Beyond the Tip Jar: The Importance of Treating Artists Well

Street performers are true artists who risk rain, unengaged crowds, uneven terrain and countless other obstacles to put on a great show. Buskers put in years of training to perfect an act that they’re passionate about without a true guarantee of how much money they’ll take home for their hard work. 

The result is outstanding free shows for delighted passersby–but when you’re creating an organized busking festival, we feel strongly that these artists should never leave with an empty tip jar, no matter what. There’s no having a busker festival without great artists–so we’ve assembled our best tips for creating an environment that keeps your star entertainers coming back. 

Clear and Concise Communication

Buskers range from local musicians to professional touring acts, each with different needs and expectations. To avoid confusion, it’s helpful to provide all essential details well in advance. A simple FAQ document can address key logistical concerns, including:

• Parking and accommodations

• Check-in procedures

• Required equipment (signage, speakers, tip jars, etc.)

• Access to power outlets, or lack thereof

• Weather contingency plans

Even the most organized performers juggle multiple events, so sending reminders a week before the festival can save last-minute headaches. Make sure every performer has a direct contact for festival staff in case of emergencies.

Fair Compensation and Guaranteed Stipends

Buskers put in years of training to perfect their craft, and exposure alone doesn’t pay the bills! While tipping is a natural part of street performing, not every audience member will contribute. That’s why offering guaranteed stipends—especially for new festivals—is essential. Even a modest payment acknowledges their effort and travel costs.

Additionally, honoring stipends even in cases of event cancellations due to weather demonstrates respect for the performers' time. By ensuring that artists leave with something in hand, you create a festival that’s both fair and sustainable.

Engage Local Businesses

Beyond stipends, partnerships with local businesses can make a big impact. At Berkshire Busk!, local grocery stores provide water and snacks, restaurants offer meal coupons, and an ice cream shop gives performers free treats. These small gestures enhance the artist experience while promoting community engagement. Businesses gain goodwill and publicity, and buskers enjoy a warm welcome, even on slow days.

A Performer-Friendly Environment

Festivals succeed when artists feel valued. This means ensuring staff members are welcoming, recognize performers by name, and assist with logistics. Simple acts—helping carry equipment, offering extra water on hot days, or providing access to restrooms—go a long way.

Checking in with performers during the event is equally important. Early on, Berkshire Busk! discovered sound bleed issues between performance areas. By making rounds and adjusting placements, this improved the experience for both artists and audiences. We’ve found that the majority of touring professional buskers all know each other and talk frequently, which can either greatly help or harm your ability to find great new acts! 

Gather and Implement Feedback

Even with ongoing communication, anonymous post-festival surveys provide invaluable insights. Key areas for feedback include:

• Communication

• Performance locations

• Business perks (meal vouchers, etc.)

• Tipping experiences

We have found that constructive criticism helps us identify things we hadn’t even thought about improving.  By prioritizing performer needs, your festival will not only attract incredible talent but also build a reputation as a premier destination for street artists. A well-run festival benefits everyone—organizers, performers, local businesses, and, most importantly, the attendees who come to be entertained.

At the end of the survey each year, we ask our performers if they’d be interested in coming back based on their experience that summer. We’re proud to say that we’ve never had somebody say “no!” 

Through our successes and challenges over the years, we’ve developed a set of tools to help you navigate your relationship with your artists. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we can offer as you organize a festival of your own.