Artists of all ages in the Barrie area can now apply for permits in the city's 2025 busking program, which aims to provide opportunities for emerging and established artists in areas within or near downtown.
It's an effort the City of Barrie is putting together with the Emerging Artist Program to bring energy and life to downtown Barrie.
While it's a great opportunity for the artists, it also provides residents the chance to connect with local talent and the work they're showcasing.
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DESIGNATED BUSKING ZONES
- Dunlop Street between Maple Avenue and Mulcaster Street with permission from business owners if performing in front of a business
- Meridian Place
- Beside the walking path at Heritage Park
- Beside the walking path between Heritage Park and the Marina in north Centennial Park
Permit holders can request permission to busk at events by contacting organizers directly or by emailing the City of Barrie for a list of events.
The permits are required for all performances to occur on City of Barrie property where the busker would be accepting tips from the public.
Applying for and obtaining a permit is free, as is encouraged for any prospective performer. Those involving fire or sharp objects are not allowed.
Those involved with the locally-based Canadian Musicians Cooperative will likely be among many applying for busking permits this summer.
"Barrie has more of a music scene than people lead to believe," vocalist Anna Goldsmith said to Barrie360 in June. "There's always music happening around downtown and the co-op is a big part of that."
APPLICATION PREREQUISITES
- Full contact information
- Information on the performance type (i.e. music, poetry, theatre, magic, juggling, contortion)
- Certificate of insurance for $2 million liability naming the Corporation of the City of Barrie as additional insured
Applications will be accepted into the fall on an ongoing basis.
