The Granville Island Busking Program regulations are available in PDF format as well as outlined here below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACOUSTIC PERFORMER REGULATIONS
AMPLIFIED PERFORMER REGULATIONS
CIRCLE SHOW / VARIETY ACT REGULATIONS
DANGEROUS PROPS
DESIGNATED SOUND LEVELS
GUIDELINES
INSTRUMENT/ PERFORMER LIMITATIONS
INTRODUCTION
LOCATIONS: Amplified
LOCATIONS: Indoor Acoustic
LOCATIONS: Outdoor Acoustic
LOCATIONS: Circle Show, Variety Act and Group Locations
THE MORNING DRAW
OBJECTIVES
PRICING
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
REGISTRATION
REGULATIONS
RESERVED SPOTS POLICY
RULE ENFORCEMENT
SEGI PROGRAM
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
_________________________________________
top
INTRODUCTION
What is Granville Island?
- A 35-acre plot of land
- A public amenity
- A historic district
- A busy, bustling area
- A family oriented oasis
- A community
It is recognized that
- The Island has a strong history of busking and buskers contribute to the character of the Island.
- Busking makes an important contribution to the cultural life of the Island.
Granville Island is proud of its reputation for supporting lively street culture and greatly values the diversity of entertainment that buskers provide in the public realm. Artistic and cultural life is integral to Granville Island’s creative environment as it encourages performers to showcase their craft. Granville Island is committed to providing a safe, accessible and culturally sensitive environment for all.
The Granville Island Busking Program welcomes local, national and international artists who specialize in creating accessible entertainment for all ages.
Granville Island recognizes the valuable contribution street entertainment and busking performances make to the life and vitality of the Island. It also recognizes the importance of having a structured policy framework in place to ensure that the ambience and appeal within the public realm is at the forefront. The Granville Island Busking Program provides this framework to assist performers, businesses and visitors in understanding the rules for busking.
Our aim is to establish an environment that encourages and enables a range of high-quality busking performances to thrive on Granville Island.
OBJECTIVESThe objectives of the Granville Island Busking Program are to:
- Support and encourage busking performances that enhance the vibrancy, vitality, diversity and ambience of the Island
- Provide certainty and self-regulation to buskers within a clearly understood, fair and transparent operating framework for managing busking activities
- Maintain the heritage of the Island’s identity as a cultural oasis and add to existing levels of public appeal
- Maximize positive feedback associated with the Busking Program
CMHC Granville Island manages the Granville Island Busking Program.
CMHC Granville Island retains the right to change or amend the Regulations at its own discretion at any time without prior notification. CMHC Granville Island also reserves the right to refuse to issue a licence to an individual or group at its own discretion and without further justification.
GUIDELINESWHAT IS BUSKING?
On Granville Island a busker is considered to be an entertainer who is actively providing a public performance in the public space in exchange for a donation.
Busking is defined as sounding or playing a musical instrument, singing, juggling, puppetry, mime, dancing or other entertainment or doing any of those things concurrently subject to the Regulations.
Types of busking performances include:
Performing with an instrument or multiple instruments, conventional or self-constructed
- Performing a song, dance routine, mime, clowning, juggling, puppetry, comedy, magic or living statue act
- Performing a Circle Show or Variety Act
- There are three types of licences available on Granville Island:
- Acoustic Only licence for non-amplified performers
- All Access licence for amplified performers and circle/ variety acts
- Group licence for groups of four or more performers (falls under the All Access licence regulations)
Busking licences will not be issued to individuals, clubs or companies wanting to promote their business or activities or fundraiser on behalf of another individual, organization or entity even if they are engaging in a public performance to do so. In addition, busking performances on Granville Island must not involve advertising, canvasing, political or religious issues, or rallying.
PROGRAM PRIORITIES:
- Quality
- Family oriented entertainment
- Variety of performers and performances
SUITABILITY OF PERFORMANCE
Busking must create a comfortable ambience in the public realm and contribute to the appeal of the public space.
DIVERSE AND ENGAGING
Busking must offer a variety of performances, positively engage passers-by and create a sense of interest and curiosity.
SAFETY AND AMBIANCE
The safety and security of crowds, pedestrians and visitors are significant considerations when assessing a busking application. A performance must not put the audience or the performer at risk of injury. Busking must provide a sense of safety and security at all times during the performance. It must not compromise the ambience of the area by way of excessive amplification or anti-social behaviour and must not put the audience or the performer at risk of injury.
