Busking in Nanaimo

[Piper]

As we move closer to the expiry date of the current busking licences I'm beginning to wander why it is taking so long. After meeting with some young folks today I strongly believe that there will be more buskers on the streets very quickly as the job market for young people is very poor. It's not so easy as it was last year at this time to find a job. Nanaimo gave out 34 busking licences last year I'm sure that could double as we deal with an economy that will take some time to rebound. I was around in 1982 when there was a similiar scene with the economy and it took a while before things got better.

[kickidee]

Its nice to see our young people looking for opportunities to earn, and see them not give up dispite the difficulties. I think people enjoy watching the talents of local youth. I hope all goes well for them.

[Oscar]

I don't understand the confusion as to why buskers do not get cultural grants from the city. In order to be elligible for a grant you must be a non-profit society and be licensed as such. Buskers are not, ergo they're not elligible for the funds. I was at the council meeting Monday night, and city council told the delegation that if he were to form a non-profit society, he'd be elligible to apply for a grant. They also told him different places to find the forms so he could see what the requirements are. Seems pretty simple to me.

[queen of the waterfront]

I can tell you Oscar that I applied for a cultural grant in 2004 and was not a non profit society. I was also a professonal musician.I can also tell you that i was offered a $300.00 grant. I still have the application.


I also have the new application for a grant for this year which i will be submitting in November.Nowhere on the forms does it say that one has to be an amateur or a nonprofit society.

The delegation was not even given the chance to ask about nonprofit in any meaningful way because Jerry Berry jumped in and told him he was running a business.

If you watch the meeting again on Sunday it might refresh your memory.

If you are perhaps on the Parks and Rec board you might want to download the forms and read them.

If you are skeptical about what I have just told you about, I would be happy to send you a copy of my application from 2004 which was accepted and was accepted when I was a professional busker and not a registered charity.

I never post something that I cant back up so PM me if you want the information.

Another group in 2004 was also given a grant from Parks and Recreation. The group was called Musicians for Musicians. If you look in the minutes for council for that year you will find this information.they were not and are not a non profit society.

[Piper]

I don't understand the confusion as to why buskers do not get cultural grants from the city. In order to be elligible for a grant you must be a non-profit society and be licensed as such. Buskers are not, ergo they're not elligible for the funds. I was at the council meeting Monday night, and city council told the delegation that if he were to form a non-profit society, he'd be elligible to apply for a grant. They also told him different places to find the forms so he could see what the requirements are. Seems pretty simple to me.

Actually I was not a delagation at Mondays meeting but a member of the public getting up to ask a couple of questions. I to am having problems understanding the confusion as to why buskers do not get cultural grants from the city, I'm also confused as to why all amateur musicians who perform in in the symphony or the amateurs with the Crimson coast dancers (Holly Bright) or all the amateurs who perform at the blues festival (Cathy Davis included) are elligable for grants. I thought all these performers were professional but not according to councilor Larry McNabb as you will see if you watch the meeting on Sunday. In Larry's words you must be an amateur to be elligable for grants I'm sure all the societies who get grants would love to know that councilour McNabb thinks of them as amateurs. Well Oscar it's nice to see that we both don't understand the confusion maybe if we watch the meeting again we might figure it out. Queen of the waterfront I think I am over qualified to be part of your group since I am professional. I'm sure you have an answer for me Sis, Cheers

[queen of the waterfront]

I do Piper What i got from Larry McNabb is that professionals have no part in culture.At least not from Parks and Rec's point of view.

I can tell you that the head of THE BLUES UNDERGROUND Society is a professional. He played as TOMMY TWO ONE just recently at The Red Martini Grill.

Is Matt Hussman Head of the DNPS not a professional? yes I know I am comparing apples and oranges. One is sweet one is sour.

MAny people make a profession out of Non Profit societies getting paid as directors , board members or what have you. They disguise it with such terms as HONORARIUM. Every time i get an HONORARIUM I regard it as wages with a different name!

[kickidee]

Maybe its the spots that make the difference. Blues stuff is for ametures but when you are spotted you are a pro.

[queen of the waterfront]

Kickadee Blue is for an odd day!LOL

Maybe if the busker had a different name like ELVIS COSTELLO or DIANA KRALL it would make diference. Or Alison Crowe. All three were buskers at some point in their lives.

At Eau Claire Market in CAlgary buskers are given a star to play on not a joker or a clown.

If Nanaimo wants to pretend to be a grown up cosmopolitan city they need to look at what is going on with busking all over the world.

[Piper]

I never got a chance to watch the council meeting today but for those of you who did I hope things were clarified about my questions to council on Monday, Below is the criteria you must meet for to recieve a festival grant such as a buskers festival I believe I/WE meet that criteria and are capable of puting on a great buskers festival in Nanaimo. When you are dealing with that nasty word DISCRETION thats when your troubles start just as they do with the enforcement of the street entertainers bylaw.




TOURNAMENT AND FESTIVAL GRANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Application Criteria.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a broad community participation or significant potential audience.

Applications will be considered on the following criteria:

♦ Evidence of benefit to the community.

♦ Demonstration of community support for the tournament/festival as measured by volunteer participation, membership, and/or audience participation. Secured commitment from other funding sources.

♦ Involvement from other community partners.

♦ Evidence of management and fiscal responsibility (e.g. business and marketing plan, sound financial controls and performance).

♦ Level of event profile and media exposure.

♦ Potential financial impact (e.g. number of visitor days created and how this information might be tracked).

[Piper]

Our show tommorow at the red martini grill on front ST looks like it may be full to capacity according to my sources. If anyone on the forum wishes to attend it may be wise to reserve a space. This show will be recorded on video and will be put on youtube. Hope to see you there to celbrate ST Paddy's day.