NEW YORK—Street performers gathered in Washington Square Park at noon on Sunday to protest an increased number of summonses being issued to performers by the Parks Department. Washington Square Park is known for an active street performer scene. During peak hours, musicians, dancers, and other artists perform in different areas of the park.
The summonses charge that the musicians are unlawfully vending on park property. Some of the summonses state that performers are in violation of a law that states that they cannot perform within 50 feet of a monument.
“The city defines vending as providing or offering to provide services or items in exchange for a donation,” said Ron Kuby, an attorney representing the musicians. “They are not providing or offering to provide services in exchange for a donation. They are playing music and dancing and performing.”