ACCESSIBILITY
Busking must be integrated into the location in a way that does not compromise circulation requirements for other activities or pedestrian or traffic safety and ensures adequate clearances.
LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY
Buskers must demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in their performances. CMHC Granville Island reserves the right to determine the standard of proficiency and suspend performing privileges if the busker is unable to consistently maintain the necessary standard.
Buskers must vary their set lists daily to avoid repetition. Buskers may not play the same song more than once in each set. Also, Indoor buskers must be aware of the proximity of the three market locations (Petit Ami/ Kaisereck, Pizza Pzazz/Terra Breads and the Blue Parrot) and must vary their set lists between those locations. CMHC Granville Island reserves the right to further regulate repertoire at these locations.
Buskers who routinely play three or more days per week need to have three or more hours of performance-ready repertoire and must vary their set lists daily to avoid repetition.
LEGAL
Buskers must ensure that they are legally entitled to perform in Canada and obtain all permits, clearances, licences and performance rights to material presented.
MINORS
Buskers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present with them at the time of registration in order to co-sign the registration form. Buskers under the age of 16 must have a responsible adult with them at all times while performing on Granville Island.
PROFESSIONALISM
Effectiveness, Skill, Organization and Seriousness of Manner
The performer must ensure that their equipment is in good working order and sound levels are within set requirements. The performer must be punctual and prepared, and endeavour to communicate in a productive and cooperative manner. A professional performer will set high standards which inspire fellow artists to better themselves as well.
UNIQUENESS – Special, One-of-a-Kind Acts
The performer should possess a unique quality, subtle or dramatic, that gives them an interesting edge and makes them unlike other performers.
MANAGEMENT OF SOUND GENERATED BY BUSKING
Busking contributes to the vibrancy of the Island but it can be the cause of great discomfort for others. Sound from busking in the public realm must be managed to minimize the potential to disrupt business trading, affect workplace performance and detract from public appeal.
PUBLIC INTERACTION AND ETIQUETTE
The busker must add to the appeal of the area by adhering to the Busking Regulations and developing a community minded approach to their performance by establishing good relationships with retailers and nearby traders.
Buskers are expected not to harass, annoy or disturb people, traders or visitors while busking. Buskers must ensure that sound levels or activities do not interfere with, or restrict a merchant’s ability to conduct business with their clientele.
RULE ENFORCEMENTThe Granville Island Busking Regulations are enforced by a three hole-punch system. Each time a rule is broken the buskers receives a hole-punch in their licence. If a buskers acquires a third hole-punch, their licence is revoked for the remainder of the busking year.
CMHC Granville Island Staff reserve the right to cancel, at their discretion, and without notice, any performance that is deemed to be inappropriate or disruptive. Certain behaviour such as physical or verbal abuse to anyone on Granville Island, including fellow buskers, will result in disciplinary action or revoking of the busker licence.
Inappropriate behaviour includes but is not limited to: intoxication, intimidation, swearing, yelling, heckling passers-by, belligerence, harassment, manipulation and showing continued disrespect for the program.
If a busker decides to re-apply in the future and is accepted into the program, any licence issued will have conditions attached.
PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS
At GICS’ discretion and without prior notification, locations may be restricted, moved or become temporarily unavailable. Buskers must follow the direction of CMHC Granville Island Staff if any busker location becomes unavailable either temporarily or permanently. Every effort will be made to provide advance notice through the busker website but it is not guaranteed.
MAJOR EVENTS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Specific restrictions or blanket cancellation of busking may be imposed during planned major events or public holidays throughout the year.
In the case of an organized event, performers must not attempt to associate themselves with that event unless otherwise advised or invited by an event organizer.
INSTRUMENT / PERFORMER RESTRICTIONS
(Subject to change without notice)
The Granville Island Busking Program does not offer busking licences to psychics and/or tarot card readers, balloon artists, roving artists, face-painters, portrait artists, painters, crafts people or any artists who provide a service or produce a physical product.
ACCORDIONS
Locations may be restricted at CMHC Granville Island discretion.
AMPLIFIED FLUTES
There are a limited number of amplified flute licences available each year – Check the Busker Website for notifications of filled quotas. Licences are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If all licences are taken there will be no more available that year unless one is permanently released. Amplified flute performers must not play back to back at any location or at the same time at adjacent locations. Additionally a set list must be submitted to GICS at the time of registration.
