1.0 GENERAL GUIDELINES
FOR ALL PERFORMERS
Only registered performing artists are permitted to
busk on Granville Island.
A. Performers must demonstrate a reasonable degree
of proficiency in their performances. GICS reserves the right to determine the
standard of proficiency and suspend performing privileges if complaints regarding
a busker are received and/or if the busker is unable to consistently maintain
the necessary standard. Suspended performers will be required to audition at GICS'
convenience before receiving consideration to perform again on Granville Island.
B. Performers must have a neat and clean appearance.
C. Performing artists
must be entertaining in their own right and include, but are not limited to musicians,
dancers, jugglers, magicians and circle shows. Performing artists, for the purpose
of these guidelines, do not include face painters, portrait artists, painters,
crafts people, etc., or any person or artist who provides a service or produces
a product.
D. Performers under the age of 18 years must be present during
registration and must also have a parent or guardian present when registering
and the parent or guardian must cosign the registration form.
E. Performers
under the age of 16 years must have a responsible adult accompanying them at all
times while performing on Granville Island.
F. Performers must bring their
valid pass to the outdoor lottery and clearly display a pass during all performances.
G. Performers must conduct themselves in a safe, professional and cooperative
manner and abide by the Busker Guidelines in order to receive and maintain permission
to perform on Granville Island. Undesirable conduct or failure to uphold the Busker
Guidelines will lead to temporary or permanent suspension of performing privileges,
to be determined at the discretion of GICS.
H. Performers must ensure that
they are legally permitted to perform in Canada and obtain all permits, clearances,
licenses, and performance rights to material presented.
I. Performers must
abide by the City of Vancouver Noise by-law.
J. Performers must fully cooperate
with their fellow performers, merchants and GICS staff and not interfere with,
obstruct or inconvenience the performances of another registered performer.
K. Performers acknowledge that they are performing for a family audience and must
refrain from the use of lewd or offensive conduct or language in the course of
their performances.
L. Performers must acknowledge that the safety and enjoyment
of the public is of paramount concern and must always ensure their performance
doesn't directly or indirectly compromise the safety and enjoyment of Granville
Island visitors.
M. Performers may receive donations for their performances,
but must not charge a minimum or set fee for performances. Aggressive or persistent
solicitation of donations is not permitted.
N. Performers may not sell or
distribute products or merchandise without GICS' permission. Permission will only
be granted for the sale of recordings of the performer's own work available for
sale only during their performance
O. Performers may not advertise, endorse
or promote products or sponsors without the written permission of GICS. Signs,
banners or displays that are not integral to the performance are not permitted.
GICS reserves the right to remove any sign, banner or display that obstructs or
interferes with pedestrian or traffic circulation, interferes with normal business
activity or obstructs views or other signs.
P. Performers mustn't act or represent
themselves as agents or employees of Granville Island.
Q. Performances shall
only occur on the designated spots shown on Map 1, Map 2 or Map 3. Only quieter,
non-amplified unobtrusive performances are permitted at the acoustic locations.
GICS reserves the right to restrict the locations and times available. GICS will
provide reasonable advance notification of closures whenever possible.
R.
GICS reserves the right to halt performances that restrict or disrupt the normal
business activity, safety or enjoyment of Granville Island for merchants, customers
and visitors.
S. The BUSKER agrees to indemnify and save harmless the Granville
Island Cultural Society and CMHC Granville Island from all costs, loss, damages,
proceedings, actions, claims, demands and expenses incurred by the BUSKER and
sustained or caused by or arising out of the BUSKERS performance and behaviour
on Granville Island.
2.0 ANNUAL REGISTRATION
Performers
must annually apply to busk on Granville Island. Performers will be granted permission,
in the form of a pass. Passes are valid for one year from May 1, 2007 until April
30, 2008. A non-refundable processing and registration fee must be paid in cash
at the time of registration.
There are three different types of passes at
three different prices. 1) An individual acoustic pass for $30. 2) An individual
amplified pass for $50. 3) A Group pass for $110. (For groups of 3 or more).
