Busking Ecosystem

*2169. Assoc Prof Terence Ho: To ask the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) how many busking permit holders perform regularly, such as at least once a week, at designated busking locations; (b) whether the Ministry would consider setting a higher quality bar for the most popular busking locations; and (c) whether more support can be given to help buskers hone their craft and grow their audiences.

Response:

1. The National Arts Council (NAC) administers the Busking Scheme, which issues Letters of Endorsement (LOE) for buskers to perform at more than 90 designated locations island-wide. Currently, almost 140, or around one-third of the over 500 busking acts book slots at these locations at least once a week.

2. Both aspiring and renewing buskers participate in auditions where they are assessed by their fellow industry professionals on competency, expression, audience engagement, and innovation. This is to ensure that they are able to deliver quality street experiences for Singaporeans. Once endorsed, buskers can access all designated locations, in line with NAC’s approach of keeping the Busking Scheme inclusive and accessible. NAC engages the Busking Consultative Committee (BCC) and busking community on how standards can be collectively upheld.

3. NAC supports buskers through platforms such as Buskers Connect, which facilitates networking and learning from one another. NAC also partners *SCAPE to offer workshops and performance opportunities for endorsed and aspiring buskers. Additional performance opportunities at ArtsEverywhere@CDC Street Performances help buskers reach new audiences and gain broader performance experience.

4. MCCY will continue to work with NAC and the broader community of stakeholders to strengthen the busking ecosystem.