BAGPIPES
One licence per year is available for a bagpiper. Performance locations are limited to The Keg, Ocean Artworks, the Ferry Landing and the Public Market Courtyard. Ocean Artworks is only available for bagpiping on weekends and holidays. If the one licence is taken no more shall be available for the year, unless that licence is permanently released.
BRASS INSTRUMENTS AND DIDGERIDOOS
Permitted to play at outdoor locations only. Please refer to the Amplified Regulations.
DRUMS
Hand and kit drums are limited at CMHC Granville Island discretion at all performance locations. Steel drums are not permitted on Granville Island.
GROUP ACTS
Groups of four or more members must purchase a group licence and may perform only at Triangle Square and Public Market Courtyard. The members of a group may change, however a minimum of four members must be present to perform as a group. A group licence does not entitle the individual members of the group to perform solo. If members of the group wish to occasionally perform solo then each performer must purchase their own individual licence. In all cases instrument and volume restrictions apply.
STRING/ BOWED INSTRUMENTS
Violins, fiddles, cellos and violas must not play back to back at any one location, indoor or outdoor. A limited number of licences are available each year. Licences are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check the Busker Website for notifications of filled quotas.
USE OF BACKING TRACKS
A diverse sampling of backing tracks to be used must be submitted to CMHC Granville Island for approval. Backing tracks must enhance but not create the musical experience. They must be original and created by the user. They must never carry the melody or solo line. They must not be instrumental style karaoke where the instrument plays over a song.
DISCLAIMER
At the discretion of CMHC Granville Island certain acts may not be eligible to register. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis at the time of application.
- Only registered buskers are permitted to perform on Granville Island and must clearly display a valid licence at all times. Once registered, a busker licence is valid until April 30.
- Annual registration is required. We do not offer pro-rated fees. Licences are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Licences go on sale April 1 and are valid as of May 1.
- Valid photo ID is required at the time of registration; CMHC Granville Island reserves the right to deny registration without valid identification.
- At the discretion of CMHC Granville Island, buskers may be asked to audition live prior to registering for a licence.
- CMHC Granville Island reserves the right to limit the total number of licences available; licences may also be restricted for certain instruments and performance types.
LICENCE UPGRADES
For an additional fee, buskers are able to upgrade their licence at any time from Acoustic Only to All Access. Please contact the CMHC Granville Island office to arrange for a licence upgrade. Upgrading to an All Access licence requires the busker to become familiar with the amplified regulations and have equipment levels set by the Busker Co-ordinator before performing with amplification.
REPLACING A LOST LICENCE
An administrative charge will be applied for replacement of lost licences. Replacement licence must be obtained prior to performing. Please contact the CMHC Granville Island office to arrange for a replacement licence.
- Acoustic Licence – $80 (access to acoustic locations only)
- All Access Licence – $120 (access to acoustic and amplified locations)
- Group Licence – $400 (minimum of four performers, access to Triangle Square and Public Market Courtyard only)
- Licence Upgrade – $40 (individual licence only)
- Replacement Licence – $35
LICENCE DISPLAY
Buskers must display their Busking Licence in a clearly visible position during their performance and be in possession of their busking licence at all times when carrying out busking activities i.e. setting up, morning draw, performing.
START AND END TIMES
Setup and strike MUST happen within the allotted set times – no exceptions.
Under no circumstance may a busker setup or start their set early. They must also not stay beyond their end time: this includes not being a physical presence on or near the pitch so that there is no distraction for the next busker. Even if there is no busker scheduled immediately after a busker’s set, the same rule applies. Regardless of what activity is taking place, staying beyond your end time is a violation.
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS / AUDIENCE MANAGEMENT
Buskers are responsible for maintaining pedestrian flow and crowd control at all times.
Buskers and street performers must ensure free and safe access for pedestrians along any pathways or thoroughfares near the performance site. Performers must ensure that they and their audience do not block shop doorways during business hours, dining areas and cafes, bus stops, fire escapes, roads and doorways. Wheelchair access around a site must be maintained at all times.
Buskers must publicly announce and direct crowds before and during the performance to maintain essential access clearances as indicated above.
