Karyn Wong<\/a> nearly had to press pause on her street performances after realising she had only days left to renew her Letter of Endorsement (LOE), commonly known as a busking license.<\/p>\nIn a recent Instagram video, the 36-year-old shared her relief after successfully completing the renewal online, just days before the March 18 deadline.<\/p>\n
\u201cI almost cannot busk anymore \u2018cos my LOE is expiring,\u201d she said in the video, explaining she only realised on March 12 that her licence was due for renewal. She had received an email about the renewal in February.<\/p>\n
Cutting it a little close, no?<\/p>\n
Thankfully, the renewal process was far less dramatic than her near-miss. After keying in her serial number and details online, Karyn received confirmation within minutes.<\/p>\n
The LOE, issued by the National Arts Council (NAC), is required for anyone who wants to busk legally in Singapore.<\/p>\n
In the video, Karyn also broke down the process for aspiring buskers. New performers must first apply for an NAC audition either by submitting a video or performing live. Successful applicants receive an LOE valid for one year.<\/p>\n
After the first year, buskers are assessed again to ensure they remain active. Once they clear that stage, subsequent renewals are granted for two years at a time and can be completed online.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt didn\u2019t used to be so convenient,\u201d Karyn noted. \u201cLast time, I had to go for auditions every single year, fight for spots every single time. Now NAC made changes, so I just have to go online and renew my busking license.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are currently more than 90 designated busking spots across Singapore, including high-footfall areas like Orchard Road, Clarke Quay and various heartland town centres, which licensed performers can book via an online system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n