(In Nick’s Head)
The Busking Project (TBP) really IS a complex plan to take over the world. By building a presence on street corners in every major city, we’re spreading the same message everywhere: go outside, meet your neighbours, have fun, enjoy the show.
The next step is obvious. We’ll use our upcoming documentary to inspire people to action, and our website to coordinate the largest velvet revolution the world has ever seen, utilising the irresistible power of street performers to inspire a radical shift in political and economic thinking, bringing in a glorious meritocracy where politicians and CEOs are tipped instead of bought. Doesn’t that sound lovely?
(In Reality)
The problems we’re addressing:
- We are helping street performers survive the transition to a cashless society, and sell music after the death of the CD.
- We’re helping buskers put down their laptops, to make social networking a by-product of performing, not tapping on a keyboard.
- We’re helping them face the daily grind, and feel proud about what they do for a living (if they don’t already).
- We’re educating people about this millennia-old, honourable way of making money through art, removing the myths and negative stereotypes.
- We’re getting more people off the couch, away from their TV screens, out of the house and into town to see a great live show.
- We’re trying to influence local authorities in cities worldwide to begin treating busking as a creative endeavour rather than as a criminal matter.
How we’re doing it
A website, app, documentary, events, books, festivals and community building
Why we’re doing it
- Because busking is one of the only viable ways that artists can make a living doing what they love.
- Because it is an art form that everyone can enjoy, not just those who can afford tickets.
- Because many street performers come from dysfunctional backgrounds, and deserve admiration for picking themselves up.
- Because venues are closing, shops are closing and there is very little reason to come to town anymore.
- Because every person making a living through busking is another person who isn’t picking up unemployment benefits.
- Because busking is being increasingly criminalised in cities all over the world.
- Because these artists are often in a place of social and financial exclusion. They shouldn’t be.
Helping artists do what they love
Street performers face huge day to day challenges. Even the most talented of artists can have a tough time braving the harsh reality of working on the streets. So, we’re here to give buskers some publicity, to extend their audience past the edge of the sidewalk, to give encouragement and support to those just starting up, to inspire more people to actively hunt down their local street performers, and to help them fight for your right to sing, dance and play in the street.
Exploring this Global Medium
Cultures, traditions, myths, geographies, architecture, climate, laws, economies and individuals combine to form the urban canvas. Understanding how each of these affects street performance is vital to knowing how best we can save and even expand our access to high quality free entertainment. One thing is for certain (and we’ve seen this first hand): increasing restrictions reduces the quality of art on the streets, whereas making artists feel welcome makes the art better. What a surprise!
40 Cities on 5 Continents in 10 Months
You’ll hear us often talk about “the trip”. This is partly because a global exploration of street performance had never been done before, and partly because it was the single most traumatic experience of our lives. 27,000 videos, 45,000 photos, 300 days on the road (a new city every 6 days), no tourism, way too many busses and only three or four days off.
To read more about our demise, check out our blog here.