Buskers typically add something vital to city life.
City of Chilliwack is looking to increase the presence of street performers and buskers in the downtown core, and they're waiving the $40 busking fee to do it.
But the offer is only good until June 30.
“We believe that buskers make the downtown a more enticing and vibrant place to be while providing an opportunity for local musicians to share their talent with our community,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz.
She's encouraging locals to take a moment from their busy days to savour the performance.
They are invited to stop and listen, if they like what they hear, they are welcome to support the busker with a little contribution dropped in the hat or instrument case.
“The street entertainment program is just another example of how the City of Chilliwack is working with the community to make downtown Chilliwack a vibrant, dynamic and liveable area,” said Gaetz.
City officials decided to waive the permit fee specifically to encourage more street performers to come forward and share their talents.
The best ones have typically already invested years honing their considerable artistic skills.
Part of it is to benefit of the performer but also to aid in the revitalization of downtown Chilliwack.
The street entertainer program, developed through the Recreation and Culture Department, is still in its infancy here and needs a boost.
There was too little support offered in the first year to the performers who bought permits, so it's hoped the community will warmly embrace the buskers.
To sign up to become a busker, fill out and submit an application, available at www.chilliwack.com. An appointment will then be set up for buskers to perform an audition in front of a panel for up to five minutes.
Once approved, the entertainer is welcome to perform in pre-approved locations around the downtown, and accept donations from the community.
Details about applying for a street entertainer permit are at www.chilliwack.com/busker
Buskers who have already paid for a permit in 2014, are asked to contact Corporate Services at 604-792-9311 to obtain a refund before the June 30 deadline.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
Twitter.com/chwkjourno