The government will allow street performers to show their talents in three designated areas – the Taipa-Houses Museum, Mount Fortress Garden and Anim’Arte Nam Van – starting from November 11, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) announced yesterday during a press conference at the Macau Tea Culture House.
Addressing the press conference, IC Vice-President Leung Hio Ming said the bureau will launch a programme which aims to provide a platform for artistic performances and help develop Macau into world centre of tourism and leisure by allowing street performers to entertain an audience legally.
Leung said all performers, locals or those who possess documents showing that they stay legally in Macau, of any age of at least 18, will be able to join the programme and perform in the Taipa-Houses Museum quarter, Mount Fortress Garden and Anim’Arte Nam Van from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.respectively on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Leung added that those aged between 14 and 17 are allowed to take part in the programme if they submit a consent form by a parent or guardian to the bureau.
Asked by reporters how the artistes could show their talents when they are not allowed to perform whenever and wherever they want, Leung said the bureau had already discussed the matter with the performers, including some from overseas.
“They [non-local artistes] told us that many places have time restrictions on performing times…Therefore, we [the bureau] will see whether we need to change the rule later,” Leung replied.
According to Leung, street performers are required to apply for a card issued by the bureau starting from November 7 to join the programme. They also have to submit photos or videos showing their performance. The card will be issued to the applicants after three days, after the verification process is completed.
According to Leung, the street performers have to register in person on a first-come-first-served basis at any of the three locations before their performance. Then they can perform for two hours at each location per day. If they want to perform at the same location again on the same day, they have to wait four hours.
The performers are allowed to receive monetary rewards from their audience. However, they cannot take the initiative to ask for money, Leung said.
Leung stressed that the bureau only provides a platform for artistes to perform, adding that the performers are prohibited from holding any commercial, religious or political activities during their performances.
The bureau will announce details of the programme on Tuesday. Artistes can apply for the programme from November 7. All those who got the green light from the bureau may entertain the public at the three locations from November 11.
(Macau News / The Macau Post Daily)
