‘Busker’ is an English term for street musicians coined in the mid-1800s, but now encompasses, especially in the context of a festival, all street art and street theater disciplines, such as juggling, acrobatics, clowning, magic, stand-up comedy, fire acrobatics, and many more. Busker Festivals now take place annually in over 200 cities worldwide.
Busking Balkans – Albania aims to create and develop a sustainable regional scene for public performing arts, with Tirana as its main hub. Leveraging urban development, tourism growth, and cultural exchange, the project seeks to support artists and the performing arts market in Albania and the region.
Through networking with international partners and organizing a national festival tour, Busking Balkans – Albania will promote emerging artists, enhance professional capacities, and position Albania on the European map of street art festivals. For the next 5 years the festival will feature 200 international artists, train 30 young performers, and support micro-businesses providing arts support and event organization services.
By conducting market analyses and providing policy recommendations, Busking Balkans - Albania aims to establish a sustainable ecosystem for public performing arts, strengthening connections between artists, institutions, and the private sector. This festival will position Tirana and Albania as a regional hub for public arts and vibrant urban culture.