour to Singapore’s city life. Since its introduction in 1997, the scheme has witnessed a steady growth in the number and diversity of performances. Busking activities have extended beyond singing, playing of musical instruments, balloon twisters and circus acts. We now see a wider range of acts that include magic shows, percussion groups, solo theatrical acts and craft.

Busking activities should be carried out within a safe environment and in an orderly manner without creating disamenities to other users of public spaces. NAC has continually updated the designated busking locations to ensure busking contributes to a more conducive environment and complements the infrastructure and new developments in the area. It has regular dialogues with enforcement agencies such as the Police, the Land Transport Authority and the National Environment Agency, as well as site owners and partners such as the Orchard Road Business Association and Chinatown Business Association.

Sites are chosen with adequate human traffic and sufficient space to minimise public congestion and inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists. NAC has recently completed a review of the Busking Scheme to streamline the conduct of the busking activities. At present, there are 109 busking spots islandwide and buskers have been asked to pick five locations for their performances of which three of the five spots can be along Orchard Road. 4

NAC is aware that Orchard Road is especially popular with buskers. Fourteen spots along Orchard Road have been designated for busking activities. The designated busking locations are spatially separated to avoid congestion at particular locations and to complement STB’s recent revamp of Orchard Road.

I would like to assure Miss Low that the new rules will not adversely impact the cultivation of a vibrant streetscape. There are sufficient busking locations for our buskers to perform at. The number of people applying to NAC for the Letter of Endorsement to busk remains constant. 5

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4 This is because Orchard Road is a very popular spot for busking and NAC would like to spread out the opportunity to use Orchard to more buskers.

5 According to NAC, the number of applicants has consistently been in the region of 230-300 annually in the past three years. The number of applicants for January 2009 was 37 and remained the same for March 2009 when the new rules came into effect.

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