The following are eligible to apply for under the Busking Scheme:

• All Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.
• If you are an international student on a Student Pass, please obtain a letter of recommendation from your school or institution.
• If you are a foreigner residing in Singapore, you may apply if you have a valid Employment Pass and written consent from the Ministry of Manpower (after you have passed the audition).

Note: ​There are no age restrictions to busking. However, you are required to provide a consent form from your parent/guardian if you are aged 17 years or younger.

Please submit your application via email or by post. You only need to submit your application once. After submitting your application, you will be contacted within 10 working days to confirm your application and follow-up details.

Important dates to note:

* A limit of 90 applicants per audition cycle will be in effect from 14 July 2016 onwards. Complete applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. As audition slots fill up fast, early submission of complete application(s) is recommended.

The Pre-Audition Briefing is a briefing to familiarise you with the Busking Scheme guidelines and to give you an idea of what to expect at the Busking Audition. The Pre-Audition Briefing will be held at Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road. For directions, click here.

• If you have applied as a busking group with 2 or more members, please have at least 2 members present at the Pre-Audition Briefing. 
• It is mandatory for all applicants to attend the Pre-Audition Briefing if your last attendance was more than 12 months ago

Note: If you have confirmed your attendance but are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact Unearthed Productions at 9712 4714 or email busking@unearthedproductions.com.sg with a valid reason. Applicants who fail to do so may only re-apply 6 months later.

The audition is meant to simulate actual busking conditions. During the audition, you will be given an estimated 5 minutes to demonstrate your busking act(s) and audience engagement abilities. The auditions will take place at National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street. For directions, click here.

Your audition will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Competency and skill in performance
• Expression and confidence in performance
• Engagement with the audience
• Innovation and originality

Please take note of the following:

• Please bring along everything you would need to showcase your busking act(s) (e.g. costumes, materials, instruments, props, equipment, etc.)
• Any electrical equipment used to support your busking activities will need to be powered by portable batteries. Please ensure they are fully charged and in working order.
• For those who plan to busk as a group, do make sure everyone shows up for the audition as only those present will have their names included in the Busking Card.

Busking acts fall generally into three art form categories - Music, Street Theatre and Visual Arts. Below are some requirements or the audition in each art form category:

You will be notified of the audition results by the appointed agency within 4-5 weeks from the date of the Busking Audition.

Details will be given to successful applicants to collect the Busking Card (Letter of Endorsement).

Note: Busking Card not collected within 2 months from date of issue will be made void. 

For Solo applications, please complete the Solo Application Form.

For Group (with 2 – 10 members) applications, please complete the Group Application Form.

​​For applicants who are between the age of 13 to 17 years old, kindly complete and attach the Consent Form together with your application.

For the list of Designated Busking Locations in Singapore, please click here.

I am a foreigner visiting Singapore on Social Visit Pass. Can I apply for the Busking Scheme?

Only foreigners on Employment Passes residing in Singapore may apply for the Busking Scheme. Written consent from Ministry of MAnpower is required prior to collection of Busking Card (Letter of Endorsement).

Is there a registration cost when I apply for the Busking Scheme?

There is no registration fee.

As a busking group, do all members need to be present when we are busking?

Yes, this is to ensure that the quality of your busking act is not compromised. Please note that stand-ins are not allowed. 

Can we raise funds through busking activities for charitable causes?

The Busking Scheme is not for the purpose of fund-raising for a cause or organisation. You will need to apply for (1) an Arts Entertainment Licence from the Media Development Authority or a Public Entertainment Licence from the Singapore Police Force and (2) a House-to-House and Street Collections Licence if you are planning to fund-raise under Singapore Law.

Is the Busking Scheme a welfare support initiative?

The Busking Scheme is not a welfare support scheme. If you require welfare assistance, please approach your nearest Community Development Council (CDC), Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC) or a Family Service Centre (FSC) for more information on the types of assistance available. Alternatively, you may also call the ComCare Hotline at 1800-222-0000 to enquire about the assistance programmes available.