Buskers must keep the site in use clean while they are working, ensure that their use of the site does not pose a threat to public safety and that the busking site is left in the condition in which it was found. Circle Show licence holders must ensure that the busking site is not stained with any material, chemical or other residue.
SELLING RECORDINGS
Buskers wishing to sell recordings must complete the Sale of Musical Recording form. Permission to sell recordings will be granted only if the recording is of the Busker’s own work and is available for sale during their performance. Prior to selling a recording, buskers must supply CMHC Granville Island with one copy of each recording to ensure originality and to replace defective products. If a busker licence is no longer active and recordings are not claimed within six months, CMHC Granville Island will donate the recordings to charity.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Should a conflicting issue arise between the busker and another person while on Granville Island, we ask that you contact the Busker Coordinator immediately at 604-834-1567.
Busking activity on Granville Island must operate at a level so that the sound is not intrusive above background levels to the degree that a passer-by would have to strain their voice to be heard above the sound.
The sound levels from a busking performance shall at no time disrupt business trading including retail and dining establishments, affect workplace performance or detract from public appeal.
Sound from busking must be maintained in accordance with the designated sound levels listed below:
There are two levels of amplification:
- Amplified Locations – Sound levels at Triangle Square and the Public Market Courtyard will be set by the decibel meter to a maximum 80 dB at 5 meters.
- Amplified Lite – Sound levels at the Island Plaza, Keg, Ocean Artworks, Island Entrance and Ferry Landing will be set by the decibel meter to a maximum 72 dB at 5 meters.
Regardless of the sound levels noted above, if the noise output has generated complaints and is determined to be intrusive, the busker must reduce the volume to an acceptable level or be required to cease performance immediately.
An enthusiastic audience or an increase in another performer’s volume levels are not valid reasons for exceeding the designated sound levels.
Electrical power is available at the outdoor amplified locations. Buskers will need a minimum 50’ extension cord to play at some of the locations. Buskers must ensure that their equipment, cables and cords meet current safety standards. CMHC Granville Island reserves the right to disconnect any equipment that is likely to cause injury or damage. Cords or other equipment must not cross roadways or in any way interfere with the safe and convenient movement of pedestrians. Cords must not directly cross a pedestrian walkway.
The maximum number of speakers a busker may use is two. In addition, tops of speakers may not be more than a maximum of four (4) feet from the ground.
On occasion, power may not be available due to maintenance, repairs or safety concerns. Power is available at the discretion of CMHC Granville Island. CMHC Granville Island assumes no responsibility for any damage that may occur to a busker’s equipment – including damage or loss caused by interruption of power or disconnection or removal of equipment. Should a busker notice a problem with the power, they are to notify CMHC Granville Island immediately in order to have the problem remedied.
(Acoustic Only Licence)
A valid busker licence must be visible at ALL TIMES WHILE PERFORMING. Merchants, visitors and GICS staff must be able to tell at a glance that a busker is registered.
Setup and strike MUST happen within the allotted set times – no exceptions.
Under no circumstance may a busker setup or start their set early. They must also not stay beyond their end time: this includes not being a physical presence on or near the pitch so that there is no distraction for the next busker. Even if there is no busker scheduled immediately after a busker’s set, the same rule applies. Regardless of what activity is taking place, staying beyond your end time is a violation.
INDOOR ACOUSTIC LOCATIONSThere are six indoor busking locations within the Public Market and the Net Loft:
- Net Loft | 11:30am-4:00pm
NOTE: The Net Loft location is reserved for solo acoustic guitar with no vocals and non-musical acts only (e.g., magic). Due to sensitive acoustics in this location, strict volume control is in effect. Only solo acts may perform in the Net Loft. - A La Mode | 9:30am-7:00pm
NOTE: The A La Mode location is reserved for non-musical acts only. - Market Grill | 9:30am-7:00pm
- Blue Parrot | 9:30am-7:00pm
- Pizza Pzzazz/Terra Breads | 9:30am-7:00pm
- Petit Ami/Kaisereck | 9:30am-7:00pm
Sign-up sheets are posted at each indoor location by 9:30am each day. Indoor locations are available for 30 minute blocks.
No more than two buskers may perform together at any given indoor location. Buskers who regularly draw a large crowd or otherwise obstruct or disrupt pedestrian movement or business activity will not be permitted to perform at the indoor locations.
