Only
registered buskers are permitted to perform on Granville Island.
a) Buskers must demonstrate a reasonable degree of proficiency in
their performances. Granville Island Cultural Society (hereinafter
referred to as "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 Buskers will
be required to audition at GICS' convenience before receiving consideration
to perform again on Granville Island.
b) Buskers must have a neat and clean appearance.
c) Buskers must be entertaining in their own right and include, but
are not limited to musicians, dancers, jugglers, magicians and circle
shows. Buskers, 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) Buskers 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) Buskers under the age of 16 years must have a responsible adult
accompanying them at all times while performing on Granville Island.
f) Buskers must bring their valid pass to the outdoor lottery and
clearly display a pass during all performances.
g) Buskers 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. Such suspension
to be determined at the discretion of GICS.
h) Buskers must ensure that they are legally permitted to perform
in Canada and obtain all permits, clearances, licenses, and performance
rights to material presented.
i) Buskers must abide by the City of Vancouver Noise by-law.
j) Buskers must fully cooperate with their fellow Buskers, merchants
and GICS staff and not interfere with, obstruct or inconvenience the
performances of another registered busker.
k) Buskers 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) Buskers must acknowledge that the safety and enjoyment of the public
is of paramount concern and must always ensure their performance does
not directly or indirectly compromise the safety and enjoyment of
Granville Island visitors.
m) Buskers 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) Buskers may not sell or distribute products or merchandise without
GICS' permission. Permission will only be granted for the sale of
recordings of the busker's own work available for sale only during
their performance.
o) Buskers 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) Buskers must not 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 (see attached). 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.
Buskers must apply annually to
busk on Granville Island. Buskers will be granted permission in the
form of a pass. Passes are valid for one year from May 1, 2009 until
April 30, 2010. A non-refundable processing and registration fee must
be paid at the time of registration (Cash, Visa or MasterCard).
There are three different types of passes at three different prices.
1) Individual Acoustic Pass for $30 allows a busker to play at indoor
and outdoor acoustic locations only (Maps 1 and 3).
2) Individual All Access Pass for $50 allows a busker to perform at
any and all designated busking locations, both amplified and acoustic
(Map 2 for amplified locations). They may play acoustically at the
amplified locations but not amplified at the acoustic locations.
3) Group Pass for $110 for groups of 3 or more and is an outdoor only
pass. A group is 3 or more buskers 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.
Lost passes must be replaced, and are subject to a nonrefundable $15
processing and registration fee. Upgrading of the Acoustic pass to
an All Access Pass 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.
Buskers must present the registration fee, valid picture identification
and address confirmation when registering. Buskers 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 Buskers may
be asked to audition prior to applying for a pass.
3.0
INDOOR BUSKING - MAP 1
There are six 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) Buskers must have their Busker Pass visible to the public at all
times.
b) Prior to 9:30 AM each day, sign up sheets will be posted at each
indoor location.
c) Locations are available in 30-minute blocks from 9:30am to 7:00pm
with restrictions clearly noted. PLEASE NOTE: The Net Loft location
is only open from 11:00am until 5:00pm.
d) Buskers may sign-up for one 30-minute block per location per day.
e) 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 busker. For
no reason may a busker perform into the next 30-minute 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 busker's behalf.
h) No more than two buskers may perform together at any given indoor
location.
i) Locations are held for a maximum 10 minutes after the start time.
The location then becomes available to other Buskers.
j) Buskers who start late may not 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 immediately cancel, at their
discretion, any performance that is inappropriate or disruptive.
m) Locations may be occasionally unavailable for performances.
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, at GICS
discretion, be limited in their locations or asked to move outside
to busk.
p) Buskers who regularly draw too large a crowd or otherwise obstruct
or disrupt pedestrian movement or business activity will not be permitted
to perform at 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) Buskers are not permitted to use public seating areas, tables or
chairs for their performances.
s) Buskers 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 ACOUSTIC BUSKING
- MAP 2
There are seven outdoor, acoustic
busking locations on Granville Island. They include: The Island Entrance,
Kids Market Courtyard, Railspur Alley, Railspur Park, Amphitheatre
(at Ron Basford Park), Top of Aquabus Ramp/Public Market Courtyard
East, and Bridges Landing.
