Camden Council has given local buskers an extra reason to celebrate this Christmas.
The council has just formulated its first ever busking policy, to help ensure a coordinated process is in place for the management of busking activity within the Camden area.
Councillors gave the policy the thumbs up at a meeting earlier this month.
It will now go on public exhibition, as required by law, to give everyone else in Camden the chance to comment on the policy if they wish to do so.
Nine busking sites proposed in the policy were selected on the basis of clearance for pedestrian movement and minimal impact on businesses.
They are:
- Corner John and Argyle Street, Camden, on the footpath near the NAB;
- Corner Elizabeth and Argyle Street, Camden, outside the Royal Camden Hotel;
- Camden Civic Centre;
- Alan Baker Art Gallery, facing John Street;
- Narellan Library, in the forecourt;
- Oran Park Library, in the forecourt;
- Camden Library, facing John Street;
- 146-148 Argyle Street, on the footpath, outside Blooms Chemist; and
- Corner John and Argyle Street, Camden, on the footpath, adjacent to Rawson Homes.
The policy, which applies to council-owned land, requires all buskers to have a busking registration, and public liability insurance.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said busking plays an important role in the community.
“It’s entertaining, enhances the cultural and economic vibrancy of our local places and helps make public places inviting and warm,” Cr Fedeli said.
“It’s also a terrific way for our local artists to showcase their talent.
“Whenever we have our local artists perform at our events, I am always blown away by their skills and professionalism. This policy will help them perform and get valuable public exposure on a more regular basis.”
The busking policy will be on public exhibition until 5pm on Friday, January 17, 2020.
