In an effort to bring added vibrancy to Hamilton and alleviate financial strain on visual and performance artists caused by COVID-19, the City of Hamilton has decided to waive busker fees for 2021.
The City’s Marketing and Communications Director Jessica Astwood said, “Every year the City of Hamilton hosts a Busker Programme which aims to promote and engage local artists by ‘taking the arts to the people’, on the streets of Hamilton.
“Performance and Visual Arts Zones have been created in specific public places to enliven the City, promote creative expression and expose members of the public to Bermuda’s local talent in free, outdoor public venues.
“Typically, we require an annual $30 application fee for busking within the City, but we have decided to waive the fee this year as we appreciate the added financial pressure that the pandemic has placed on our community and, in particular, on our artists and entertainers.”
The City of Hamilton will offer permits to local artists so they may utilize Performance and Visual Arts Zones. Visual Arts Zones act as outdoor arts galleries where registered artists can display and market their works and/or create new works live. Performance Zones are where musicians can showcase their talents.
There are four busking locations in the City and they are as follows:
• Nellie’s Walk
Located in front of City Hall, Nellie’s Walk is a Performance Zone.
• Wesley Square
Located at the southwest corner of the City Hall car park, Wesley Square is a Visual Arts Zone.
• Queen Elizabeth Park
Located on Queen Street, inside the main gates of the park, this is Performance Zone.
• Dr. E. F Gordon Square
Located on the corner of Court and Dundonald Street, this is Performance and Visual Arts Zone.
In the case of rain, artists that wish to continue may relocate to the portico at the front steps of City Hall.
All participants of the Busker Programme must be registered with the City of Hamilton.
Mrs Astwood added: “This programme presents a unique opportunity for Bermudian artists to be seen and heard live in public space, to receive funds from the pubic for their performance or works and to promote themselves and their artistic works right in the centre of the City.”
To apply to take part in the City’s Busker Programme or for more information about the Programme, go to: https://hamilton.rja.revize.com/forms/875 .
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