BUSKERS – ‘Program for street performers won’t be mandatory’

Statement from the Kamloops Arts Council on “Street Performer Program”:

The City of Kamloops, the Kamloops Arts Council and stakeholders in our community appreciate the feedback regarding the proposed Street Performing Program. We will use your valued input to help guide us through the continued consultation process.  We expect collaborations with various stakeholders to continue for the next few months and do not anticipate a new revision to be released before Autumn of 2019.

The Kamloops Arts Council’s mandate is to promote the development and enhancement of all arts in the Kamloops area. We support all artists and forms of art, do not discriminate and our membership is open to all. We, the Kamloops Arts Council, do not in any way wish to inhibit any public street performances, and should we be part of a policy that goes forward, are confident that it will only increase the abilities, accessibility and rights of our artists, not inhibit them.

The concept behind the Street Performing Program is to identify and support emerging and established buskers who wish to perform on our streets through an accredited process, without having to purchase a business licence. This would provide artists with a program and resources, to encourage street performing in an accepting, safe and entertaining environment. Following the 2018 Kamloops International Buskers Festival (KIBF) interest and awareness in street performing became prevalent, with the KIBF Society receiving several requests from event organizers seeking those services. This program provides those connections in our community.

This will not be a mandatory program for performers, but an opportunity to gain membership benefits and access to the Kamloops Arts Council resources and professional development.

We look forward to continue working with our stakeholders and community members to create a beneficial program for the City of Kamloops.

KAMLOOPS ARTS COUNCIL