OUTDOOR ACOUSTIC LOCATIONSThere are also eight outdoor acoustic busking locations around Granville Island. Each outdoor location is available in 60 minute blocks from 11:00am-7:00pm:
- Kids Market Courtyard
- Island Entrance (alternates with amplified May – September)
- Boatlift Lane
- Island Plaza (alternates with amplified)
- Bridges Landing (no musical acts)
- Aquabus Steps (no musical acts)
- Railspur Alley at Off the Tracks Café
- Railspur Park (alternates with amplified)
The sign-up sheet for outdoor locations is posted by 10:30am each morning at 1398 Cartwright Street – Festival House building. Please note that the Aquabus Ramp and Bridges Landing locations are for non-musical acts only. No dangerous props are permitted at any of the outdoor acoustic locations.
Sign-up is in person only and spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Agents or representatives are not allowed to sign up on a busker’s behalf. Buskers may sign-up for one set per location, per day.
If a busker is late or doesn’t arrive to a set, the location will be held for a maximum of 10 minutes before it is opened up to other buskers. Buskers wishing to use unclaimed spots must call CMHC Granville Island at 604-834-1567 prior to performing. In all cases, the one-set-per-location per day and instrument restrictions still apply.
THE MORNING DRAWThe Morning Draw is for “All Access” and “Group” licence holders. It happens every morning, at 10 am sharp, at the Picnic Pavilion, located behind Cats Social House on the South Side of the Island. Each busker draws a number which determines the sign up order for that day. Each busker signs up for one spot at a time according to the number they drew, until all the spots are gone. Buskers may sign up for one set per location, per day.
Arrive on time. Latecomers risk exclusion from the draw.
- You are required to show your valid busker licence in order to take part in the draw.
- Sign-up is in-person only. Agents or representatives are not allowed to sign up on a busker’s behalf. However, for group acts one member may represent their group at the draw.
- Individuals are not permitted to select locations both as individuals and as members of a group.
- Buskers must 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.
- If you do not come to the Morning Draw you are not eligible to perform at an All-Access location for that day.
(All Access Licence)
A valid Busker Licence must be visible at ALL TIMES WHILE PERFORMING. Tenants, visitors and GICS staff must be able to tell at a glance that a busker is registered.
Setup and strike MUST happen within the allotted set times – no exceptions.
Under no circumstance may a busker setup or start their set early. They must also not stay beyond their end time: this includes not being a physical presence on or near the pitch so that there is no distraction for the next busker. Even if there is no busker scheduled immediately after a busker’s set, the same rule applies. Regardless of what activity is taking place, staying beyond your end time is a violation.
All Access Licence holders may play as individuals, duets or trios. Whether busking as an individual or as part of a duo/trio the one set per location per day still applies.
AMPLIFIED LOCATIONSThere are eight outdoor amplified busking locations available in 60 minute blocks from 11:00am-7:00pm
- Triangle Square – amplified
- Public Market Courtyard -amplified
- Ocean Art Works – amplified lite
- The Ferry Landing – amplified lite
- The Keg (available during off season: from end of September to mid-May) – amplified lite
- Island Plaza (alternates with acoustic) – amplified lite
- Railspur Alley – at the Park (alternates with acoustic) – amplified lite
There are two outdoor amplified busking locations available to the Group Acts:
- Triangle Square – amplified
- Public Market Courtyard -amplified
Buskers may sign-up for one set per location, per day.
Buskers must attend the morning draw at 10am in the Picnic Pavilion to sign up for the amplified locations. Attendance at the draw must be in person – agents or representatives are not allowed to sign up on a busker’s behalf. Please refer to The Morning Draw for details.
If a busker is late or doesn’t arrive to a set, the location will be held for a maximum of 10 minutes before it is opened up to other buskers. Buskers wishing to use unclaimed spots must contact GICS at (604) 683-0846 prior to performing. In all cases, the one-set-per-location per day and instrument restrictions still apply.
On Thursdays from June until October at Triangle Square, the Granville Island Farmers Market takes place. Circle show performances are not permitted in Triangle Square during this time.
USE OF POWER
Amplification is a privilege on Granville Island. Amplification must be used only in designated areas and must be used with care and consideration for the visitors, tenants and nearby residents of Granville Island. Please see designated sound levels for details.
