A new voluntary code of practice for Dublin’s street performers was launched today, but what exactly will it mean to the lad dressed as James Joyce and the bloke who carves a dog – and only a dog – in sand.
Is this the end of Dublin’s street performers?
Thankfully for some – sadly for others – Dublin’s street performers aren’t going anywhere. This new voluntary code won’t see your favourite professional or out-of-work performers hitting the highway anytime soon. The code aims to make buskers and performers less of a nuisance to the local businesses and to the rest of us. So this code lark could actually be a good thing for the city.
Oh right. So what is this code thing all about then?
It’s a ‘code of practice’ that has been proposed by Dublin’s street performers and then developed with local traders and Dublin City Council. So basically, it’s not as if it’s a new harsh law that’s been forced upon the buskers. They’ve helped to iron out the issues alongside the Council and the local businesses, so everyone is happy – in theory.
It always makes sense in theory… So what exactly is in this code of practice?
Well the code focuses on 17 different aspects of street performing. These include volume, amp free zones, proximity to each other, proximity to businesses, pitch ethics, silent acts, behaviour, merchandise, performance times, crowd control, repertoire, drum kits, repeat offenders, health and safety, respecting the code, the benefits of respecting the code and what to do with new or overseas performers. As you can see, it covers everything you can think of and plenty of things you never thought of.
Amp free zones? Pitch ethics? These sounds like the rules of engagement, not a street performers code…
Well it might look like a list of rules as long as your arm, but it’s in everyone’s best interest to adhere to the rules. Speaking about the code, Dublin City Council Arts Officer, Ray Yeates said, “This voluntary code honours the unique contribution that buskers make to city life while asking them to respect their fellow citizens and adjoining businesses. The code is for everyone to adopt and discuss and in three months time it will be reviewed by Council as to its workability and enforcement.”
The code is going to do wonders for actual performers who find it hard to do their day job when there’s 30 other have-a-go heroes trying to steal the limelight. Local businesses will also be delighted when (and if) the new code passes all the tests.
Wait, so it’s not in effect now?
Well, it is, but it will be reviewed in three months time to see if there’s anything that could be changed to make it better. So until then buskers and street performers will have to be on their best behaviour.
Is there anything in there about banning ‘Wonderwall’?
No, not yet, but the rules do state that every performer must have at least 20 songs they can do.
Some of them will be struggling then. If I was thinking of heading out myself to do my extensive range of Daniel O’Donnell covers, where can I check out the rules?
You can find all that stuff over on the dublincity.ie website.
