BUSKING guidelines have been modified recently in a move to reduce congestion along Orchard Road and complement the Singapore Tourism Board's efforts to revamp the popular shopping street, said Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lee Boon Yang.

Dr Lee said while the busking scheme provides an opportunity for Singaporeans to showcase their artistic talents and adds vibrancy to Singapore's city life, such activities should be conducted in an orderly manner.

Since its introduction in 1997, the scheme has seen a steady growth in the number and diversity of performances. Busking activities have extended beyond singing, playing of musical instruments, balloon twisters and circus acts.

'We now see a wider range of acts that include magic shows, percussion groups, solo theatrical acts and craft,' he noted. 'Busking activities should be carried out within a safe environment and in an orderly manner without creating disamenities to other users of public spaces.'

The National Arts Council (NAC) continually reviews and updates designated locations to ensure that busking activities complement new developments in an area, said Dr Lee, in his written reply to questions from Ms Penny Low, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC on Monday.

The NAC also works with various agencies such as the Police, Land Transport Authority (LTA), National Environment Agency (NEA), as well as site owners and partners such as the Orchard Road Business Association and Chinatown Business Association, in drawing up guidelines for busking.

Under the new guidelines, implemented this month, buskers must pick five locations out of 109 spots islandwide. Of the five, up to three can be along Orchard Road, where there are now only 14 spots up for grabs. Previously, buskers could perform in any public space along Orchard Road and there were also no limits to the number of spots where they could perform.

Dr Lee explained that the sites are chosen with adequate human traffic and sufficient space to minimise public congestion and inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists.

'The new rules will not adversely impact the cultivation of a vibrant streetscape. There are sufficient busking locations for our buskers to perform at,' he added.

According to NAC, the number of busking applicants has consistently been in the region of 230 to 300 annually in the past three years. The number of applicants for January was 37 and remained the same for March when the new rules came into effect.