Locations are available in one-hour blocks from 11:00AM to 6:00PM.
The Island Entrance, Aquabus Ramp, and Bridges Landing are for non-musical
acts only.
a) Performers must have their
pass visible to the public at all times
b) Prior to 10am every morning the signup sheet for all acoustic outdoor
locations will be posted outside Festival House.
c) The Available spots are 1-hour locations from 11am-7pm with restrictions
clearly noted.
d) Performers may sign up for one spot per location per day.
e) Outdoor acoustic performances will start on the hour and be a maximum
of 45 minutes in length.
f) 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 performers behalf.
g) 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 hour time block.
h) Spots are reserved up to 15 minutes after the start time, after
which time the spot is available to other performers. In all cases,
the one show per location and instrument restrictions will apply.
i) Performers who sign up for spots and do not perform may lose their
sign up privileges
j) Changes to the posted schedule are to be made by GICS only.
k) GICS staff, Granville Island Public Market Coordinators and CMHC
representatives reserve the right to cancel, at their discretion,
any performance that is inappropriate or disruptive.
l) Locations may be unavailable on occasion due to other programming.
m) No amplifiers, pre recorded music, loud music or loud sounds are
permitted at the acoustic outdoor locations.
n) Performers who draw too large at crowd or otherwise obstruct or
disrupt pedestrian movement or business activity will not be permitted
to perform at these locations.
o) Buskers performing at any of the acoustic locations must respect
the businesses surrounding their performing area and keep volumes
low.
p) Performers are not permitted to use public seating tables or chairs
for performances.
q) Performers must accept all donations and may not aggressively request
donations.
r) Instrument and performance restrictions are subject to change without
notice.
s) Signage must be no larger than 11"x17". Inappropriate
signage will be removed at the discretion of GICS.
5.0
OUTDOOR AMPLIFIED BUSKING - MAP 3
There are six outdoor, amplified
busking locations on Granville Island. They include: Triangle Square,
The Market Courtyard, The Fire Lane, The Keg, Ocean Art Works and
The Ferry Landing.
Locations are available in one-hour blocks from 11:00AM to 7:00PM.
In other words, 8 blocks at each location are available each day
at the discretion of GICS.
The Keg, The Fire Lane, Ocean Artworks, and the Ferry Landing are
"Amplified Lite" locations. Please see Section 5.0 "Amplification"
for details.
The Triangle Square and Market Courtyard are pre-programmed on Saturdays,
Sundays and Holiday Mondays from May 17 through September 14; on
Fridays from 11:00am-3:00pm in June and from 11:00am-7:00pm 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 each day by lottery.
The lottery takes place at the Picnic Pavillion located next to
the Cat's Meow Restaurant. All Buskers who wish to play at the outdoor
amplified locations must attend the lottery at 10:00am. Numbers
are distributed to each busker. The numbers are then put in a hat
and drawn one at a time, until all the numbers are drawn. The busker
who draws the #1 picks one location, the busker who draws the #2
picks any other spot, and so on until all Buskers 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 locations both as individuals
and as members of a group.
c) Buskers who miss the sign up will not be allowed to sign up late.
d) Buskers must have their Busker Pass available to the public at
all times.
e) Buskers may not trade, switch, sell or exchange their number
or spot with another busker; doing so will result in both Buskers
losing their sign up privileges.
f) Any and all changes to the posted schedules are to be made only
by GICS.
g) Buskers who do not receive a spot may replace Buskers who miss
or give up their spot but are not assured of a spot.
h) Buskers who sign up for spots and do not perform may lose their
sign up privileges.
i) Outdoor performances must start on the hour and be a maximum
of 45 minutes in length.
j) Buskers may break their performance into sections or sets but
the total length of all sections or sets must not exceed 45 minutes.
k) 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 busker.
l) Locations are held for up to a maximum of 15 minutes after the
start time. The location then becomes available to other buskers.
Buskers 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.
m) Some instrument and performance restrictions apply. See Section
6.0 for details.
n) Buskers must ensure that the audience does not block or impede
traffic in any way. Buskers 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.
.
