New street performance scheme unveiled

IC representatives introduced the scheme to the media

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) announced a new system which will allow street performers of all nationalities to display their artistic talents in Macau. Yesterday, five representatives of the bureau, including president Ung Vai Meng, introduced the scheme to the media.
The scheme will be officially launched November 1 and applications will open November 7, after which it is planned to run for a trial period of three months until January 31 of next year.
In the proposed system, street performers from anywhere in the world can apply online through the IC website or visit the department’s office in person to fill out an application form.
Applicants aged 14 years old and above are eligible to apply. All applicants must have entered the territory legally. For those under the age of 17, a letter signed by their guardians allowing them to make the application must be attached to their submission. “[This requirement] is in accordance with labour relation laws,” explained Leong Hio Ming, vice president of ICM. The application quota is unlimited.
“The scheme is only providing a platform for the artists to showcase their talents. It does not involve commercial activity, personal promotion, association activities, product promotion, religious or political activities,” said Leong. The vice president expects that the artists will not involve any of the aforementioned  activities in their performances.
However, not every corner of the city will be available for the performers. During the trial period, three locations will be provided: Fortaleza do Monte, Anim’Arte Nam Van and Casas-Museu da Taipa. Within these three locations, artists will be able to choose from two, six and one prepared spots, respectively. If the trial is a success, nine locations in total will be arranged.
Leong explained that the restriction on the number of locations is in accordance with the noise control regulations administered by the Environmental Protection Bureau, but that authorities are still considering opening more spots.
Only dates falling on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as public holidays, are available for applications. Those who apply first will have their applications reviewed first and the results will be released in the same order.
Each group can consist of five members at most. However, applicants are allowed to apply multiple times under different group names.
The IC will take three days to review the applications. Once approved, the IC will issue a permission card to the applicants. The card will be valid until January 31, 2017. After this date, the performers can renew their cards, which will then see their validity extended until December 2017.
The types of art eligible for application include performances, visual art displays and handicrafts. For those who plan to bring their handicrafts to the location, tagging prices on objects is forbidden, although they are allowed to sell them. Leong clarified that if visitors want to buy the art pieces, they can speak with the artists directly in order to discuss further details.
Each group is allowed to occupy a spot for two hours, and can only reoccupy the same spot after having already vacated it for four hours. According to Leong, this is to keep it fair for other artists.
The scheme has been discussed by 10 governmental departments for about half a year, explained Leong. Non-Macau resident artists were invited to offer their opinions regarding the scheme.
The first performance will be presented to the city November 11. Leong stated that the cultural department predicts that the scheme will be “relatively positive, and will be of great-scale.” Julie Zhu