The end of plush mascots and bubble makers. Prague is changing the rules for street artists
Prague will change the rules of street art, so-called busking. For example, it wants to allow the use of small amplifiers, piccolo play and a large space that artists can take up. On the contrary, people disguised as plush figures or so-called bubble makers are supposed to disappear from the streets. Prague councilor Hana Třeštíková (Prague to Herself) told the press. The amendment to the decree could be completed and approved this autumn. The decree regulating street art has been in force in Prague since 2013 and has been amended again in the past.
One of the changes is to allow small amplifiers. Artists will be able to use amplifiers with a power of up to five watts. According to the proposal, some previously banned musical instruments will be allowed. From the list of forbidden ones, piccolo and oboe will be included, as well as it will be possible to play the saxophone without a soul.
Street artists will be able to occupy two square meters during their performance. So far it has been 1.5 meters. In the case of multi-member ensembles, the body of art will be able to occupy up to six square meters. However, performances must not prevent entry into buildings.
On the contrary, activities that feel or pollute the public space will be prohibited. This will not allow you to make bubbles or use sprays for painting. It will also not be allowed to carry out activities that disrupt the aesthetic appearance of the city. Giant animal mascots such as pandas and polar bears, which most often occur on Můstek and Staroměstské náměstí, will disappear from the streets. “From our point of view, it is not an artistic performance. We do not want the center to become an amusement park,” Třeštíková said.
The city district or the buskers themselves should comment on the proposal in June. “Ideally, I would like to give it to the cultural committee and then to the council in September,” Třeštíková said. At the end of October, the amendment could be approved and put into practice.
The decree stipulates the conditions and places where it is possible to practice busking. It forbids it, for example, in places where an event is already taking place. It also prohibits street art in cemeteries, medical facilities, playgrounds and schools during classes or churches. It does not include the area of Charles Bridge, as it is subject to its own rules that determine who can be in it.