6.0
AMPLIFICATION
Amplification may be used outdoors,
at designated amplified locations only, and must be used with care
and consideration for 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 GICS
or CMHC decide that buskers are consistently playing too loud because
of their amplification, this privilege will be withdrawn.
There are two levels of amplification:
1) "Amplified Locations"- Sound Levels at Triangle Square
and The 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 and 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- 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.
Buskers 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 may result in
suspension of amplification privileges.
An independent three-hole punch system is used and three amplification
punches will result in the suspension of amplification privileges
for a week and every subsequent punch will result in another week's
suspension. 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. Absolutely no amplification is allowed.
7.0
INSTRUMENT AND PERFORMANCE RESTRICTIONS
Note: This list may be
added to at any time at GICS' discretion.
Set Lists: Buskers who routinely play three or more days per week
need to have three or more hours of repertoire performance-ready and
must conscientiously vary their sets daily to avoid repetition. Buskers
who perform less than three 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. Indoor buskers must be aware of the proximity
of the three market locations-Petit Ami, Pizza Pzazz and the Blue
Parrot and vary their sets between those locations. GICS reserves
the right to further limit repertoire at their discretion
Backing tracks: The concept of busking is not to create a CD studio
sound but a live experience. The use of backing tracks on Granville
Island will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Also, any act using
pre-recorded backing tracks may at GICS' discretion have the tracks
turned off at any time. 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 that backing tracks must enhance
but 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 three registered amplified flute artists
are allowed to perform year-round on Granville Island. 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 three flute acts per location
per day. Amplified flute performances may be further restricted during
SEGI. 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 are not required to audition
for one of the Amplified
Flute Passes.
Bagpipers: One pass is available to bagpipers. Performance locations
are limited to the Keg, Ocean Artworks and the Market Courtyard. 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
are 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
are 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.
8.0
SALES OF MUSICAL RECORDINGS
Buskers wishing to sell recordings
must complete the Sale of Musical Recordings form.
Buskers may only sell recordings of their own work, listed as 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 busker 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.
GICS will also sell copies of the CDs on behalf of buskers.
Buskers are responsible for ensuring they have acquired the necessary
rights, licenses, clearances and permission to sell recordings.
Buskers are required to collect and remit all taxes and fees arising
from the sale of recordings.
Buskers 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.
Buskers must not aggressively or frequently promote the sale of recordings.
Buskers must ensure the recordings offered for sale are of good and
lasting quality.
Buskers must offer customers a complete refund or replacement of defective
recordings.
GICS reserves the right to suspend sale of musical recording privileges
if a busker does not uphold the Guidelines.
Recordings left in GICS' office after a pass expires and not renewed
will automatically be donated to charity within six months from pass
expiry if not collected by the artist.
9.0
FIRE AND DANGEROUS PROPS
Buskers 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.
Buskers using fire must have an approved fire extinguisher in good
working order readily available and clearly visible to the audience
during performances.
Buskers must be familiar with first aid locations and emergency procedures.
Buskers are responsible for any injury or damage to persons or property.
Buskers using fire or dangerous props must complete a separate Fire
and Dangerous Props Declaration.
Electrical power may be available
at the outdoor stages.
Buskers need a 50' extension cord to play at some locations.
Buskers 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 CMHC.
GICS assumes no responsibility for any damage that may occur to a
Buskers' equipment-including damage or loss caused by interruption
of power or disconnection or removal of equipment.
If a busker notices a problem with the power, he/she should notify
GICS immediately in order to repair the problem.
11.0
ENFORCEMENT OF GUIDELINES
The Granville Island Buskers Busker
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.
The fourth punch will result in a one-week suspension and possible
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 become familiar with the rules
and guidelines.
Certain behaviour will result in immediate suspension, or registration
restriction:
1. Physical or verbal abuse to anyone on Granville Island, including
fellow Buskers
2. Any inappropriate or dangerous behavior or performance
Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to: swearing,
yelling, intoxication, intimidation, belligerence, harassment, manipulation
etc. Buskers may receive permanent suspension of performance privileges
if they show continued disrespect for the program.
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 GICS at 604-683-0846. GICS 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 its discretion.
Buskers 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 and weekends are by appointment only.
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