An Acoustic Pass allows a performer to play at indoor and outdoor acoustic locations
only (see Map 1 and 3). An Amplified Pass allows a performer to perform at both
amplified and acoustic locations (see Map 2 for amplified locations). They may
play acoustically at the amplified locations but not amplified at the acoustic
locations. Lost passes must be replaced, and are subject to a nonrefundable, $15
processing and registration fee. Upgrading of the Acoustic pass to play amplified
is available at an administrative charge of $25. Passes are not transferable.
GICS reserves the right to limit the total number of passes available. Passes
may also be restricted for certain instruments and performance types.
Performers
must present the registration fee, valid picture identification and address confirmation
when registering. Performers must ensure that all registration information remains
current and notify GICS of changes to address or telephone numbers. GICS reserves
the right to deny registration without valid identification. At GICS' discretion,
some performers may be asked to audition prior to applying for a pass.
Group
Passes are available. This is an outdoor only pass and is $110. A group is 3 or
more performers who perform as a group but never separately. Groups whose members
wish to have the option to perform in different configurations (i.e. As individuals
and other times as a group) must purchase individual passes for all group members
instead of purchasing a single group pass.
3.0 INDOOR BUSKING
There are 6 indoor Busking locations, Petit Ami, Pizza Pzazz, Blue Parrot, Market
Grill, A La Mode, and The Net Loft. (See map). Only silent acts may perform at
A La Mode.
A. Performers must have their Busking Pass visible to the public
at all times.
B. Prior to 9:30 AM each day, signs will be posted at each indoor
location.
C. The available spots are 30-minute blocks from 9:30am to 7:00pm,
with restrictions clearly noted. The Net Loft location is generally open from
11:00am until 5:00pm only.
D. Performers may sign-up for one spot per location
per day.
E. Indoor performances shall be a maximum of 30-minutes in length,
including time for set up and take down of props and instruments.
F. All
props and equipment must be set up and completely removed from the locations within
the time block allocated to that performer. For no reason may a busker perform
into the next half-hour time block.
G. Sign-up is in person only. Spots are
available on a "first-come, first-serve basis." Agents or representatives
are not eligible to sign-up on a performer's behalf.
H. No more than two
buskers may perform together at any given indoor location.
I. Spots are reserved
for up to 10 minutes after the start time, after which, the spot becomes available
to other performers.
J. Performers who start late cannot perform beyond the
end of the time block, even if that means they perform less than 30 minutes total.
K. Changes to the posted schedule are to be made by GICS only.
L. Granville
Island Public Market Coordinators, GICS staff, and CMHC representatives reserve
the right to cancel, at their discretion, any performance that is inappropriate
or disruptive.
M. Locations may be unavailable for performances from time
to time.
N. No amplifiers, pre-recorded music, loud music or loud sounds
are permitted indoors.
O. Buskers who receive repeated volume and noise complaints
without resolution, or an active attempt to resolve the issue, may be asked to
move outside to busk, at GICS discretion.
P. Performers who draw too large
a crowd or otherwise obstruct or disrupt pedestrian movement or business activity
will not be permitted to perform in the indoor locations.
Q. Buskers performing
at any of the indoor locations must respect the businesses surrounding their performing
area and keep volumes low.
R. Performers are not permitted to use public
seating areas, tables or chairs for their performances.
S. Performers must
accept all donations but may not aggressively request donations.
T. Signage
must be no larger than 11"x17." Inappropriate signage will be removed
at the discretion of GICS.
U. Some instrument and performance restrictions
apply. See page 5 for details.
4.0 OUTDOOR AMPLIFIED BUSKING
There are 6 outdoor, amplified busking locations on Granville Island. They include:
Triangle Square, The Market Courtyard, The Fire Lane, The Keg, Ocean Art Works,
The Ferry Landing.
The available spots are one-hour blocks from 11:00AM to
7:00PM. In other words, 8 spots at each pitch are available each day, with some
exceptions.
The Keg, The Fire Lane, Ocean Artworks, and the Ferry Landing
are "Amplified Lite" locations. Please see Section 5.0 "Amplification,"
below for details.
The Triangle Square and Market Courtyard are pre-programmed
on Saturdays, Sundays and Holiday Mondays from May 19, 2007 through September
17, 2007, and on Fridays from 11:00am-3:00pm in June and all day in July and August.