Buskers who want to be amplified will have their levels set at two locations, one from each of the Amplified and Amplified Lite locations. Changing of equipment will require a new level set. Buskers must comply with requests by GICS to reduce their volume. Periodic monitoring of sound levels with a decibel meter will be conducted to ensure reasonable levels.
CIRCLE SHOW and VARIETY ACTSREGULATIONS
A valid Busker Licence must be visible AT ALL TIMES WHILE PERFORMING. Tenants, visitors and GICS staff must be able to tell, at a glance, that a busker is registered with the program.
All Access Licence holders may perform as individuals, duets or trios. Whether busking as an individual or as part of a duo/trio, the one-set-per-location-per-day rule and instrument restrictions still apply.
A Circle Act, within the Granville Island Busking Program, is defined as a show that gathers and maintains a crowd around the performer for the duration of the act. The act has a distinct beginning, middle and end. The show often includes the use of dangerous props and requires a clear separation between the actor and the crowd. These acts are done in conjunction with street theater, magic, comedy, acrobatics and juggling.
A Variety Act, within the Granville Island Busking Program, is defined as a series of short unrelated performances or acts, such as comedy turns, up-close magic, etc. The show does not include the use of dangerous props and therefore does not need a clear separation between the audience and the actor. A Variety Act is a scaled down version of the Circle Act.
Circle Show and Variety Acts must attend the Morning Draw at 10am in the Picnic Pavilion to sign up for the specific locations. Attendance at the draw must be in person – agents or representatives are not allowed to sign up on a busker’s behalf. Please see The Morning Draw for details.
Setup and strike MUST happen within the allotted set times – NO EXCEPTIONS. Under no circumstance may a busker setup or start their set early. They must also not stay beyond their end time: this includes not being a physical presence on, or near the pitch so as to cause distraction for/to the next busker. Even if there is no busker scheduled immediately after a busker’s set, the same rule applies. Regardless of what activity is taking place, staying beyond your end time is a violation.
If a busker is late or doesn’t arrive to a set, the location will be held for a maximum of 10 minutes before it is opened up to other buskers. Buskers wishing to use unclaimed spots must contact GICS at (604) 683-0846 prior to performing. In all cases, the one-set-per-location-per-day rule and instrument restrictions still apply.
CIRCLE SHOW, VARIETY ACT and GROUP LOCATIONSCircle Show, Variety Act and Group performers must not sign up back to back at the Triangle Square location. There are THREE locations available to Circle Shows and Group Performers:
- Triangle Square
- Public Market Courtyard
- Ocean Art Works
From October 1 to March 31: Circle and Variety Act performers may sign up back to back at both Public Market Courtyard and Triangle Square locations.
From April 1 to September 31: during these times the Reserved Spots Policy is in effect. Circle and Variety Act performers may NOT sign up back to back at Triangle Square Location
There are four locations available to Variety Acts:
- Triangle Square
- Pubic Market Courtyard
- Island Plaza
- Ocean Artworks
Circle Show, Variety Act and Group performers 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. AUDIENCE SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT. Groups or individuals not respecting this guideline may be prohibited from completing their performance and may receive a hole punched to their busking licence. A non-performing member of the group may be needed to ensure that the audience does not occupy the roadway.
On Thursdays from June until October at Triangle Square, the Granville Island Farmers Market takes place. Circle show performances are not permitted in Triangle Square during this time.
RESERVED SPOTS POLICY
(from April 1 to September 31)
On Weekends and Statutory Holidays the Triangle Square and Public Market Courtyard locations will have up to two alternating spots each reserved for Circle and Group acts.
If three or more Circle and/or Group acts attend the draw on weekdays, the weekend reserved spot policy applies. The times reserved for the Circle and Group acts at the two locations will alternate monthly at GICS’s discretion.
During the times the Reserved Spots Policy is in effect Circle and Variety Act performers may NOT sign up back to back at Triangle Square.
DANGEROUS PROPSCircle and Variety Act performers must retain complete control of every aspect of their performance.
Performers using fire (permitted exclusively in the Public Market Courtyard location) and /or other dangerous props in their act must demonstrate a high level of skill and control when handling these items.
Buskers requesting to perform with fire, and/or include fire, in their acts are required to submit ALL the items on a list specified by GICS. (This list will be provided at the time of the registration to interested performers).
GICS reserves the right to refuse a busker permission to perform, or to halt a performance, if their use of dangerous props is considered unsafe.
