
Since 1 November 2020, indoor live performances have been allowed to resume at permitted venues. From 13 November 2020, the National Arts Council (NAC) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) also began accepting applications for outdoor live performances of up to 100 audience members (i.e. two zones of up to 50 audience members each) and indoor live performances of up to 250 audience members (i.e. five zones of up to 50 audience members each). In line with the move to further open the arts and culture sector in a safe manner, NAC is conducting a pilot for busking at select outdoor venues from 4 December 2020.
Busking Pilots
The aim of the pilots is to assess the viability of resuming busking activities with the necessary safe management measures (SMMs) in place, and at specified venues which have the ability to carry out and enforce them.
NAC is working closely with venue partners *SCAPE and The Central @ Clarke Quay to run these trials from 4 to 19 December 2020. Buskers will be able to perform only in solo or duo acts, and will play 1-hour sets (inclusive of 15 minutes set aside for sanitising between each set), in compliance with the necessary SMMs. The public will be expected to cooperate on safe distancing measures, and to refrain from interacting directly with the buskers. They can contribute to participating buskers via the available QR codes on site. NAC will also assist buskers to pivot to e-collection, should they require help.
We seek your understanding that only buskers who are endorsed by NAC under the Busking Scheme will be eligible to participate in the pilot. In addition, individuals who are previously registered as part of *SCAPE’s busking sandbox will also be eligible to participate in the pilot at *SCAPE only. NAC will reach out to eligible individuals directly.
Towards a Safe and Sustainable Re-opening
MCCY and NAC will closely monitor and review the outcomes of the pilots together with the participating venues and buskers. A safe and sustainable re-opening requires all of us to play our part. It is important that we continue to exercise caution, adhere to SMMs, and practise social responsibility. Collectively, we can progressively re-open our economy and society while remaining safe.
For any queries, please contact busking@aux.com.sg.
Updated as of 23 November 2020
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Past Announcements
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BUSKING
Introduced in 1997, the Busking Scheme in Singapore enlivens city life and energises urban spaces. The Scheme provides opportunities for individuals to share their creative expressions and interact with audience in the public space. It is also part of the National Arts Council's efforts for Singaporeans and visitors to encounter and appreciate our diverse arts and culture offerings. Currently, the Busking Scheme comprises some 80 designated busking locations island-wide.
Buskers in Singapore are required to attend an audition to ensure consistency in the quality of busking activities. Those who are successful will obtain a Busking Card (Letter of Endorsement), which enables them to busk at designated busking sites within a validity period.
This is in line with The Exemption Order to the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act, which states that only buskers issued with a valid Letter of Endorsement are allowed to busk.
Please click here to download the Busking Guide.
For the Busking Scheme Terms and Conditions, please click here. For the Terms and Conditions of Participation, please click here.
For more information on other relevant licenses, please visit the links below:
Application Process / Dates to Note
Forms
Busking Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
For any enquiry on the Pre-Audition Briefing or Busking Auditions, please contact Aux Media Group at 6346 9039 or email to busking@aux.com.sg.
Mail your application to, or collect your Busking Card at the below address:
Attn: NAC Busking Scheme
Aux Media Group
AIS Industrial Building
103 Kallang Avenue #03-01
Singapore 339504
(In line with the latest Multi-Ministry Taskforce’s safe distancing measures, please note that there will be strictly no walk-ins allowed between 7 April – 4 May 2020 (inclusive). The busking hotline (6346 9039) remains open from Mondays to Fridays, 10am – 7pm, and closed on Public Holidays. You may also choose to send us an email at busking@aux.com.sg and we endeavor to respond to you within 3 working days.)
For any clarification on the Busking Scheme, please send your email enquiry to nac_artsforall@nac.gov.sg.