(SACRAMENTO) Watch out San Francisco. The California capital is taking measures to encourage buskers and street-performers to entertain their fair city. Dozens of new murals have been painted on buildings around midtown and new legislation allows for more of the performing arts both inside and out.
Buskers were once pushed out of Sacramento and other downtown areas pressured by frustrated business owners and residents who complained about the noise or said the musicians were blocking sidewalks. But as Sacramento’s urban core continues to develop and momentum continues in the local creative community, bringing back the buskers has become a hot topic around town.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission as well as the Creative Economy Pilot Project will soon receive funding for projects over the next two years - each receiving $500,000.
Although busking currently is not against the law, severe restrictions are an open invitation for ticketing by the police. These and other discriminatory laws are being reviewed with expectations of relaxing them so more artists may entertain.
Check out the links below to learn more.
Full storyBetter days aheadBuskers want clear message