The streets of Bilbao witnessed a gathering of street artists this Saturday, who, under the banner of SOS Bilboko Kaleko Artistak, protested in front of the Arriaga Theatre. The reason for the mobilization is the new municipal ordinance on terraces, which, according to the artists, represents a plan for the "extinction" of their profession.
What was initially presented as a technical reform of the ordinance has been described by artists as "the biggest threat" they can recall. Article 19 of the new regulation prohibits performances in key areas of the city such as the Casco Viejo, Gran Vía, Diputación, Plaza Circular, Ercilla, Navarra street, or Buenos Aires. Furthermore, it bans the use of amplifiers or pre-recorded music and limits groups to a maximum of three people.
“"The street is our showcase. If they take away the street, we lose a large part of our work and also our visibility."
The collective claims to have attempted dialogue with the city council but denounces that the ordinance was approved without considering their demands. They request permission to use loudspeakers up to 70 decibels, form groups of more than three artists, and perform in the streets during Aste Nagusia. "The City Council fills the city with mega-events exceeding 100 decibels, yet prohibits us from using loudspeakers limited to 70," they state.
The Councillor for Urban Planning met with representatives of the collective last Friday, showing willingness to engage in dialogue. However, the mobilizations continue. On May 15, they will submit their allegations and signatures to the municipal registry, and on May 23, they will hold a march starting from Moyúa.
