Performers urged to bring talents to public spaces

Published on 30 August 2021

Local performers are invited to share their talents through the City of Hobart’s newly established Busking and Street Performance Program.

A six-month trial of new busking arrangements ended in March and feedback gathered during that time has helped to develop the final guidelines for the new program.

Community, Culture and Events Committee Chair Cr Dr Zelinda Sherlock said the expanded busking program under the trial period had proved popular, attracting 127 performer applications.

“The aim was to activate more parts of our city with street performance and create more stages for local talent to be showcased and enjoyed,” Cr Sherlock said. “We also wanted to encourage a greater variety of performers to share their art with us.

“We received some great feedback during the trial, including positive comments about the extended performance times and the vibrancy buskers brought to public spaces.”

Feedback was received through surveys, direct consultation with performers, and discussions with residents and businesses situated near busking locations.

“One of the things that came through in the consultation was that amplification should be allowed in certain locations,” Cr Sherlock said. “There was also support for some form of audition process to be introduced, like in other cities.”

Talented Hobartians are invited to apply for a busking and street performance permit, which allows them to perform at any of the 25 identified busking locations across Hobart’s city and suburbs.

Permitted performance times are between 8am and 8pm weekdays, 10am and 8pm Saturdays, and 10am and 6pm Sundays. Limited amplification is allowed at Franklin Square, Railway Roundabout, University Rose Gardens, Legacy Park, and Morrison Street.

As part of their application, performers are asked to provide a sample of their work. For more information and to apply for a busking permit, visit hobartcity.com.au/busking. 

Caption: Trish Williams and John Tomlin of busking duo Fiddle and Squeeze