Hearing from Buskers

 

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAC has been engaging buskers through various modes of communication. Recently, an engagement session was held on 28 April 2021 with 11 representatives from the busking community including the Buskers’ Association in attendance. This session sought to hear from buskers their sentiments of how busking can take place in the new normal. Buskers are looking forward to the resumption of busking activities in the physical space, and had raised suggestions for how this could be done whilst ensuring the safety of all. There were also suggestions for spaces such as parks to be open for busking activities which play to a transient audience. They noted the importance of continuing to engage their audiences digitally, and to continue to equip themselves with relevant digital skills. Buskers in attendance expressed interest to develop a busking community and identified possible ways to support one another both in spirit, but also through relevant experience and skills. NAC will review all the suggestions and continue to work with relevant stakeholders to develop the capabilities of buskers, introduce digital initiatives and work towards gradual and safe resumption of busking activities.

 

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Deferment of Stage 2 Busking Pilots

 

With the recent number of community cases of COVID-19 and emergence of new virus variants, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced a series of tightened safe management measures to reduce the risk of community spread on 4 May 2021.  

 

As such, in adherence to the latest guidelines, NAC will be deferring the commencement of Stage 2 busking pilots till further notice.

 

NAC will continue to closely monitor situations and update when Stage 2 busking pilots may proceed. 

 

 

 

Updated as of 10 May 2021

 

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Past Announcements

 

30 April 2021

23 November 2020

2 October 2020

18 June 2020

29 May 2020

28 April 2020

6 April 2020

25 March 2020

 

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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  

STEP 1: CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

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.

 

STEP 2: COMPLETE AND SEND IN YOUR APPLICATION

Please submit your application via email (preferred) 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:

REGISTRATION CLOSES IN

 

PRE-AUDITION BRIEFING

(Online)

BUSKING AUDITION

(Drama Centre)

3 March 2021, Wednesday

3 April 2021, Saturday

12 April 2021, Monday

13 April 2021, Tuesday

3 June 2021, Thursday

3 July 2021, Saturday

12 July 2021, Monday

13 July 2021, Tuesday

9 September 2021, Thursday

9 October 2021, Saturday

18 October 2021, Monday

19 October 2021, Tuesday

To be confirmed

To be confirmed

To be confirmed

A limit of 90 applicants will be set per audition cycle day. 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.

STEP 3: COME FOR THE PRE-AUDITION BRIEFING

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 online via Zoom. Details on the pre-audition briefing with Zoom link will be sent to applicants prior to the session.

 

  • 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 Aux Media Group at 6346 9039 or busking@aux.com.sg with a valid reason. Applicants who fail to do so may only re-apply 6 months later.

 

STEP 4: COME PREPARED FOR THE BUSKING AUDITION

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. Details on the audition including venue and timeslot will be sent to the applicants prior to the audition.

 

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:

 

Music

e.g. Guitar and singing, rumming, singing with keyboard, performance on musical instruments act, etc.
  • Prepare a rich and wide repertoire of songs. Preferably incolude different genres and/or tempos.
  • Familiarise yourself with the operation of your equipment (such as musical instruments, amplifiers, etc.)
  • Solo singing acts must have live music accompaniment (with the exception of acapella groups)

Movement & Street Theatre

​e.g. Dance, Acrobatic acts, Juggling, Mime, Magic, etc.
  • Come in full costume and/or makeup
  • Ensure that all props are prepared for the act
  • Acts involving dangerous objects or implements (such as knives, fire, etc.) are not permitted at the indoor audition venue. You will be required to audition using substitute props. Do note that the use of dangerous objects or arms will require additional clearance from enforcement authorities when busking on the streets (click here to find out more).

Visual Arts

​​e.g. Drawing, Portraits and Caricatures, Dough-Figurine making, etc.

  • Demonstrate live drawing, painting or craft-making skills within 5 minutes.
  • Be quick and accurate.
  • Display samples of your works in a professional manner.
  • Putting a price-tag on your works is considered hawking and is not permitted under the Busking Scheme.

STEP 5: TAKING BUSKING TO THE STREETS

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. 

 

  Forms  

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.

  Busking Locations  

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

  Frequently Asked Questions  

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.

 

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.