Solutions

RECOMMENDATIONS BY OUR BUSKERS

COMMON TIMETABLE

A peer-managed schedule of busking activities made accessible online to the busking community.

This could be done through Whatsapp or a within a Facebook group, where buskers indicate their intention to go down to a certain busking spot.

Contact details of the busker who "chopes" the area will be available in case others want to enquire about the space or check for confirmation.

PROBLEM

Buskers often travel all the way

down to a location only to realise it's

already occupied.

STAGE PRESENCE

Elevated platforms or stage area mark-ups that are provided at the various busking spots.

Either actual platforms, carpets or simply clear markings on the ground can all help establish clear boundaries between the audience and the busker.

This will not only prevent unwelcome interruptions, but also help to raise the profile of buskers to be perceived as professional performers on stage.

PROBLEM

Buskers sometimes encounter intrusion into their performance spaces by disruptive audiences.

PROFESSIONAL SET–UPS

Basic props that are provided at designated busking spots for buskers to indicate their act names or performance details.

The banners, posters or chalkboards provided can be used by buskers to publicise their performances and better catch the audience attention.

Having a professional set-up will increase the prestige of buskers and correct misperceptions of them being "beggars".

PROBLEM

Busking is often seen as a "lower" art form and sometimes even as "begging".

MAINSTREAM EXPOSURE

Increased coverage of the busking community and

the local music scene on mainstream media.

More television programmes on free-to-air channels or popular web-series online could be introduced to better expose locals to the vibrant local busking and music scenes.

This will make Singaporeans more familiar with, and receptive towards local musical acts in general, helping to enhance overall appreciation for artistic endeavours locally and open more doors for buskers musically.

PROBLEM

Buskers find the journey towards a professional music career challenging as Singaporeans are not generally

that open to listening to local music.

DIRECT FEEDBACK

Open, direct feedback mechanisms that buskers can use to easily contact NAC, get answers and offer suggestions.

Online feedback channels and frequent dialogue sessions could be implemented and organised by NAC to encourage communication between them and the busking community. Particularly, buskers could be engaged from time-to-time to share their concerns and issues that NAC could potentially look to alleviating.

This will ensure that NAC's Busking Scheme and relevant initiatives remain updated, relevant and useful to buskers of current and future generations.

PROBLEM

Buskers all face multiple challenges, yet do not have a go-to source to voice these issues, largely relying on fellow buskers for hearsay advice.