South Bank is home to many buskers whose talents are varied, from musicians to professional jugglers and fire performers. Our buskers perform for free, but will always welcome a contribution into 'the hat'.
If you would like to busk at South Bank, please read below.
There are two types of permits available – a “standard permit” and a “special permit”. Both permits are attract a fee which is payable at the time of applying.
Standard Permit
A standard busking permit applies to buskers who do not use any high risk elements in their performance. A standard permit is generally issued to musicians, dancers, singers and statue artists.
To obtain a standard busking permit, you will need to attend an audition at South Bank. If you are a musician, please read the section below as you are not required to audition.
Special Permit
A special permit applies to anyone who juggles (including fire and juggling knives), uses ladders, unicycles, whips, balancing acts, involves the general public, uses spray paint or has any high risk element in their show. In general, circle show performers will need to apply for the special busking permit. Special permit buskers are also assessed against a set of safety standards. Special permit buskers must be able to provide a certificate of currency for public liability insurance (minimum $10 million Australian dollars).
To obtain a special busking permit, you must attend an audition at South Bank.
Fees
An annual fee applies to all new busking applications and to any busker wishing to renew their permit. These fees are necessary to cover any administration expenses in issuing the licences. Fees will be charged as follows:
Special Permit: $110.00 inclusive of GST
Standard Permit: $55.00 inclusive of GST
All fees must be paid in full at the time of applying. For buskers wanting to renew their permit, all fees are to be paid by the expiry date indicated on your permit. Click here to download a Busking Renewal Payment Form.
Musicians
If you are a musician and are interested in busking at South Bank, then you do not need to attend an audition. All you need to do is:
1. Download the “Standard Busking Policy”
2. Read through the policy and complete the application form
3. You must attach the following to the application form:
• Copy of photo identification ie Driver’s licence, school I.D
• CD which has a passport style photo (jpeg format) which can be put on your busking permit (if you would prefer to email your photo, then contact the Busking Coordinator on 07 3867 2000)
4. Enclose a cheque of money order for the appropriate fee. Make the cheque or money order payable to South Bank Corporation
5. Send your application form together with the above items to South Bank Corporation, PO Box 2001, South Bank Qld 4101
6. We will then post your busking permit to you within a few weeks. Please be patient with us, as we receive numerous busking applications.
There are a number of locations for musicians to busk; the Busking Coordinator will send you a map with your busking permit.
Auditions
Busking auditions are conducted four times a year in February, May, August and November. You must book in to attend an audition, please contact the Busking Coordinator on 07 3867 2000 if you would like to be included on the audition list.
For further information on busking, please email info@south-bank.net.au or contact the Busking Coordinator on 07 3867 2000.
