Isn't it time something was done to limit the proliferation of buskers on Grafton Street?
The crowds which gather around them, blocking the street every few yards, are an inconvenience to both visitors and shoppers and the volume of amplified sound is often unacceptably high. Unlike casual traders they pay no licence fee, are illegal and cause a nuisance - and an opportunity for pickpockets. - Yours, etc.,
I agree its time something was done to limit the number and volume of buskers on the street, and believe me its happening right now. I am, however offended by your biased and unfair treatment of buskers in this post.
ReplyDeleteBusking is not the evil you make it out to be, though problems do exist. Buskers also contribute positively to the surrounding atmosphere and give tourists and locals alike a better experience of a city.
What do you imagine the city being like with the only ambient sound being traffic? If loud busses, angry horns and rampant taxi sounds are to your taste, well at least think about the countless thousands who enjoy a bit of cultural diversity.
If you are stopping to watch/listen to a busker, it means there is something compelling enough about the act to stop you from your task. This is a very difficult thing to do for one, but also it is an incredible opportunity for the observer to be taken out of their world and given an entirely new experience, which could change the course of their life forever.
For the record, busking is not precisely 'illegal', just there has been no law made for it in Ireland yet. Tecnically, it is still classed as begging, though the Gardai (or anyone else with the ability to consider the whole picture,for that matter) see it like that.
Yes, buskers are loud, this needs to be sorted, for everyones benefit. Yes they (sometimes) block the street. Yes there are more buskers than Grafton street can handle. Yes they cause a nuisance (but also a great service, and there are plenty of other things that cause nuisances). Yes, pickpockets are attracted to crowds(though this is not the buskers themselves, and one should (and will be by way of signage in the near future) be aware of this, and make adequate precautions.
Thank you for your post. It gave me something to write about, and maybe I'll have enlightened you somewhat. I am a busker, well street performer, and I can tell you from my heart that I've inspired people to do good things for themselves and made thousands of people very happy through my art. I challenge you to do the same
To be honest I would have expected more respect for the arts which contribute so much to our culture and economy from NCAD and UCD architects.
Hi Brian,
DeleteThe above post is from a letter to the Irish Times and does not reflect the opinions of the creators of this blog. The blog is a forum for people to leave there memories of Grafton Street, this just happened to be a negative one.
I agree with you that buskers and street performers are very important to the atmosphere of the street.
Thanks for your comment.
Ah, well that clears that up. Apologies for my ignorance. I have replaced my respect for the creators of the blog then, and added a notch for speedy response ;) Thanks.
Deletestill stand by my arguments tho! :D
I take it you guys are putting in a proposal to the DCC for tomorrow? I'm also putting one in specifically about street performing and busking. Would have been great to have a chat with ye about this had we met before. Would be interested in your ideas, nonetheless!
DeleteAs a fellow street performer I know it is usually not my fault for blocking the street, but the bad planning and layout of the street furniture.
ReplyDeleteI remember busking with Glen Hanson on Grafton street, what a nuisance he turn out to be. I think he might also have been drunk, because he was having a great time and he didn't notice me lifting his wallet.
ReplyDelete