Buskers of Melbourne will find it easy to perform following a decision by the City of Melbourne to review its Street Activity Policy.
Under the new rules the application fee for busking has been capped at $20 and $10 to renew thereafter.
An audition process has been implemented for buskers who wish to perform in the Bourke Street Mall with a peer busker to become a member of the review committee.
“We are pleased that application fees will be capped at $20 for successful applicants, and that auditions will only take place in the Bourke Street Mall’’ said Music Victoria CEO, Patrick Donovan. ‘’Now is the time for Victoria’s best buskers to hit the streets and showcase their musical talent to Melbourne residents, traders and visitors.’’
Prior to the review Melbourne busker Jessica Paige was fearful that policy was about to destroy the busking activity in the city. “I am quite relieved that the council has not brought in those higher fees. I think these new restrictions are pretty fair but I hope it isn't the start of a slow creep to institute more and more rules," she said.
Music is considered one of the world’s premiere music cities. “We would like to see many more our talented musicians exposed to a new audience by busking – you never know where you’ll find your next favourite artist,” Donovan said. “Independent musicians really struggle financially these days, and any further fee hike could have been prohibitive. It’s good to see that the fees will go towards a busking budget which will facilitate mentoring programs and facilities which will benefit all buskers. We also appreciate that the council has investigated, and found, some new busking locations.”
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