Department of Cultural Affairs

By Psyche Cho
Staff Reporter

250 groups of versatile street artists-to-be from here and abroad gathered in National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall May 27 for a license test held by the Taipei City Government.

During the day-long event a varied assortment of performances successfully attracted passers-by to stop and enjoy, including acrobatics, magic tricks, live art, music and handmade toys, just to name a few of the many talents on show.

In all, 48 groups obtained licenses to perform on streets from other local governments. Besides the newcomers in the crowd there were some teams with richer experience like Herb Jazz, a band which has performed on TV shows, singers who have already released albums, and impersonators who were well also striving to pass the license test.

Among the participants, a couple at their 70s presented a series of handmade toys popular in earlier days such as paper dolls, quilt patchwork, twisted balloons, and miniature flour figurines, to show their creativity in crafts.

The test also drew some international entertainers like Italian exchange student Lvisa Zanotto, who presented a crystal ball magic show; a Japanese student who did a bit of acrobatics with three soccer balls; and a Macanese who tried to win the judges' favor with a yoyo routine.  

Since the test was initiated in 2005, more than 1,191 licenses have been issued so far. Street entertainers holding a license can perform in Taipei City for two years and are required to renew their license after that period.

Participants were divided into three categories of performance art, visual art and creative craftsmanship. The test is held twice a year in May and November, and those who are interested and 16 or older can sign up for the test in April and October respectively.

The test results will be announced in mid-June on the website of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Taipei City Government.