City of Sydney has announced that First Nations artists will no longer require busking permits to practice their cultures in public spaces managed by the city.
The Office of Local Government has approved the new policy, which will see First Nations traditions enliven public spaces throughout the city during NAIDOC Week and beyond.
“As custodians of the world’s longest continuing cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s continuation of cultural practice is nurtured, expressed and shared through art, dance, song and storytelling,” Edie Coe, the City’s first Manager of Indigenous Leadership and Engagement, said.
“The practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, outdoors and in public spaces, is the practice of our inherent cultural rights as articulated in Article 11 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”
Lord Mayor Clover Moore added: “The practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is a testament to the resilience, fortitude and continuation of these living cultures,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The intrinsic right to practice cultures is vital to maintaining wellbeing, personal identity and connection to culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as sharing cultural knowledge.
“The City’s new policy recognises that the practice of cultural heritage is not a busking activity – this means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can practice their cultures without requiring an approval from the City, as long as safety requirements are met.”
Head to the City of Sydney website for more details.
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