Busking in Singapore
‘Buskers’ is a term used in Singapore to describe those who sing with live music accompaniment, play musical instruments, dance, mime or perform other suitable theatrical acts or acts that are considered ‘artistic’.
(National Arts Council 2012).
DEFINITION
The aims and objectives of the NAC busking scheme are to:
1. Help enliven the streets of Singapore and to add colour to city life
2. Provide an opportunity for Singaporeans to exhibit their artistic talents in designated public spaces
3. Make the arts more accessible to the public
DEFINITION
BUSKING SCHEME
CHALLENGES FROM LITERATURE REVIEW
AIMS & MOTIVES
1
A platform to shine
The main aims of buskers in Singapore are to gain experience or exposure, showcase their talent, reach out to the public and to a lesser extent, supplement their income
2
To young aspiring buskers, busking is viewed as a platform that may open up doors to penetrate the larger entertainment market in Singapore.
Springboard to a bigger dream
3
A training ground
Busking is a form of exposure that helps build up important performing traits such as self-confidence and stage presence.
Before buskers are legally permitted to perform on the streets, they face many bureaucratic ‘red tapes’. For instance, those who are interested to apply for a Letter of Endorsement are required to go through an audition at NAC.
Furthermore, new regulations would put buskers in a seemingly marginalised position.
RED TAPE
Buskers, popularly misconceived as beggars, are often overlooked as active shapers of the landscape
However, busking is empowerment in itself. Strategies such as audience engagement help to reinforce and legitimise their act.
perception of beggars
Contestation of performing space between busking groups is not uncommon.
​
There exists an unspoken etiquette whereby different groups respect the space and performance times of others (Sunday Times March 22 2009). However, territorial struggles still do occur, especially with the recent spike in number of new buskers.
contestation of space
bodies of resistance
New restrictions impinge on the true spirit of busking by delimiting space and freedom. From March 2009, all applicants of new busking licenses are limited to certain busking spots along Orchard Road, amongst which exclude underpasses.
​
Documented were previous complaints from the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) about noise pollution (Sunday Times 22 March 2009) and grouses from the general public of buskers adding to the ‘clutter’ of Orchard Road and diminishing its status as a global cityscape (Straits Times 5 October 2008).
​
culture of pragmatism
The dominant Singaporean culture of pragmatism is a source of concern among buskers. Practicality is often valued and creativity in the form of art is often overlooked and its importance underestimated
​
Source: ZAINAL, H. B. Power, Place and Space in a Sustainable City: A Case Study of Buskers in Singapore’s Orchard Road.
​