Busking and street performance
The City of Hobart Busking and Street Performance Program aims to create more vibrant and appealing public spaces throughout Hobart by increasing opportunities for informal performances and creative expression.
The City defines busking or street performance as the act of performing in a public place, often, but not always, in exchange for money.
The program allows buskers and street performers holding a permit from the City of Hobart, to perform at designated locations throughout the Hobart local government area. These locations include a mix of city and suburban shopping precincts, along with a selection of parks
We encourage all members of our creative community to apply and participate in the program, performers of all ages are welcome.
We look forward to receiving your application and seeing you out on the streets of Hobart!
Busking and Street Performance Program guidelines(PDF, 4MB)
Performance times, days and group numbers
Performances are permitted during the following hours:
- Weekdays - 8 am to 8 pm
- Saturdays - 10 am to 8 pm
- Sundays - 10 am to 6 pm
There are limits on the size of groups permitted to perform together and all performers in a group need to have their own permit.
In Elizabeth Street Mall, Wellington Court, and City of Hobart parks, four permit holders are allowed to perform together. At all other locations the limit is two.
Please refer to the guidelines document(PDF, 4MB) for further details.
Amplification
There are five locations within the program that electronically amplified instruments are allowed:
- Franklin Square
- Railway Roundabout
- University Rose Gardens
- Legacy Park
- Morrison Street (between the hours of 5 pm and 8 pm, Monday to Saturday).
Amplification must be battery operated and the permit holder is not permitted to plug into any power source that may be in the vicinity.
Please refer to the guidelines document(PDF, 4MB) for further details.
How to apply
Please follow the link below to apply for a permit.
Apply now
Please allow five business days to process your application, and potentially longer if we need to contact you for further details.
Permits are valid for one year from the date of issue.
Sample of work
You will be asked to provide a sample of your work as part of your application. This is so we can better understand the performers that are a part of our program. You can provide this sample through one of the following ways:
- link to your music or performance on your website
- link to your music online
- link to your music or performance on YouTube, Vimeo or similar platform
- copy of a CD or DVD of your music or performance (this can be dropped off at the Customer Service Centre)
- testimonial from your music or performance teacher (this does not have to be lengthy, a confirmation that you are a student is sufficient).
The City of Hobart will not store or download any of the online material you submit as part of your application. For information on how the City of Hobart manages, handles and protects personal information, please refer to the Privacy Statement and Policy.
CDs or DVDs can be left at the City of Hobart, Customer Service Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart marked 'Attention: Activation Programs and Tourism Unit – Busking and Street Performance'. All CDs or DVDs will be returned after your application has been assessed.
If none of these options are possible, you can make an appointment with a member of the team to review your music or performance in person. Please indicate this on your application and they will be in touch.
Contact
For further information or queries please contact the City of Hobart Activation Programs and Tourism Unit at cityactivation@hobartcity.com.au or phone 03 6238 2890 during business hours.