The aims and objectives of the scheme are to:

• Help enliven the streets of Singapore and to add colour to city life
• Provide an opportunity for Singaporeans to exhibit their artistic talents in designated public spaces
• Make the arts more accessible to the public

In order to apply for a Letter of Endorsement, all interested applicants are required to go through an audition held at the National Arts Council (NAC).

Please download and complete a busking application form (individual / group) or obtain from:

20 Upper Circular Road
# 02-13 The Riverwalk
Singapore 058416

For more information, please refer to [map]. 

 

Application Procedure

Eligibility

• All Singaporeans,
• Permanent Residents, or
• Employment Pass holders, with approval/endorsement from the Ministry of Manpower to undertake busking activities.

Procedure

• Complete a busking application form & send it back to the following address:
  20 Upper Circular Road
  # 02-13 The Riverwalk
  Singapore 058416 

• You will receive call to inform you of the date & time for the audition.
• Pre-registration for the audition is required.
• Auditions will be held on the following dates:-
  
  • 4 January 2012 (Wednesday)
  • 13 April 2012 (Friday)
  • 4 July 2012 (Wednesday)
  • 5 October 2012 (Friday)
• All auditions will be held at Drama Centre (100 Victoria Street Third Floor, National Library Building, Singapore 188064)

Information on the Auditions

What to do:

• Applicants are required to showcase a snippet of their busking act with all relevant instruments and equipment.
• The audition panel will be assessing all applicants on the following:
  • Competency and skill in performance 
  • Expression and confidence in performance 
  • Engagement with the audience 
  • Innovation and originality
• Please refer to the table below for a guide on what the audition panel will be looking for:

Singing	Prepare three songs from different genres and/or tempo Must have live accompaniment, played by the singer or by others (with the exception of a capella groups) Singing with pre-recorded music or mp3s are not allowed
Music Playing	Prepare three songs from different genres and/or tempo For instruments that feature pre-recorded accompaniment (e.g. electric keyboards), please prepare one song without the use of the pre-recorded accompaniment. For instruments which require some form of electrical input, please bring the necessary power source that will be used during busking
Mine or other suitable theatrical acts	Showcase a three minute highlight of your act Come in full costume and/or make-up For renewals, please bring along pictures of your act on the streets
Dance, Acrobatic Acts, Juggling, etc.	Showcase a three minute highlight of your act Come in full costume and/or make-up For renewals, please bring along pictures of your act on the streets
Portrait, drawing, caricature drawing, face-painting etc.	In five minutes, demonstrate your drawing or painting skills

Please note

• All applicants are required to audition in person.
• For group auditions, please ensure that all group members are present during the audition. Members absent during the audition will not be included in the group’s Letter of Endorsement.
• For safety reasons, there can only be a maximum of ten members per group.
• The panel’s decision is final.

What to bring:

• Identity card.
• Employment pass, if applicable (original documents).
• Two recent passport size photographs.
• Record of arts activities undertaken in the last three years, if applicable (original documents).

Validity of Endorsement

• One year

Please note that all buskers are required to re-audition after their Letter of Endorsement has expired.

Information on Basking

General Information on Busking

Buskers are exempted from licensing under the Public Entertainment and Meetings Act under the following conditions:

• Busking takes place only at designated spaces and a copy of the Letter of Endorsement issued by NAC is prominently displayed.
• During busking, the person does not –
  
  • obstruct, or cause obstruction to, pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
  • actively solicit any donation;
  • use any sound amplification device, other than those that are battery operated;
  • make any vulgar or obscene gestures or remarks

 

Types of Busking Activities

• Singing with live music accompaniment (e.g. ethnic, jazz, pop, classical), with the exception of a capella groups who sing without any music accompaniment. (Please note, singing with pre-recorded music or mp3s are not allowed).
• Playing musical instruments (e.g. ethnic, jazz, pop, classical).
• Mime or other suitable theatrical acts.
• Dance (e.g. traditional, jazz, tap, modern).
• Acrobatic acts, juggling, clowning.
• Portrait drawing, caricature drawing, face-painting, balloon sculpting.

Busking Locations

• Designated Outdoor Spaces: 

At selected pedestrian malls, parks, and public spaces. Please refer to the list of designated Locations for Busking.

• Private Outdoor Spaces: 

Prior approval from owners of private properties and NAC must be sought.

 

Busking Times

 

• In general, busking is allowed from 10am to 10.30pm daily.
• For selected sites, busking hours may vary. Please check under busking locations.

Terms & Conditions for Busking

 

1. A Letter of Endorsement obtained from NAC has to be clearly displayed during performances. 
2. Buskers can only perform at the stipulated busking locations and times. Busking at outdoor spaces of private properties is permitted only if prior permission of the property owners and NAC have been sought, unless otherwise stated. 
3. Busking hours are generally from 10am to 10.30pm daily, unless otherwise stated. 
4. Buskers do not have exclusivity over busking sites. Buskers performing along the same location should keep a reasonable distance from each other for safety reasons. 
5. Buskers cannot obstruct, or cause obstruction to pedestrian or vehicular traffic. 
6. Buskers should not sell any items or merchandise, nor can they actively solicit any donation. 
7. Buskers cannot use any sound amplification device, other than those that are battery operated. The sound level generated from busking activities should not exceed 55dBA. 
8. Buskers cannot make any vulgar or obscene gestures or remarks at the public or their fellow buskers. 
9. Buskers should be appropriately dressed while busking. 
10. Buskers shall indemnify the NAC against any claims. 
11. The NAC shall not be liable for comments and opinions expressed by the buskers. 
12. The NAC reserves the right to amend the conditions of the scheme from time to time. 
13. The NAC reserves the right not to disclose reasons for approving or rejecting an application.

The NAC reserves the right to withdraw the Letter of Endorsement should there be a breach of any of the terms and conditions above.