For more information, please see the Summer Entertainment on Granville Island
(SEGI) Program information pages.
The Outdoor amplified locations are selected
every day through a lottery. The lottery takes place at the Covered Picnic Area,
located next to the Cat's Meow Restaurant. All Performers who wish to play outside
at the amplified locations must come to the lottery at 10:00am. Numbers are distributed
to each performer. The numbers will then be put in a hat and drawn one at a time,
until all the numbers are drawn. The performer who draws the #1 picks one spot,
the performer who draws the #2 picks any other spot, and so on until all performers
have picked one spot. It then goes back to #1 to select a second spot, and so
on until the spots are taken.
A. Sign-up is in person only. One member may
represent groups. You must show your valid Busker pass to be allowed to draw.
B. Individuals are not permitted to select spots both as individuals and as members
of a group.
C. Performers who miss the sign up will not be signed up late.
D. Performers may not trade, switch, sell or exchange their number or spot with
another performer; doing so will result in both performers losing their sign up
privileges.
E. Any and all changes to the posted schedules are made only
by GICS.
F. Performers who do not receive a spot may replace performers who
miss or give up their spot but are not assured of a spot.
G. Performers who
sign up for spots and do not perform may lose their sign up privileges.
H.
Outdoor performances shall start on the hour and be a maximum of 45 minutes in
length.
I. Performers may break their performance into sections or sets,
but the total length of all sections or sets must not exceed 45 minutes.
J.
All props and equipment must be completely removed from the stage and seating
areas at the end of each performance. All props and equipment must be setup and
removed within the time allocated to that performer.
K. Spots are reserved
up to 15 minutes after the start-time, after which time the spot is available
to other performers. Performers wishing to use unclaimed spots must contact GICS
604-683-0846 prior to performing. In all cases, the one-show-per-location and
instrument restrictions will apply.
L. Some instrument and performance restrictions
apply. See page 5 for details.
M. Performers must ensure that the audience
does not block or impede traffic in any way. Performers must actively move people
forward, and off the roadway, throughout the entire performance. Groups or individuals
not respecting this guideline will be prohibited from performing. A non-performing
member of the group may be needed to ensure that the audience does not occupy
the roadway.
5.0 AMPLIFICATION
Amplification
may be used outdoors, at designated amplified pitches only, and must be used with
care and consideration of the visitors, tenants and nearby residents of Granville
Island. We abide by the City of Vancouver Noise by-laws. Amplification is a privilege
on Granville Island. Should the Granville Island Cultural Society or CMHC decide
that buskers are consistently playing too loud because of their amplification,
there will be no more amplification permitted.
There are 2 levels of amplification:
1) "Amplified Locations"- Sound Levels at Triangle Square and the Public
Market Courtyard will be set by the decibel meter at 70-75 dB, at 6 metres, with
the range being between 65-80 dB, to allow for high & low notes.
2) "Amplified
Lite Locations"-Sound Levels at the Keg, Ocean Artworks, the Fire Lane and
Ferry Landing will be set by the decibel meter between 65 and 70 dB, at 6 metres,
and the maximum being 75 dB, to accommodate the businesses that work around these
locations and the way that the sound travels.
Buskers wanting to be amplified
will have their levels set at two locations, one from each of the Amplified and
Amplified Lite locations. Changing of Amplification Equipment will require a new
level set.
Performers must comply with the requests of GICS to reduce their
volume. Periodic monitoring of sound levels with a decibel meter will be conducted
to ensure reasonable levels. Repeated amplification infractions will be dealt
with independently of other infractions and will result in suspension of amplification
privileges.
An independent three-hole punch system will be used and three
amplification punches will result in the suspension of amplification privileges
for a week and every subsequent punch for another week. Continued amplification
infractions may result in suspension of amplification privileges for the season.
Acoustic Locations The levels at the new Acoustic Locations will be monitored
on an ongoing basis with absolutely no amplification allowed.
6.0
INSTRUMENT AND PERFORMANCE RESTRICTIONS
Note: This list may be added to
at GICS' discretion at any time.
