City To Waive Busker Fee Again This Year

Citing the need 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 again for 2022, for the second consecutive year.

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 did in 2021, as we appreciate the added financial pressure that the pandemic has placed on our community and, in particular, on our artists and entertainers.”

A spokesperson said, “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 five 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.

• Waterfront Square - Located on Front Street between the Bermuda Tourism Visitor’s Centre and the Ferry Terminal, this is a 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. It should be noted that these designated spaces are the only City-authorized areas for busking. 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 here.”

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