On Monday (Nov 14), Singapore’s buskers received word that their performances and activities would not be permitted on Friday and Saturday evenings in certain locations along Orchard Road this December.
In an email sent to The Independent Singapore (TISG) by Aux Media Group, the company working with the National Arts Council (NAC) for communicating with buskers, the street performers were told that in “anticipation of larger crowds along Orchard Road, especially on the dates leading up to Christmas Eve,” busking would not be allowed “with consideration for public safety and advisories from the relevant agencies.” The email also urged buskers to make alternate arrangements where they can perform.
Locations where busking will be prohibited on Dec 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm are ION Orchard, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City A, Ngee Ann City B, The Heeren, 313@Somerset, Knightsbridge, and Mandarin Gallery.
Not only will this mean less of a festive atmosphere for all Singaporeans and visitors during this time but it will also have a significant impact on buskers’ incomes.
Mr Bryan Wong, a circus performer, told TISG, “In previous years, buskers have been proven capable of managing crowds in different areas, working with security personnel to ensure that traffic is managed well. This feels like a lazy way out.”
He added that there have been no major incidents involving buskers in the past, and expressed dismay that there had been no consideration and dialogue with the stakeholders, but merely an outright ban on performances.
“Live shows are integral” to the festive holiday spirit, he added. And as a performer, engaging and talking to his audience is one of the highlights of his shows.
As for the economic impact on buskers, who were already affected by two years of lockdowns due to the pandemic, many of them rely on good earnings during the holidays to tide them over their “down period” from January to March.
On Thursday (Nov 17), the Buskers’ Association of Singapore also issued a statement regarding the ban, saying they are “completely disheartened” to have gotten the news.
It added that they felt that the reasons given for the ban are “inadequate.”
“The irony is not lost that in this season of giving, NAC is in fact taking away both the enjoyment of the public as well as the livelihood of such buskers by banning busking activities.”
The Buskers’ Association of Singapore is urging the NAC to reverse the ban.
Mr Wong also said that the public can do the same by emailing Aux Media at [email protected] voicing their sentiments and asking for the buskers to be allowed to perform in these areas.
“Street performances have always been a vital part of the Christmas festivities at Orchard Road,” he said. /TISG
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