Fighting censorship through public art

I’ve been doing some research for my essay which is looking at the effect censorship has on public art and how much of an impact it has on the works produced in the public forum. I’ve found an really interesting group called ‘Street Arts and Buskers Advocates’  (http://www.communityartsadvocates.org/StreetArts.html) whose ethos is ‘celebrating self-expression as a basic human right essential for the healthy growth of youth, individuals and communities’. They speak out against the constraints of censorship through their work – they have fought cases all over America to allow for the legalisation and legitimatisation of street performances, including performances through music, mime and acting. They encourage street performances worldwide and try and inspire others to imitate their work and their success against the legal systems who try and restrict their work.

They are a programme run by the Community Arts Advocate Inc., a non-profit organisation ‘dedicated to expanding public awareness, participation in and support of the arts through performances and festivals, exhibits and workshops, publications and publicity, educational forums, nonprofit arts management consultation services, and collaborative projects.’

I found it very interesting to explore how many rules and regulations exist around people performing on the street and wondered what were others’ views about street performances? Do we like the improv music we hear in the tube? Do we think it’s necessary for buskers to exist in terms of enriching our lives as the listener…or do we just find them irritating? Consequently, they aren’t just performing for their love of music or the arts – they are out to make money and I was pondering if this detracts from the quality of their art at all. Alternatively, it is a definite positive that people are able to express themselves freely in a public forum and from that perspective I think this group is aiming to make the right sort of impact upon society as it does raise issues of the limits of our liberty…

Laura

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