Set Lists: Buskers who routinely play 3
or more days per week need to have 3 or more hours of repertoire performance-ready
and must conscientiously vary their sets daily to avoid repetition. Buskers who
perform less than 3 days per week must continue to expand their repertoire and
may not play the same song more than once in a half-hour or hour period. GICS
reserves the right to further limit songs at their discretion
Backing tracks:
The concept of busking is not to create a CD studio sound, but a live experience.
Whether backing tracks will be allowed on Granville Island will be determined
on a case-by-case basis. Also, any acts using pre-recorded backing tracks may
have the tracks turned off at any time, at GICS' discretion. A diverse sampling
of backing tracks to be used must be submitted for approval by GICS. The parameters
followed will include but not be limited to: Backing Tracks must enhance not create
the musical experience. They must be original and created by the user. They cannot
overpower the live musician. They must fill out the sound rather than create it.
They must focus on the person not the tracks. They cannot be instrument style
karaoke where the instrument plays over a song.
Psychics and tarot card readers:
Busking passes for these and other 'intuitive arts' are not available.
Amplified
flute artists: Only 3 registered amplified flute artists are allowed to perform
year-round on Granville Island. They are selected through an annual spring audition
process. Each act and repertoire must be unique from the rest, and precedence
may be given to those acts whose repertoire contains a greater percentage of unique
or original music. Precedence may also be given to those acts that use more minimal,
or fewer, backing tracks. The standard set by the audition performance must be
maintained throughout the year. If all three passes are taken, there will be no
more available that year unless one is permanently released. Amplified flutes
may not play back to back at any location. There is a maximum of 3 flute acts
per spot per day. Amplified flute performances may be further restricted during
SEGI, and touring flute-based acts may be accommodated, at GICS' discretion.
Secondary flute artists: Those artists who use an amplified flute in less than
50 percent of their repertoire will not be required to audition for one of the
Amplified Flute Passes.
Highland Bagpipers: One pass is available to bagpipers.
Performance locations are limited to the Keg, Ocean Artworks and the Market Courtyard
only. (Ocean Artworks is only available for bagpiping on weekends and holidays).
If the one pass is taken, there will be no more available until that pass is released.
Smallpipes may be accepted on a case-by-case basis at GICS' discretion.
Electronic
and other types of keyboards are not permitted at any indoor locations.
Didgeridoos
are not permitted to play at any of the indoor locations.
Violins: Violins
and fiddles may not play back to back at any location, indoor or outdoor.
Accordion locations may be restricted, at GICS' discretion.
Drums: Hand and
kit drums are limited at GICS' discretion at all outdoors performance locations.
Steel drums are not permitted on Granville Island.
Roving Performance Artists-Due
to the unique nature of Rovers, they will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis
at GICS discretion. Please contact the Busker office for more information.
Statue Performance Artists: Due to the unique nature of Statues they will be dealt
with on a case-by-case basis at GICS discretion. Please contact the Busker office
for more information.
Balloon Performance Artists: Balloon performance artists
must follow all the regular guidelines outlined for all buskers in terms of performance
opportunities, time constraints and locations. No fixed price may be charged for
balloon creations. All donations, regardless of the amount, must be accepted without
comment. No other product or item other than balloons can be offered. Balloon
performance artists must have a selection of "freebie" balloon art as
well as more complex designs. They must ensure the busking areas remain clean.
Artists are not permitted to use public seating areas, tables or chairs for their
performances. Balloon performance artists are not permitted to approach visitors
in the seating areas. A balloon performance artist pass does not guarantee balloon
distribution exclusivity.
7.0 SALES OF MUSICAL RECORDINGS
Performers wishing to sell recordings must complete the Sale of Musical Recordings
form.
Performers may only sell recordings of their own work, listed on the
Sale of Musical Recordings form.
Groups or bands may only sell work of the
registered group or band.
Compilations of artists will only be permitted
if the performer makes a significant contribution to the entire collection.
One copy of each recording must be left with GICS, prior to sales commencing,
to replace defective products and ensure originality.
Performers are responsible
for ensuring they have acquired the necessary rights, licenses, clearances, and
permission to sell the recordings.
Performers are required to collect and
remit all taxes and fees arising from the sale of recordings.
Performers
may only offer recordings for sale during their performances. Sale of recordings
must be subtle and inconspicuous, must not be aggressive and must be passive in
nature. Only small displays may be used.
