Creative Resistance for Freedom in Public Spaces
Growing threats to civic and cultural freedoms in the UK need a coordinated and principled response. The Keep Streets Live Campaign wants to help provide it.
On the 5th of July we will be hosting a day long event at Wharf Chambers in Leeds, West Yorkshire and inviting anyone who cares about the freedom of public space to join us. We will be asking some key questions such as:
How can the power of art and music be harnessed to resist government policies that stifle creativity and spontaneity?
How can buskers, street artists/performers and their supporters build community and best work together for public spaces that are open to the arts?
We'd love for everyone who shares our belief in public spaces that are open to grassroots art and culture to join us as we work out the best way to respond constructively to a very challenging political and legal landscape.
The event is free although people are free to make a voluntary contribution towards the costs of hosting it. You can get an e-ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keep-streets-live-activist-forum-creative-resistance-for-freedom-in-public-spaces-tickets-10329609139 and join the Facebook event here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/835127999889938/
Meanwhile, on Thursday 21st this week we will be holding a day long protest busk in Oxford against the Labour-led Council's plans to make 'noncompliant busking' a criminal offence punishable by fines of up to £2500. You can join that event here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/749538838499756/
Over 4000 people have so far signed our petition asking Oxford City Council to rethink their plans to use criminal law to stifle grassroots culture.
Birmingham City Council have joined the rush by some local authorities to consider using coercive powers to criminalise street music. They are consulting on whether to introduce a 'Public Space Protection Order' placing severe restrictions on the right to busk in large parts of the city. We have responded to their consultation here and you can add your voice to the online mix too. The more response Birmingham City Council receive the greater the chance we can overturn these draconian plans.
Lastly, great news from York where the council have abandoned long standing restrictions on buskers in the city (Including compulsory paid for permits and audition requirements), and replaced it with a guidance agreed with the Keep Streets Live Campaign, Musician's Union, Equity, local buskers and businesses. You can read more about the positive situation in York and see the new guidance by following this link.
There are many challenges facing those of us who believe that the streets need to be kept open to music, the arts and grassroots culture. Equally there are many people who are prepared to stand up for streets that belong to everyone and this is a source of continuing encouragement for us. I hope some of you can join us on the 5th of July as we seek to face these challenges together
Kind regards,
Jonny Walker
Founding Director Keep Streets Live Campaign
http://facebook.com/JonnySongs
http://keepstreetslive.com
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