A defined separation of a minimum 3 to 5 meters must be created and maintained between the performance and the audience when dangerous props and / or fire are being used.
Performers using fire or other dangerous props must familiarize themselves with the First Aid location (in the Public Market directly across from The Smoke Shop).
Buskers are responsible for any and all injury or damage to persons or property. Buskers using fire or dangerous props MUST complete the Use of Fire and Dangerous Props Declaration.
*Public Market Courtyard is the ONLY permitted location for fire busking on Granville Island. The CoV Special Events Division of Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services have identified this specific location for the use of fire in a performance. The GICS Busking Coordinator will review the precise location with each busker who wishes to use fire as a part of their act on Granville Island.
SEGI PROGRAMSEGI stands for ‘Summer Entertainment On Granville Island’. The program runs on weekends and Stat Holidays from May (Victoria Day) to September (Labour Day). SEGI is a peak season program which showcases world-class busking entertainment on Granville Island.
A busker licence is not required to apply for the SEGI program, however once accepted into the program, a busker must register and purchase a Granville Island Busking Licence.
Applicants selected for the SEGI program will have the advantage of being first to pick the most sought-after busking pitches on Granville Island during the weekends and Statutory Holidays: Triangle Square and Public Market Courtyard. We have endeavored to create a peak season program which show-cases world-class talent and one-of-a-kind entertainers.
SEGI performers are governed by the Granville Island Busking Program Guidelines and Regulations.
SEGI: ALL PERFORMERS
- Should present unique, family oriented performances that engage the public;
- Must have a professional, fully rehearsed, well flowing show;
- Must have a consistently high quality performance 45 minutes in length;
- All accepted applicants will be required to register as Granville Island Buskers and purchase a busking licence;
- All accepted applicants must adhere to the Regulations of the Granville Island Busking Program.
SEGI: CIRCLE SHOW and VARIETY ACTS
- 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. AUDIENCE SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT;
- Should be smooth, well-rehearsed and unique with a defined beginning, middle and end;
- Must be safe and family oriented;
- Should demonstrate a high degree of proficiency.
SEGI: MUSICAL ACTS
- Must have a diverse, extensive set list;
- Should demonstrate a high degree of musical proficiency;
- Any backing tracks must be created by the musician and will be subject to approval by GICS;
- Karaoke styled acts are NOT permitted.
A Call for SEGI Performers is posted on the website each year. The submission deadline is 5:00pm on March 15. Applications and further details can be found here: www.granvilleislandbuskers.com/SEGI
TERMS AND CONDITIONS1. Aggressive or persistent solicitation of donations is not permitted. Buskers may receive donations for their performances, but must not charge a minimum or set fee for performances.
2. Buskers should have a neat and clean appearance, conduct themselves in a safe, professional and co-operative manner and abide by the Busking Regulations in order to receive and maintain permission to perform on Granville Island. Undesirable conduct or failure to uphold the Busking Regulations will result in the busking licence being revoked.
3. Smoking during performances or in designated non-smoking areas on Granville Island is not permitted. City of Vancouver smoking by-laws must be respected.
4. Any and all changes to the posted schedule are to be made by GICS only.
5. Buskers may not advertise, endorse or promote products or sponsors, sell or distribute products or merchandise other than selling their own CDs. 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, normal business activity, or obstructs the view of other permitted signage.
6. Buskers are not permitted to use public seating, tables or chairs for performances.
7. Buskers may not represent themselves as agents or employees of GICS and/or CMHC.
8. Performances will take place in designated locations only. Locations may be occasionally unavailable for performances. Advance notice will be given whenever possible.
9. Buskers must fully co-operate with their fellow buskers, merchants and GICS staff and not interfere with, obstruct or inconvenience the performances of another registered busker.
10. Buskers using dangerous props must complete a Dangerous Props Declaration – located on the reverse side of the application form.
11. Buskers must refrain from the use of lewd or offensive conduct or language in the course of their performances.
12. Buskers agree 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, fellow buskers, merchants or staff.
13. Buskers agree to indemnify and save harmless the Granville Island Cultural Society (GICS) 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 busker’s performance or behaviour on Granville Island.
By accepting the licence, the busker agrees to fully comply with all of the terms and conditions of the licence and the Granville Island Busking Regulations on the understanding that the licence will be suspended, cancelled or revoked for non- compliance of any condition contained within these Regulations.