Performers must not aggressively
or frequently promote the sale of recordings.
Performers must ensure the
recordings offered for sale are of good and lasting quality.
Performers must
offer customers a complete refund or replacement of defective recordings.
GICS reserves the right to suspend sale of musical recording privileges if a performer
does not uphold the Guidelines.
Recordings left in GICS' office after a pass
expires and is not renewed will automatically be donated to charity if not collected
by the artist within 6 months from pass expiry.
8.0 FIRE AND DANGEROUS
PROPS
Performers must demonstrate a high level of skill and control when
handling, juggling or using fire or dangerous props.
GICS reserves the right
to refuse permission to perform or halt a performance if the use is considered
unsafe.
Under no circumstances can fire or dangerous props be used in indoor
performance locations.
A defined separation of 3 to 5 meters or more must
be created and maintained between the performance and audience when fire or dangerous
props are used.
Gasoline may not be used as a fuel.
Performers using
fire must have an approved fire extinguisher in good working order readily available
and clearly visible to the audience during performances.
Performers must
be familiar with first aid locations and emergency procedures. Performers are
responsible for any injury or damage to persons or property.
Performers using
fire or dangerous props must complete a separate Fire and Dangerous Props Declaration.
9.0
ELECTRICAL POWER
Electrical power may be available at the outdoor stages.
Performers need a 50' extension cord to play at some locations.
Performers
must ensure that their equipment, cables and cords meet current safety standards.
Cords or other equipment must not cross roadways or in any way interfere
with the safe and convenient movement of pedestrians. Cords may not directly cross
a pedestrian walkway.
Cords and cables should be taped down to prevent accidents.
GICS reserves the right to disconnect any equipment that is likely to cause
injury or damage.
Power may not be available due to maintenance, repairs or
safety concerns. Power is available only at the discretion of Granville Island.
GICS assumes no responsibility for any damage that may occur with a performers'
equipment, including damage or loss caused by interruption of power or disconnection
or removal of equipment.
If a performer notices a problem with the power,
she/he should notify GICS immediately in order to repair the problem.
10.0 ENFORCEMENT OF GUIDELINES
The Granville Island Buskers Performer
Guidelines will be enforced by a three-punch system. Each time a busker breaks
a rule, the busker will have his/her busking pass hole punched.
Amplification
infractions will be dealt with in a separate manner that is outlined under section
5.0 Amplification.
For all other infractions, once a busker acquires three
punches in his/her card, the busker will be suspended for one week. The busker
will not be reinstated until they have met with the Busker Coordinator or a GICS
representative. It is the responsibility of the suspended busker to schedule the
meeting.
Each additional punch after three will result in a one-week suspension
and possibly revocation of the pass and performance privileges altogether. Any
and all levels of guideline enforcement are entirely at GICS' discretion. It is
important that buskers read and understand all of the busking guidelines.
It is the busker's responsibility to know the rules the busker has to follow.
Certain behaviour will result in immediate suspension, or registration restriction:
1. Physical or verbal abuse to anyone on Granville Island, including fellow performers
2. Any inappropriate or dangerous behavior or performance
Inappropriate behavior
includes, but is not limited to: Swearing, Yelling, Intoxication, Intimidation,
Belligerence, Harassment, Manipulation etc. Performers may receive permanent suspension
of performance privileges if they show continued disrespect for the program.
11.0 BUSKER MANAGEMENT
Granville Island Cultural Society (GICS) manages
the Granville Island Buskers Program on behalf of CMHC-Granville Island. All queries
and concerns about busking performances on Granville Island should be directed
to Granville Island Cultural Society at 604-683-0846. Granville Island Cultural
Society retains the right to change or amend the Guidelines at its own discretion.
Granville Island Cultural Society also reserves the right to refuse to issue a
pass to an individual or group at their discretion.
Performers may pass on
their kudos, comments and concerns to
Granville Island Cultural Society at
604-683-0846
Or by mail to 101-1398 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6H
3R8
Or email: gibuskers@telus.net
Regular office hours are Monday to
Friday 11:00am to 1:00pm. After 1:00pm is by appointment only.
What
is Busking 
