Street art has been a part of the scene in the Chinese world and elsewhere since ancient times. Artistic activities were not limited to certain places in a city. In promoting the legalization of street performances, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Taipei City Government is in fact only lifting restrictions imposed on public space by the government and returning it to the public. The department is working to re-create cultural life and free the artistic environment, in the hope that art will come down from its ivory tower and reawaken the public's natural desire for art.
The regulation regarding street entertainers officially took effect on April 27, 2005. The regulation stipulates that any street performance groups and individual entertainers who are granted a license can perform their art in the capital city, including areas inside the mass rapid transit system and in public parks.
At first, Taipei used a review-based system for street performers. However, in light of the face that in many Western countries street performances emphasize respect for individual artistic freedom and preferences, and that artistic and cultural activities in public spaces have become the norm, the review system was phased out. In order to foster a more diverse urban arts and culture landscape that was more performer-friendly, the next step was to transition to a registration-based system. This new policy officially took effect in March 2021. To apply, visit the “Taipei Street Performer Registration and Performance Application Platform” (臺北市街頭藝人登記及展演申請平台). https://tpbusker.gov.taipei/index.aspx
As of 2024, Taipei City offers around 250 performance spots across 74 locations. Since March 1, 2022, street performers in Keelung, New Taipei, Taipei, and Taoyuan have been able to share license data across all four municipalities. Once their application is complete, performers can apply to showcase their art in any of the designated venues within these cities.
▉For the latest information on available performance venues, visit https://tpbusker.gov.taipei/place.aspx
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