STREET ARTISTS IN EUROPE - Fondazione Fitzcarraldo

Street Artists in Europe
been cited interviewees and respondents. Besides, a lot of permanent venues are generally
located in the intermediate areas of cities.
Some of the events located in the historical areas (centres) of cities are organised in cities of
countries that have recently gone through a deep economic, social and spatial transformation
(for instance Ireland, Romania, Hungary, Croatia or Latvia). As a result, these historical city
centres still often present as many social and urban problems as the outskirts do in other
countries.
An unambiguously positive feature is that the second most-used type of space is that of brownfield
areas: abandoned and run-down industrial sites that constitute one of the major problems
for urban policies 51 .
Some areas have but limited interest for street arts events as they are generally less open for the
sometimes "disturbing" noisy events in the streets. That is the reason why residential areas are in
general less frequented by street arts events than areas with complex functions (economic,
commercial and residential).
4.3.2. Partnerships
The majority of partnerships have been established with different local institutions and
associations as well as with other non-profit organisations. Sometimes as a result of the
differences of terminologies in diverse countries, these two types of partnerships can overlap
one another. Partnerships with the local municipality and the inhabitants (or their special
associations) are still very prevalent.
In the majority of cases, municipalities do give free technical support for street arts events:
lighting, sound system, etc. It also helps to obtain more easily and quickly the permits needed
from other authorities and particularly the police. There are however exceptions to this positive
engagement of municipalities. In Germany, the municipality only supports the street arts event if
it is financed by public funds. If it is a private event, it has to pay for all technical services. In
the United Kingdom, local municipalities give no help to street arts events. Most typically in
Eastern and Central Europe, street arts events are often in conflict with local municipalities.
4.4. Operators
Obviously, there is a lack of information regarding regulation aspects on street arts and open-air
performances 52 . It is very difficult to collect data, national regulations being so different and not
harmonised. Permissions required for the occupation of public space is an obvious part of street
arts events. These permissions are generally delivered by local municipalities. The most
51
‘The location usually depends on the topic. We organise events all over the city, but most often in the citycentre.
But we are also investigating new territories. As there are only five or six theatres in Riga, which is a
very small number, we are forced to look for new locations. We discovered several post-industrial spaces where
we organise events, mostly site-specific projects. These spaces in industrial areas allow us to develop new
concepts and involve people and architecture in different ways. We also organise specific programs on the
beach, in the streets and in the fortress.’ (Festival Director, Latvia – interview).
52 Most artists provide a technical specification of materials and machinery that the host needs to provide. There
may be confusions arising from misunderstandings over requirements, companies forgetting to mention key
elements, or different names or specifications in different countries for artists’ needs – e.g. voltage, theatre
lighting, floor coverings, stages/raised platforms. There may also be issues about insurance and driving licences
for industrial facilities that need to be leased.
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PE 375.307