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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA special project aims to foster the art of street performance in downtown Indianapolis.
It's called busking, the art of performing in public places for tips. Musicians, poets, storytellers, and magicians are among those who can take part.
The project is being promoted by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Downtown Inc. and arts group IndyFringe.
The busking idea is part of a five-year strategic plan for downtown outlined by IDI.
From about 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each Friday and Saturday from July 25 through Aug. 23, street performers under the leadership of IndyFringe will busk in various public places downtown, including Georgia Street, Monument Circle and up and down Mass Ave.
IndyFringe hopes the performances will also draw attention to its annual Fringe Fest in August in the Mass Ave Cultural District.
IndyFringe and the Indiana Acoustic Music Society is having an open call to find performers.
IDI pointed out that special permits are not required for buskers. Anyone can busk on public property in Indianapolis as long as doing so does not impede the public right-of-way.
The city has softened its stance on street performers since it settled a lawsuit in 2011 involving local jugglers.
Recent panhandling ordinance proposals, however, have targeted street performers in the downtown area as a way to curb soliciting.
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